No-Bake Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

Enjoy a delicious and festive No-Bake Gluten-Free Christmas Cake! Packed with sweet dried fruits like dates, cherries, raisins, and pineapple, along with crunchy almonds and aromatic spices, this cake delivers all the classic flavors of a traditional Christmas cake—without any baking. Naturally sweetened with fruit and pure maple syrup, it’s also egg-free, dairy-free, and plant-based, making it a perfect dessert for everyone to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Gluten-Free Christmas Cake:

• No-Bake & Easy to Make: This is one of the simplest Christmas cake recipes you’ll find. No oven required, just a food processor and a bowl!
• Naturally Sweetened: With the natural sweetness of dried fruits and a touch of pure maple syrup, this cake is a healthier alternative to traditional Christmas cakes.
• Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Ideal for those with dietary restrictions, it’s free from gluten and dairy.
• Fruity, Nutty, and Spicy: Packed with festive flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, plus a perfect balance of fruits and nuts, every bite is bursting with Christmas cheer.
• Make Ahead: This cake is best made ahead of time and improves in flavor the next day, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for busy holidays.

Key Ingredients for No-Bake Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

• Pitted dry dates
• Raisins
• Pitted dried cherries
• Chopped dried pineapple
• Almonds
• Gluten-free brandy or rum
• Orange zest
• Spices
• Vegan butter or coconut oil
• Almond flour

For the Coconut Brandy Cream Sauce (Optional):

• Coconut cream
• Pure maple syrup
• Brandy (pure distilled brandy is gluten-free)

3 Steps to Make No-Bake Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

You will need a food processor because everything is chopped and combined briefly using a food processor.

1. Soak and Mix the Ingredients

Soak the dates and raisins in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain. In a separate bowl, soak dried cherries, pineapple, and almonds with brand for a few minutes to soften.

2. Process the Mixture

In a food processor, blend the soaked dates and raisins into a paste. Add the remaining ingredients (fruit-nut mixture, spices, orange zest, melted butter or coconut oil, and almond flour). Pulse until everything is well combined but slightly chunky. If too sticky, add a bit more almond flour.

3. Shape, Chill, and Serve

Line a bowl with cling wrap, then press the mixture into the bowl and refrigerate overnight to firm up. For the optional Coconut Brandy Cream Sauce, whisk coconut cream, maple syrup, and brandy, then refrigerate. Once the cake is set, remove it from the bowl, invert onto a plate, and serve with the coconut brandy cream sauce.

Tips:

• Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap out the dried fruits and nuts based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Dried apricots, figs, or cashews and walnuts would work just as well.
• A Healthier Option: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can cut back on the maple syrup in the sauce or omit it entirely. The natural sweetness from the dried fruits should still make the cake delicious!
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 1 week.

Is Dried Fruit Gluten-Free?

Yes, dried fruit is naturally gluten-free. Most dried fruits, such as raisins, dates, apricots, cherries, and figs, are made from just the fruit itself and do not contain any gluten. However, it’s important to be cautious of the following:

1. Cross-contamination: Some dried fruits are processed in facilities that also process wheat or other gluten-containing products. If you’re highly sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, look for dried fruit that is labeled “gluten-free” to ensure it’s not contaminated.
2. Added Ingredients: Some dried fruits may have added ingredients, such as sweeteners, preservatives, or flavorings, which might contain gluten. Always check the label for any added ingredients that could introduce gluten into the product.

In general, when choosing dried fruit, it’s best to go for options that are 100% fruit without any added sugar or preservatives, and to look for a certified gluten-free label if you need to be extra cautious.

Final Thoughts: No-Bake Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

This No-Bake Gluten-Free Christmas Cake is a wonderful way to enjoy a festive, gluten-free plant-based cake without the hassle of baking. The combination of fruity, nutty flavors and warm spices creates the perfect holiday dessert. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor and great textures, and can easily be made in advance to free up time for other holiday activities.

The addition of the optional Coconut Brandy Cream Sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence, making this cake a winner at any holiday table. Whether you serve it cold or at room temperature, it’s So GOOD!

This cake is nutrient-dense, rich in natural sugars from fruit, and high in healthy fats from almonds and almond flour. It makes for a filling, plant-based dessert, especially if you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free!

And if you’re in the mood for some holiday baking inspiration, be sure to check out these 22 Easy Gluten-Free Christmas Desserts For a Crowd for more sweet, crowd-pleasing ideas! Whether you’re making this no-bake cake or trying a new gluten-free treat, there’s something for every taste and occasion this holiday season.

Enjoy, and happy holidays!

Kristina x