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    Home » Baking » Cakes/Traybakes

    Vegan Fruit Loaf Cake (Traditional)

    Published: Oct 28, 2020 · Modified: Apr 27, 2022 by Jacq · This post may contain affiliate links ·32 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Traditional vegan fruit loaf is an old-fashioned fruit cake or tea-bread style bake.

    It is super easy to prepare and is just like the old-fashioned fruit loaf that our ancestors would have baked.

    This fruit cake recipe will surely become a keeper as it easily produces such a lovely, tasty egg-free fruit cake that everyone will love.

    Preparing a cake for Easter?

    Use this fruit cake recipe as the basis for a delicious Easter Simnel Cake by baking in a circular pan.

    vegan fruit loaf cake sitting on a chopping board with tartan napkin and brown handled knife

    Quick Origins Of Fruit Cake

    Surprisingly fruit cake has been dated back to the middle ages.

    But it wasn't until the 18-19th Century that humans began baking fruit cakes to mark special occasions such as weddings and other festivities.

    Nowadays, many countries around the world have their own variation of fruit cake which are often baked for celebrations.

    vegan fruit loaf cake on wooden board and sliced into 13 pieces

    Vegan Fruit Loaf Cake

    This vegan fruit cake is ideal for enjoying as part of a New Years Eve or Scottish Hogmanay buffet spread as well as enjoyed with a Scots Robert Burn's dinner.

    Being Scottish, fruit cake was always part of our new years celebration along with shortbread and madeira cake. That trio always signalled the new year was approaching.

    And of course this cake is ideal for a vegan Christmas cake or even for an Easter time Simnel cake. Simply bake in a round pan if preferred.

    The aroma of this fruit cake baking and that first bite instantly feels and tastes like Christmas. The combination of spices in this fruit cake just make for the perfect festive bake. 

    This recipe for vegan fruit loaf cake is a super-moist beautifully spiced teatime treat that will easily become one of your go-to-staple recipes.

    I always bake this cake whenever I have visitors as it is the most requested bake.

    The dried fruit is stewed before baking which is a traditional method that achieves such a yummy, moist and deeply flavoured fruit cake. Its so worth the extra effort.

    How To Prepare Vegan Fruit Loaf Cake

    • fruit cake ingredients added to silver saucepan ready to simmer.
    • apple sauce added to the simmered dried fruit, sugar, margarine and plant milk.
    Pop the dried fruit, brown sugar, vegan margarine and plant milk into a saucepan.

    Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

    Switch off the heat but leave the pan for a further 5 minutes.

    Remove the pan from the heat and cool for 20-30 minutes.

    Add the apple sauce and mix.
    • flour and spices added to mixing bowl.
    • dried fruit apple sauce mixture poured into the flour spice mix in mixing bowl.
    Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl.

    Tip in the cinnamon, mixed spice (pumpkin/apple spice mix), ground nutmeg and ground cloves. Stir together.

    Scoop the dried fruit mixture into the flour mixture.

    Stir until its all just combined.
    • unbaked fruit cake batter placed into loaf pan ready to bake.
    • traditional fruit cake baked and still in baking pan on a wire rack, with red tartan oven mitt to side.
    Scoop the cake batter into a prepared loaf pan.

    Level the top so that it is equally distributed.

    Bake for 50-70 minutes or until golden and a skewer popped into the middle comes out clean.

    Cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before removing and cooling completely.
    close up photo of slices of vegan fruit loaf cake

    Recipe Notes

    How do I store vegan fruit cake?


  • Vegan fruit loaf cake will stay fresh wrapped in parchment paper and kitchen foil, or in a cake tin, for at least 7 days.

  • It will likely keep well for a few more days if well wrapped and kept in a cool, dry place.

    Traditionally fruit cake would be the most popular cake to always have available in the cake tin ready for any spontaneous visitors who may suddenly appear.

    Can I freeze vegan fruit cake?


    Absolutely!

    This vegan fruit cake recipe freezes beautifully.

    Simply wrap well in food and freezer safe wrap and freeze for 4-5 months.

    Remove the wrappings before defrosting to room temperature.

    Freezing single slices makes it easy to pull out one or two slices as required.

    Can I reheat fruit cake?


    Of course.

    Slices of fruit cake can be refreshed or warmed through by popping into a warm oven for a few minutes.

    Or toast slices of fruit cake within a non-stick skillet/fry pan, under an oven grill, in a toaster or on top of a hotplate such as a flat panini machine.

    A small pat of vegan margarine or butter can be melted over the warmed fruit cake or spread with a little fruit jam. Delicious for breakfast, brunch or Afternoon tea.

