Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgently comforting, this Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with juicy, fresh strawberries and topped with a golden, crunchy crumb, it strikes the perfect balance between fruity brightness and sweet, buttery texture — all without eggs, dairy, or any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, health-conscious, or just looking to impress friends with something unique, this recipe offers a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Fruity: Packed with ripe strawberries that create a natural sweetness and moist texture that’s hard to resist.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples with minimal fuss, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Crunchy Crumb Topping: A satisfyingly crispy layer that adds texture and contrasts the soft crumb beneath.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack, or a light dessert after dinner.
• Totally Vegan: No eggs, dairy, or animal products, making it inclusive and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake calls for straightforward ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item is chosen to ensure a moist crumb, juicy strawberries, and a crumb topping that stays delightfully crisp.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for both cake and crumb topping.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps caramelize the crumb topping.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Plant-based milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb—soy, almond, or oat milk all work.
• Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give lift and slight tanginess.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist while maintaining a subtle richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s sweetness and aroma beautifully.
• Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient adds natural sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant color.
• Brown sugar: Used in the crumb topping for a deep, caramel flavor and crunch.
• Vegan butter or coconut oil: Creates that melt-in-your-mouth crumb texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the strawberry flavor.

Variations for Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Whether you want to play with different fruits, tweak sweetness, or cater to dietary needs, it’s easy to customize your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake.

• Mixed Berry Version: Swap or combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for extra berry goodness.
• Nutty Crumb: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make a gluten-free Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake.
• Less Sweet: Reduce sugar slightly or try coconut sugar for a less refined taste.
• Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest to the batter for a bright, fresh zing that pairs perfectly with strawberries.

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by combining your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix your plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract, letting it sit briefly to curdle slightly. Whisk in the vegetable oil before pouring the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cake tender.

Step 2: Add the Strawberries

Gently fold fresh, chopped strawberries into the batter. This ensures every bite has bursts of juicy strawberry without sinking the fruit to the bottom or creating too much moisture in a single spot.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vegan butter or coconut oil using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumb topping will bake into a crunchy, golden blanket crowning your cake.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cake batter evenly into a greased or lined baking pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously all over the batter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the crumb topping is lightly browned and crispy.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This step makes the cake easier to cut and helps the crumb topping set a bit. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

• Fresh Strawberries are Key: Use ripe but firm berries to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure oil and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Even Crumb Distribution: Press your crumb topping lightly to prevent it from sliding off during baking.
• Test Doneness with Toothpick: Check in multiple spots since moisture from strawberries may cause uneven baking.

How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Garnishes

Enhance your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vegan vanilla glaze, or fresh strawberry slices on top for an inviting finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, a dollop of coconut whipped cream, or a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea for a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into small squares for a charming dessert platter at gatherings, or serve as thick slices layered with fresh fruit and a drizzle of raspberry coulis for a stunning brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or use a microwave in short bursts until heated through to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake?

While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if needed—just thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.

Is it possible to make this cake oil-free?

You can substitute oil with unsweetened applesauce in the batter for a lower-fat version, though it may result in a denser crumb and slightly less moist texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour for a delicious gluten-free Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake.

How do I store the crumb topping for later use?

If you want to prepare the crumb topping in advance, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before sprinkling on the batter.

Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries are excellent substitutes or additions, giving you a lovely mixed berry crumb cake variation.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together in harmony. The fresh berries, tender crumb, and sweet crunch make it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied taste buds. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch this beautiful cake become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire!

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