Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe

If you want a show-stopping dessert that’s just as lovely for brunch as it is for an afternoon treat, this Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is calling your name! Imagine a fluffy, lightly sweet cake layered with juicy strawberries and crowned with a buttery, golden crumb topping—entirely dairy and egg free. Every blissful bite pops with fresh fruit flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re serving guests, celebrating a special day, or just craving a cozy homemade bake, this Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity; each ingredient adds a distinct element to the final cake, bringing together moisture, texture, color, and irresistible flavor. Let’s see what you’ll need to make Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake from scratch!

• Fresh Strawberries: The absolute star—choose ripe, juicy berries for the brightest flavor and pops of color throughout your cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its soft crumb and helps form that dreamy classic crumb topping.
• Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tangy strawberries and ties flavors together.
• Baking Powder: Provides the lift, ensuring your cake is wonderfully light and airy.
• Baking Soda: Works alongside baking powder for an even better rise and tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—never skip this tiny but powerful ingredient.
• Vegan Butter: Delivers rich, buttery flavor and that golden crumb topping everyone loves.
• Plant-Based Milk: Keeps the cake moist and ensures the crumb stays nice and tender—reach for oat, almond, or soy.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright tang that makes both the strawberries and the cake itself taste even fresher.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall flavor and ties everything together with warm, cozy notes.

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you dive in, wash and hull your strawberries, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Premeasure your dry and wet ingredients—trust me, this little bit of prep makes the whole process smoother and keeps your focus on having a blast in the kitchen!

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, a pinch of salt, and cubes of cold vegan butter. Use your fingers or a fork to press everything together until you have chunky, sand-like crumbs. This mixture is going to become the irresistible golden layer that makes this Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake totally crave-worthy.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, combine the plant-based milk, lemon juice, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Add the wet to the dry and stir until just combined—the secret here is not to overmix, which keeps the cake tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Pour the cake batter into a lined or greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly scatter your chopped strawberries over the batter—they’ll soften and burst with flavor as the cake bakes. Now, sprinkle every last bit of crumb topping over the strawberries, pressing it gently so it sticks.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled cake into a preheated oven and bake until the crumb topping is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly—resist slicing in right away so the cake can set as it cools!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes; this will help the structure set and makes slicing so much easier. Once cooled, cut generous squares, inhale the berry-scented aroma, and get ready for pure deliciousness.

How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar gives this cake a beautiful, classic finish, highlighting all those gorgeous crumbs. If you’re feeling fancy, add some fresh strawberry halves or a dollop of vegan whipped cream on top for a touch of decadence.

Side Dishes

Serve a slice of Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake alongside a hot cup of coffee, a fragrant pot of tea, or even a refreshing strawberry lemonade. For brunch, pair with a bright fruit salad or tangy vegan yogurt to round out a delightful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics or celebrations, try baking the cake in individual muffin tins for perfectly portioned “crumb cake bites.” Or, serve warm with an extra scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a simple yet unforgettable dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If somehow there’s still Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake left after your first serving, keep it fresh by covering the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. The crumb topping stays best if stored airtight.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Just cool the cake completely, then cut into portions and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature whenever you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm it in a low oven. This brings back the softness of the cake and perks up the crumb topping, making it taste just-baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake—this keeps your crumb topping nice and crisp.

What’s the best plant-based milk to use?

Any unsweetened, neutral-flavored milk works beautifully. Almond, soy, or oat are all great choices; just avoid anything with strong added flavors that might compete with the strawberries.

Can I make the crumb topping gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a quality gluten-free blend, and you’ll still get a perfectly golden, crisp crumb on top of your Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Check for a golden crumb topping and use a toothpick in the center of the cake—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.

Can I use other berries or fruits?

Definitely! Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake is amazing with mixed berries, peaches, or even apples for a seasonal twist. Just keep the proportions about the same for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive, give this Vegan Strawberry Crumb Cake a try. Each bite bursts with fruity flavor, tenderness, and buttery crumbs—share it with loved ones or keep it all to yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Happy baking!

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