    Can I prepare the stewed/simmered dried fruit in advance?


    Yes. Preparing the dried fruit in advance is not only a brilliant time saver but it will result in deliciously plump and moist dried fruit.

    Simmer the dried fruit the day before or a few hours in advance and just leave the dried fruit within the saucepan, with a lid on, until required.

    Can I add a glaze or topping to the vegan fruit cake?


    Yes.

    For an extra special vegan fruit cake for those extra special occasions add a tasty topping.

    A few ideas:

    * A sticky glaze: Use 1-2 tablespoons of jam/preserve (fruit jelly in the US) and 1-2 teaspoons or  water. Whisk these two ingredients together with a fork. Using a pastry brush or spatula spread out over the loaf. Ginger preserve makes for an especially tasty glaze.

    * Alternatively, prepare a water icing to pour over. Use about 4 tablespoons of sifted icing/powdered sugar and add tiny drops of water until you mix up the right consistency to drizzle over the loaf. For lemon or lime drizzle just add freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in place of the water. If you don't have a lemon juicer you can easily use a tablespoon to dig into the fruit, turning it around until all the juice has been extracted.

    * For a vegan cream cheese frosting check out the easy recipe over on our pumpkin spiced fruit cake post (check out the recipe notes below the cake recipe for cream cheese method)

    Can I use a different dry spice mix?


    Definitely!

    If you have a favourite dry spice mix that you generally use for cakes then do use that if preferred.

    This recipes uses dried ground cloves and dried ground nutmeg but these can be replaced with the same quantities of extra mixed spice powder or similar. Or replace those two spices with ginger powder.

    Mixed spice powder may be difficult to obtain outwith the UK so sub this ingredient for apple pie spice mix or pumpkin spice mix.

    What dried fruit can be used for a vegan fruit cake?


    Any dried fruit in any combination is perfect.

    For larger pieces of dried fruit do chop these up into smaller pieces.

    Packets of ready prepared dried fruit mixes intended for baking are perfect and these often contain dried fruit peel as well, so add zesty pops of flavour to the finished bake.

    For a tropical fruit cake add some dried mango and dried papaya.

    Other dried fruits that are ideal:

    * dried dates

    * dried apple

    * dried pear

    * dried apricots

    * sultanas (golden raisins)

    * raisins

    * currants

    * goji berries

    * cranberries

    * dried blueberries

    * prunes

    * figs

    * dried bananas (the soft variety not hard banana chips)

    * small amounts of dried lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange peel

    Can I prepare this vegan fruit cake as gluten-free?


    Yes!

    I have prepared this fruit cake recipe as gluten-free many times and it has been perfect each time.

    To convert this recipe to gluten-free simply replace the flour with a gluten-free plain or self-raising blend (such as the Dove's Farm brand).

    If using a gluten-free plain flour blend mix through 2 teaspoons of gluten-free baking powder.

    Also add a ¼ teaspoon of xanthium gum as this helps hold the cake crumbs together. I have prepared this cake recipe without the xanthium gum and the cake proved too difficult to achieve clean slices as it was just too crumbly.

    If your cake batter looks too dry before adding to the loaf pan, stir through a few tablespoons of plant milk to loosen it up as gluten-free flour tends to be more thirsty and soaks up liquid faster.

    What type of apple sauce is good for vegan fruit cakes?


    Any ready prepared apple sauce from the supermarket is fine for this fruit cake, either smooth or small cubed apple sauce, etc, as long as the ingredients are vegan friendly.

    Or prepare your own apple sauce with just a few every day eating apples and a few tablespoons of water.

    To easily make your own apple sauce, chop 3 medium sized eating apples into cubes and stew the apples in a few tablespoons of water until soft. The exact amount of water depends on your apples.

    Mash the apples with a potato masher or fork.

    vegan fruit loaf cake on grey plate with fork and tartan cup

    More Traditional Vegan Fruit Cakes:

    Easy Three Ingredient Fruit Cake

    Gluten-Free Fruit Loaf Cake (is also added sugar and fat free! And can be nut free also)

    Traditional Scottish Smiddy Dumpling (baked sultana cake)

    vegan fruit loaf cake on grey plate with fork

    Vegan Fruit Loaf Cake

    Print Recipe
    A slice of this fruit loaf is the perfect accompaniment to tea, coffee or a cold glass of plant-based milk.
    Super rich but light, fruity, sweet and deliciously spiced with a tasty crusty top.
    Even though this fruit cake is good-to-go soon after baking the flavours just get better as each day passes.
    Course Afternoon tea, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine British
    Prep Time 25 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Resting time for the stewed fruit 20 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 35 mins
    Servings 13 slices
    Calories 271
    Author Jacq

