Christmas is a time for family, laughter, and—let’s be honest—food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Imagine the scent of cinnamon mingling with roasted veggies, the glow of twinkling lights reflecting off a perfectly glazed vegan loaf. My cousin swears these recipes are why the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes—it’s almost poetic in its deliciousness!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and position a rack in the lower or middle section. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving extra paper along the edges for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the gingerbread spices including ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to ensure even distribution.
- In a small bowl, whip the aquafaba using an electric mixer on medium speed for 45-60 seconds until it becomes uniformly foamy.
- Create a well in the dry ingredients and add the whipped aquafaba, oat milk, sunflower oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- In the bowl used for aquafaba, mix the molasses and hot coffee until smooth, then pour this mixture into the well with the other liquid ingredients.
- Using a mixer on low speed, blend the dry and wet ingredients just until they come together, scraping the bowl’s sides as needed, and avoiding overmixing even if some lumps remain.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula, and bake for 50-55 minutes until the cake is firm and a toothpick inserted into the edges comes out with some moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, then use the parchment to lift it out and let it cool on the rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
- For the Vanilla Cream Sauce, combine powdered sugar, vegan butter, and coconut cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts.
- Bring the mixture to a boil for 3 minutes while stirring frequently, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before drizzling it over the cake, and optionally garnish with pomegranate seeds before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Heaping 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- Heaping 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons (90 mL) aquafaba (liquid from chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) oat milk (or other unsweetened plant milk)
- 7 tablespoons (105 mL) sunflower oil (or a neutral-flavored oil)
- 2/3 cup packed (125g) organic brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (95 mL) unsulphured molasses
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) strongly brewed hot coffee
- Vanilla Cream Sauce (see below)
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 1/2 cup (60g) organic powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons (56g) vegan butter
- 1/2 cup (110g) coconut cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 239IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Are vegan Christmas recipes suitable for non-vegans?
- Absolutely! Vegan Christmas recipes are designed to appeal to everyone, not just those following a vegan lifestyle. With a focus on flavor and creativity, these dishes can be a delightful addition to any holiday spread, satisfying vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Can I make vegan versions of traditional Christmas dishes?
- Yes, many traditional Christmas dishes can be adapted to be vegan. By using plant-based alternatives for dairy and meat, you can create vegan versions of classics like roasts, casseroles, and desserts without compromising on taste.
- Are vegan Christmas recipes difficult to make?
- Not at all! Many vegan Christmas recipes are straightforward and easy to prepare. With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can whip up delicious and festive dishes that are both simple and impressive.
- What are some popular vegan Christmas desserts?
- Popular vegan Christmas desserts include options like vegan fudge, sugar cookies, and yule logs. These treats are crafted to be both delicious and festive, ensuring that everyone at your holiday gathering can indulge in something sweet.
- Can I prepare vegan Christmas dishes in advance?
- Yes, many vegan dishes can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for the busy holiday season. Soups, casseroles, and certain desserts often taste even better the next day, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities.
Tips
- Whip Aquafaba Properly: Ensure the aquafaba is whipped to a uniform foam using an electric mixer, as this helps in achieving a light and fluffy cake texture. Whip it on medium speed for 45-60 seconds until it forms stable foam.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so it’s okay if the batter has some lumps.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes removing the cake from the pan much easier and helps it maintain its shape.
- Vanilla Cream Sauce Cooling: Allow the vanilla cream sauce to cool for a few minutes after preparation. This will help it thicken slightly before drizzling over the cake, ensuring it adheres well and adds a rich finish.
Equipment
- Handheld Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer – Useful for whipping aquafaba and mixing other ingredients.
- 9×5-inch Loaf Pan – Essential for baking the gingerbread cake.
- Parchment Paper – Used to line the loaf pan to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the cake.
- Wire Cooling Rack – For cooling the cake after baking.
- Rubber Spatula – Useful for smoothing the cake batter and scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.
- Medium Saucepan – Necessary for preparing the vanilla cream sauce.
- Coconut Cream – While not equipment, it’s a specialized ingredient that may not be commonly found in all kitchens.
