Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Bakery-style Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that showcases the best of fresh strawberries. With its layers of fluffy vanilla cake, jammy strawberries, and a golden crumb topping, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe stands out for its deliciousness and ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This cake uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without special trips to the store.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert; it fits perfectly in any meal setting.
• Flavorful Layers: The combination of sweet strawberries and buttery crumb topping creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, it’s ideal for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a slice of this delightful treat.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made with plant-based ingredients, it’s suitable for those seeking dairy-free options without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake successfully, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
• Baking pan: A good quality baking pan ensures even cooking and easy removal of your cake.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency by thoroughly mixing ingredients.

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 (for gluten-free option)
• 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 Strawberry Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine chopped strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice.
• Sprinkle with flour and toss gently to coat. Set aside to let juices develop.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

• In another bowl, mix together flour, sugar, melted vegan butter, cinnamon until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, mix dairy-free yogurt, dairy-free milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 6: Create the Batter

• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix!

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

• Spread half of the batter into your prepared baking pan.
• Layer with strawberry filling evenly over the batter.
• Spoon remaining batter on top; sprinkle crumb topping generously over all.

Step 8: Bake

• Bake for about 65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

• Allow to cool before slicing. 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 served in various ways. Whether you want to enjoy it for breakfast or dessert, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Whipped Coconut Cream

• This light and airy topping complements the sweet strawberries perfectly. Just whip up some coconut cream until fluffy and serve a dollop on top of each slice.

Alongside Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the crumb cake. Choose your favorite plant-based brand for a refreshing treat.

Topped with a Drizzle of Maple Syrup

• A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. It’s especially delightful if you enjoy sweeter desserts.

Served Warm with Fruit Compote

• Warming the cake slightly before serving and adding a fresh fruit compote can elevate the flavors. Use seasonal fruits for the best taste!

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Slice the cake into small pieces and include it in a brunch spread. It pairs well with other vegan baked goods, fruits, and beverages.

How to Perfect Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

To ensure your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh strawberries – Fresh berries will provide the best flavor and texture. Make sure they are ripe for maximum sweetness.

• Measure accurately – Use spoon-and-level techniques when measuring flour to avoid a dense cake. Too much flour can lead to dryness.

• Don’t skip the vinegar – Adding apple cider vinegar or lemon juice helps activate the baking powder, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

• Let it cool completely – Allowing the cake to cool ensures that it holds its shape when sliced and enhances its flavor as it rests.

• Store properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake can create a more complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits like melons, berries, and citrus adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Chia Seed Pudding – This creamy, nutritious pudding provides an excellent contrast in texture while remaining light.

3. Green Smoothie – A refreshing green smoothie made from spinach, banana, and almond milk offers a healthy boost alongside your crumb cake.

4. Granola Parfait – Layer vegan yogurt with granola and fruit for a satisfying dish that complements the crumb cake beautifully.

5. Coconut Yogurt – Serving coconut yogurt on the side adds creaminess without dairy, enhancing your dessert experience.

6. Herbal Tea – A warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts, providing soothing flavors.

7. Nut Butter Toasts – Whole grain toast topped with almond or peanut butter gives a nutty flavor that works well with strawberry cake.

8. Savory Salad – A light salad dressed with vinaigrette provides a savory counterpoint to the sweet flavors of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:

• Using Whole Strawberries: Chopping your strawberries allows for better distribution throughout the cake. This ensures that every slice has that delicious strawberry flavor.

• Skipping the Sugar for Strawberries: Not adding sugar to your strawberries can result in a less sweet filling. Sprinkle granulated sugar and lemon juice on them to enhance their natural sweetness.

• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Using too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Always spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect the cake’s rise and texture. Make sure your oven is preheated before placing the cake inside.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake:

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

What is the best way to customize my Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake?

You can customize it by adding nuts like walnuts or almonds or incorporating other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for variety.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

How long does it take to bake the Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake?

The total baking time is approximately 65 minutes, but check for doneness using a toothpick inserted in the center.

Final Thoughts

The Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is not just delightful but also versatile. With its layers of vanilla cake, jammy strawberries, and crumb topping, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or toppings to make it uniquely yours!