    Equipment

    • 1 kg/ 2Ib loaf pan plus greaseproof/baking paper to line if necessary
    • non-stick saucepan or similar
    • Mixing bowl

    Ingredients

    • 225 grams self-raising flour sieved, or plain/all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder sieved through
    • 225 grams soft brown sugar or caster, granulated sugar
    • 160 millilitres plant-based milk [¾ cups]
    • 450 grams dried fruit mix Use any combination of dried fruit: packet of mixed dried fruit, or a mix of currants, sultanas, raisins, dates, cherries, figs, prunes, pineapple, papaya, mango, apple, apricots, etc. [3 ¾ cups]
    • 130 grams apple sauce To easily make your own apple sauce chop into small pieces 3 eating apples and stew in a tablespoon or 2 of water till soft. Mash up with a potato masher or fork. [½ cup]
    • 100 grams vegan margarine or vegan butter [½ cup]
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon mixed spice or pumpkin/apple spice mix powder
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or replace with ginger powder
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves replace with ginger powder or extra mixed spice
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • Place the dried fruit, margarine, sugar, and milk in a saucepan.
      Over a medium heat bring to the boil, stirring frequently.
    • Lower the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
      Turn off the heat but leave the saucepan on the cooker for another 5 minutes.
    • Take your saucepan of the heat and leave to cool for 20 minutes.
      Mix though the apple sauce.
    • Preheat the oven to 150 Fan/170 Celsius/ Gas mark 3/ 300 Fahrenheit.
      Prepare your loaf pan or baking tin by lightly greasing and lining with baking paper.
    • Sieve the flour and spices into a mixing bowl.
      Scoop the dried fruit mixture into the flour.
      Stir until just combined.
    • Spoon the cake batter into your loaf pan.
      Level down the surface.
    • Place on the middle shelf of your oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
      [Depending on your oven the cake may take another 10 minutes or so].
      Check after 45 minutes to see how its going. My cake was baked after 50 minutes using an electric oven.
      Cake will be ready when it is golden brown and a skewer or knife poked through into the loaf comes out clean.
    • Cool the cake within the loaf tin for at least 20-30 minutes.
      Gently tip the cake out and peal the baking paper off.
      Leave to cool on a wire rack.

    Notes

    • Nutritional information is provided for guidance only and is not a strict calculation as ingredients vary.
    • Always bake the fruit cake on the middle or lower rungs of your oven as placing too high in the oven can cause the dried fruit to burn. 
    • Don't open your oven door to check on the fruit cake until at least 45 minutes has passed as opening sooner could cause your cake to sink a little.
    • This fruit cake can be stored for up to 7 days, wrapped in kitchen foil or parchment paper and placed in an air-tight container. Possibly a few days longer.
    • Fruit cake freeze beautifully. Wrap each individual slice or place a piece of parchment paper between each slice and freeze for up to 3 months.
    • Defrost at  room temperature with the wrapping removed.
    • Toasted fruit cake slices are amazing for breakfast! Especially with a pat of vegan margarine or butter melted over.
    • Spread some peanut-butter, mashed banana, fruit jam (jelly) over a slice of fruit cake for a filling snack.
    • To convert this current recipe to gluten-free simply replace the flour with a gluten-free plain or self-raising blend (such as the Dove's Farm brand). If using a gluten-free plain flour blend mix through 2 teaspoons of gluten-free baking powder. Also add a ¼ teaspoon of xanthium gum as this helps hold the cake crumbs together. If your mix looks too dry before adding to the baking pan mix through a few tablespoons of plant milk to loosen it up as gluten-free flour tends to be more thirsty and soaks up liquid faster.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 327IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 1mg

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    So we can admire your good cooking!

    Thanks so much

    Jacq x

    « Vegan Potage Stew (British Medieval Inspired Recipe)
    Vegan Lentil Soup (Scottish Traditional) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Roslyn Tucker

      December 27, 2021 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      I’m looking forward to to trying more of your vegan recipes too.
      Regards Roslyn

      Reply
      • Jacq

        December 30, 2021 at 9:36 am

        Thanks for your lovely messages. Hopefully you find lots of interesting tasty recipes. Will look forward to reading how you got on 🙂

        Reply
    2. Roslyn Tucker

      December 27, 2021 at 12:22 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! this recipe for vegan fruit cake is so absolutely lovely! The aroma of the lovely spices wafting around the kitchen, are gorgeous and glorious.
      Thank you so much

