This Fruit Cake Loaf is a delightful treat that combines moistness and a fruity flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it during tea time or serving it at a festive gathering, this loaf stands out for its simplicity and wholesome ingredients. With just six easy-to-find ingredients, it’s not only vegan and oil-free but can also be adapted to be gluten-free, satisfying various dietary needs while still delivering comfort in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With only six ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Vegan and Oil-Free: Enjoy the rich flavors without any animal products or added oils.
- Customizable: Use your favorite dried fruits or spices to create a unique flavor profile.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at brunch, tea time, or as a snack—it’s versatile!
- Healthy Indulgence: Packed with dates and coconut sugar, this loaf offers natural sweetness without guilt.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Fruit Cake Loaf successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf tin
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf tin: Provides the perfect shape for even baking and easy slicing.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Sifter: Helps incorporate air into the flour, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for best results.
Ingredients
This fruit cake loaf is moist, fruity and comforting and is so much easier than a regular fruit cake, you only need six ingredients! And as a bonus: it’s completely vegan, oil-free and can be made gluten-free too!
For the Base
- 1 Flax Egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseeds + 2.5 tbsp water)
- 4 tbsp Loose Leaf Tea (or 4 tea bags)
- 400 ml Boiled Water
Sweeteners
- 250 g Soft Dates (see notes)
- 80 g Coconut Sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 300 g Plain Flour (use gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
Spices (Optional)
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Allspice
How to Make Fruit Cake Loaf
Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg
Make your flax egg by mixing the flax seeds with 2.5 tbsp water in a small bowl. Set this aside to allow it to thicken.
Step 2: Brew the Tea
Add your loose leaf tea (or the contents of your tea bags) into freshly boiled water. Stir well and set aside to brew for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Soak the Dates
Finely chop your dates or blend them until smooth. Strain your brewed tea and pour it over the chopped dates. Let this mixture soak for around 30 minutes to enhance the sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and optional spices like ground cinnamon and allspice.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the coconut sugar into the date-tea mixture until well combined. Then add in the flax egg prepared earlier along with apple cider vinegar.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 7: Bake Your Loaf
Pour this batter into a greased 1 lb loaf tin. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan / 350°F) for about 50-55 minutes, or until golden brown. A skewer inserted should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool Down
Leave your loaf in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or toasted with vegan butter for an extra treat!
How to Serve Fruit Cake Loaf
Fruit cake loaf is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, there are plenty of options to enhance its delightful flavors.
Enjoy with Vegan Butter
- Spread a generous layer of vegan butter on warm slices for a rich and creamy experience.
Pair with Tea
- Brew your favorite tea and sip alongside the fruit cake loaf. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Top slices with fresh fruits like berries or banana slices to add a burst of freshness and color.
Serve with Plant-Based Ice Cream
- For a decadent dessert, serve warm fruit cake loaf with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.
Create a Toasted Delight
- Toast slices for an extra crispy texture and enjoy them with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Garnish with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor. Almonds or walnuts work wonderfully!
How to Perfect Fruit Cake Loaf
To achieve the best fruit cake loaf, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.
Use fresh dates: Fresh dates provide natural sweetness and moisture, making your loaf extra delicious.
Experiment with spices: Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor profile of your fruit cake loaf.
Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. An accurate temperature ensures even baking.
Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the loaf to cool properly helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Fruit Cake Loaf
Fruit cake loaf pairs well with various side dishes that complement its sweet and fruity flavors. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light and nutritious option that adds creaminess to your meal.
- Coconut Yogurt: This dairy-free alternative adds a refreshing taste that balances the richness of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits enhances the fruity notes of the loaf.
- Almond Milk Smoothie: A creamy smoothie made with almond milk can be a delightful beverage pairing.
- Granola Parfait: Layering granola with fruit yogurt creates a satisfying crunch alongside the soft loaf.
- Savory Scones: Try serving savory scones on the side for an interesting contrast in flavors.
- Herbal Infused Water: Refreshing infused water with herbs like mint or basil complements each bite perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Fruit Cake Loaf can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are key mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Flax Egg: Not using a flax egg will affect the loaf’s texture. Remember, it acts as a binder in this vegan recipe.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can result in a dense loaf. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
- Ignoring Soaking Time: Rushing the date-soaking process can lead to uneven sweetness. Allow them to soak in the tea for at least 30 minutes.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure proper cooking.
- Using Incorrect Flour: Using self-raising flour instead of plain flour may affect the loaf’s rise. Stick with plain flour or gluten-free alternatives as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the cooled Fruit Cake Loaf in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Fruit Cake Loaf
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Fruit Cake Loaf
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Wrap the loaf in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, add a little water to create steam, and cover until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Fruit Cake Loaf.
Can I make this Fruit Cake Loaf gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I know when my Fruit Cake Loaf is done?
A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that it is fully baked.
What can I add to my Fruit Cake Loaf?
You can customize by adding nuts, dried fruits, or even spices like nutmeg for extra flavor.
Can I use different types of tea?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various loose leaf teas or herbal infusions based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Fruit Cake Loaf is not only moist and comforting but also incredibly easy to make with just six ingredients. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different flavors or toppings. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful treat warm or toasted!
Fruit Cake Loaf
This Fruit Cake Loaf is a delightful blend of moistness and fruity flavor, perfect for any occasion. With its simple six-ingredient recipe, this vegan and oil-free treat can easily be adapted to fit gluten-free diets, making it a versatile option for everyone. Ideal for tea time or festive gatherings, this loaf is both comforting and nutritious, featuring natural sweetness from dates and coconut sugar. You’ll love how easy it is to customize with your favorite dried fruits or spices, creating a unique flavor profile that suits your taste. Enjoy it warm, toasted with vegan butter, or as a light snack throughout the day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 Flax Egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseeds + 2.5 tbsp water)
- 4 tbsp Loose Leaf Tea (or 4 tea bags)
- 400 ml Boiled Water
- 250 g Soft Dates
- 80 g Coconut Sugar
- 300 g Plain Flour
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg by mixing ground flaxseeds with water and letting it thicken.
- Brew loose leaf tea in boiled water for about 10 minutes.
- Chop or blend dates and soak them in the brewed tea for 30 minutes.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and optional spices in a bowl.
- Mix soaked dates with coconut sugar, then add the flax egg and vinegar.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures gently until just mixed.
- Pour into a greased loaf tin and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 50-55 minutes.
- Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
