Vegan Stollen Confectionery

A delectable holiday treat known as vegan stollen is commonly consumed throughout the Christmas season in Germany and other European nations. It is a delicious cake that resembles bread and is loaded with a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and spices. The vegan version of Stollen is acceptable for anyone eating a vegan or plant-based diet because it is prepared without the use of any animal ingredients, such as butter, milk, or eggs.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup vegan butter, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk)
1/4 cup orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup chopped dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, currants)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, plant-based milk, orange juice, and orange zest.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough has risen, add the chopped dried fruits and nuts to the bowl and knead them into the dough until well distributed.
Shape the dough into a loaf or oval shape, resembling a traditional Stollen.
Place the shaped Stollen onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust the Stollen generously with powdered sugar.
Store the vegan Stollen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.