Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Bakery-style Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that combines layers of fluffy vanilla cake with jammy strawberries and a crunchy crumb topping. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just a sweet way to enjoy fresh strawberries in season. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for vegan baking enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Versatile: Serve it as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert. It’s perfect alongside coffee or tea.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries creates a natural sweetness and vibrant color that elevates the cake.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake can serve up to 16 slices, making it ideal for gatherings and parties.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made without animal products, this cake is suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake turns out perfectly, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Spatula
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking to achieve the right texture and flavor.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even cooking and prevents sticking during baking.

Ingredients

Bakery-style vegan strawberry crumb cake with layers of vanilla cake, jammy strawberries and a golden crumb topping. This is the perfect dessert for making the most of strawberries during strawberry season.

For the Strawberry Filling

• 3 3/4 cups (450g) fresh strawberries (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15g) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose plain flour

For the Cake Batter

• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose plain flour
• 6 tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar
• 4 1/2 tablespoons (65g) melted vegan butter
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose plain flour (spoon and leveled)
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) dairy-free yogurt (or unsweetened applesauce, room temperature)
• 1/3 cup (75g) dairy-free milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup (75g) neutral flavored oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice, optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by combining your chopped fresh strawberries in a bowl. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and all-purpose flour. Mix well until the strawberries are coated. Set aside to allow the juices to combine.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your baking pan is greased lightly with vegan butter or lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, mix together the melted vegan butter, flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Set this mixture aside as it will form the topping later.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients for Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine dairy-free yogurt, dairy-free milk, oil, apple cider vinegar (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Evenly spread half of the strawberry filling on top. Add the remaining batter over that layer followed by the rest of the strawberries. Finally, sprinkle your crumb topping evenly over everything.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Vegan strawberry crumb cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices with a side of mixed berries for extra freshness and color.

Topped with Dairy-Free Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on top for a rich and creamy contrast to the crumbly texture.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pair your slice with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea to enhance the flavors and create a comforting experience.

As a Breakfast Option

• Enjoy it as part of your breakfast spread, perhaps alongside some dairy-free yogurt for added protein.

How to Perfect Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

To make the best vegan strawberry crumb cake, consider these helpful tips that will enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and juiciness compared to frozen ones.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cake; too much flour can lead to dryness.

• Don’t Skip the Vinegar: Adding apple cider vinegar helps activate the baking powder, creating a lighter texture.

• Let It Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the cake to cool fully ensures cleaner slices and helps it set properly.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Vegan strawberry crumb cake is versatile enough to be served with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your dessert.

1. Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free ice cream adds creaminess that contrasts nicely with the crumbly texture.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brightens up the plate and provides additional natural sweetness.

3. Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious option brings a delightful contrast in texture while remaining plant-based.

4. Granola Parfait: Layering granola with dairy-free yogurt creates an appealing presentation that enhances breakfast vibes.

5. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers a healthy twist alongside your cake.

6. Nut Butter Spread: Spread almond or cashew butter on the side for an indulgent yet nutritious addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using too many strawberries: Ensure you stick to the recommended amount. More strawberries can make the cake soggy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents using too much and affecting the cake’s texture.
• Skipping the apple cider vinegar: This ingredient helps activate the baking powder, giving your cake a lighter texture. Don’t omit it!
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light crumb.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold dairy-free milk or yogurt can affect how well your batter combines. Always ensure they’re at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds per slice. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry it out.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake special?

This Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is special because it combines layers of fluffy vanilla cake with sweet, jammy strawberries and a delightful crumb topping that is entirely plant-based.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter.

How do I customize my Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake?

You can customize this cake by adding nuts like almonds or walnuts, or mixing in other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for a delicious twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of the Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

The Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its delightful combination of flavors makes it perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or add-ins for your own unique twist! You won’t regret trying this scrumptious treat.