      Reply
      • Jacq

        December 30, 2021 at 9:34 am

        You are very welcome. So glad you enjoyed the fruit cake! It is certainly one of my favourite recipes to bake and I agree the aromas are so good. Really comforting 🙂

        Reply
    3. Emma

      December 23, 2021 at 4:49 am

      I don’t use self rising flour. How much baking powder/soda should I use?
      Thanks 😊

      Reply
      • Jacq

        December 23, 2021 at 9:53 am

        Hi Emma, Thanks for your comment. Two teaspoons of baking powder/soda will be perfect, just sieve and mix it into the plain or all-purpose flour 🙂

        Reply
    4. Claudia

      June 20, 2021 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      Super moist looking fruit cake, I just cant wait to try this!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        June 30, 2021 at 1:48 pm

        Let me know how it goes when you make the cake 🙂

        Reply
        • Caroline MacGregor

          November 20, 2021 at 12:19 pm

          Can I use gluten free flour? Can I freeze whole cake?..

          Many thanks

          Reply
          • Jacq

            November 20, 2021 at 5:48 pm

            Hi! Yes you can use gluten-free flour but I would add 1/4 tsp of xanthium gum as I have tried this cake with a gluten-free plain or self-raising flour blend but without the xanthium and it is very crumbly. But with the xanthium it is much better to slice. And yes the cake can be frozen whole, I have frozen the cake many times and it copes really well. I would say up to 3-4 months well wrapped.

            Reply
    5. Sharmila Kingsly

      June 20, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      I usually bake for Christmas but not a vegan version.. This looks just perfect..Awesome bake!!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        June 29, 2021 at 9:37 pm

        Definitely give this fruit cake a try. Non-vegans will never know its vegan as this cake tastes so good 🙂

        Reply
    6. Alison

      June 20, 2021 at 3:19 pm

      5 stars
      Who knew fruit cake could taste this good?! Saving this recipe for the holidays! Yum!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        June 28, 2021 at 8:31 pm

        Thanks! This fruit cake is perfect for the holidays and no one will know that it is vegan. It just tastes so good 🙂

        Reply
    7. Biana

      June 20, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! This cake sounds lovely. Will be perfect with a cup of tea.

      Reply
      • Jacq

        June 28, 2021 at 8:30 pm

        Perfect with a cup of tea...nothing better 🙂

        Reply
    8. Beth

      June 20, 2021 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      I do love a nice fruit cake and this looks so moist and delicious.

      Reply
      • Jacq

        June 30, 2021 at 8:36 am

        Thanks this fruit cake has the perfect amount of moistness! The stewing of the fruit adds so much 🙂

        Reply
    9. Beth

      May 30, 2021 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy! This fruit loaf cake is so addicting and so delicious! Can’t wait to make this again! Everyone loved this.

      Reply
      • Jacq

        May 31, 2021 at 9:24 am

        So glad you loved the fruit loaf. This recipe is a definite keeper 🙂

        Reply
    10. Andrea

      May 30, 2021 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      A perfect cake to go with afternoon tea or brunch.

      Reply
      • Jacq

        May 31, 2021 at 6:41 pm

        Thanks! It certainly is 😀

        Reply
    11. Claudia

      May 30, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      I am printing this out right now can't wait for to try this and that Pumpkin spice got me hooked !

      Reply
      • Jacq

        May 31, 2021 at 9:26 am

        Awesome! The spice mix is so tasty in this fruit cake 🙂

        Reply
    12. Sue

      May 30, 2021 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Fruit cake is definitely a holiday tradition and now that I have a vegan family member I needed this recipe. Thank you, this works for everybody!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        May 31, 2021 at 9:25 am

        That's so good to read. I love cakes that everyone can enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    13. ANNE JENNINGS

      May 21, 2021 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      At last a really scrummy vegan fruit loiaf. Very moist. Everyone loves it. Thanks so much

      Reply
      • Jacq

        May 22, 2021 at 10:13 am

        Thanks! Really happy to read your comment. So glad everyone loved the vegan fruit loaf 🙂

        Reply
    14. Laura

      January 26, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      Really lovely fruit loaf. I added a mix of nuts too and it still turned out awesome.

      Reply
      • Jacq

        January 27, 2021 at 9:40 am

        So happy you enjoyed!Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂

        Reply
    15. Payel

      January 25, 2021 at 8:48 pm

      5 stars
      Appetizing !! Saved it !! Will definitely try this one ! 😊

      Reply
      • Jacq

        January 25, 2021 at 9:28 pm

        Aww thanks! This is my family's favourite fruit cake. Hope you enjoy x

        Reply

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