Egg-Free Christmas Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds)
• Optional: 1/4 cup brandy (for soaking dried fruits)

(Calories are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients.)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix together oil, applesauce, and orange juice until well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Add Fruits Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. If desired, soak the dried fruits in brandy for added richness.

Step 5: Bake Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and savor the festive goodness of your Egg-Free Christmas Cake.

Enjoy this egg-free delight that captures the essence of the holiday season!