Nothing says spring and summer quite like a fresh, juicy strawberry cake. This vegan strawberry cake recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the season with a plant-based twist that’s perfect for everyone—even those who aren’t vegan!
Moist, tender, and bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries, this cake is an irresistible treat that can brighten up any occasion, from birthdays to casual afternoon teas. Plus, it’s made without any animal products, proving that vegan baking can be just as decadent and satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers easy-to-follow steps and tips to help you create a stunning dessert. From the light and airy crumb to the luscious strawberry frosting, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.
So grab your mixing bowls and fresh strawberries, and let’s bake a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan strawberry cake stands out for many reasons. First, it uses wholesome, natural ingredients without compromising taste or texture.
The strawberries add a vibrant color and juicy flavor that feels fresh and summery. The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the use of plant-based milk and oil, making it perfect for those who shy away from traditional butter-laden cakes.
It’s also versatile—you can easily adapt it to make cupcakes, layer cakes, or even mini bundts. The recipe is allergy-friendly and avoids common animal products like eggs and dairy, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
If you love experimenting with vegan baking, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your repertoire. For more vegan dessert ideas, check out our Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for creative inspiration.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups (320g) | For structure and crumb |
Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups (300g) | Adjust to taste |
Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | Leavening agent |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Leavening agent |
Salt | ½ teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
Unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk) | 1 cup (240ml) | Room temperature |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Reacts with baking soda for rise |
Vegetable oil (canola or sunflower) | ⅓ cup (80ml) | Moisture and tenderness |
Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Flavor enhancer |
Fresh strawberries | 1 ½ cups, chopped + extra for garnish | For folding into batter and topping |
Powdered sugar | 2 cups (240g) | For frosting |
Vegan butter or margarine | ½ cup (115g), softened | For frosting |
Strawberry puree | ¼ cup (60ml) | For frosting flavor |
Equipment
- Two 8-inch round cake pans – for baking the layers evenly
- Mixing bowls – at least two, one for dry ingredients and one for wet
- Electric mixer or stand mixer – to cream vegan butter and mix batter smoothly
- Spatula – for folding in strawberries and scraping bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurement
- Cooling rack – to cool cakes evenly after baking
- Knife and cutting board – to chop strawberries
- Blender or food processor – to puree strawberries for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pans lightly with vegan butter or oil. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk to combine evenly.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle—this acts as a vegan buttermilk substitute.
- Add the oil and vanilla extract to the almond milk mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Fold in the chopped fresh strawberries gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back lightly when pressed.
- Remove from the oven and cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting: In a mixer bowl, beat the vegan butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the strawberry puree and beat until fluffy and smooth. Adjust sweetness or consistency by adding more powdered sugar or a splash of plant milk as needed.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the first layer, place the second layer on top, and finish frosting the top and sides.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful, fresh finish.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting set and the flavors meld.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, try adding a layer of strawberry jam between cake layers before frosting!”
Here are some ways to customize this recipe:
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Use other berries: Blueberries or raspberries can be swapped for strawberries for a different fruity twist.
- Add lemon zest: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the batter brightens the flavor beautifully.
- Try coconut milk: For a richer cake, replace almond milk with full-fat canned coconut milk.
- Decorate with edible flowers or shredded coconut for a stunning presentation.
For more vegan baking inspiration, check out our Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat or explore savory options like the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) | Daily Value (%) |
---|---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal | 16% |
Fat | 12g | 18% |
Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
Fiber | 2g | 8% |
Sugars | 30g | — |
Protein | 3g | 6% |
Sodium | 210mg | 9% |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan strawberry cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with some simple serving ideas:
- Serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Pair with fresh summer fruit salad or a tangy berry compote for a fresh contrast.
- Enjoy alongside a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee for a relaxing afternoon treat.
- For a festive occasion, add edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for elegant presentation.
If you love pairing desserts with comforting drinks, you might enjoy our Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a cozy, chocolatey complement.
Conclusion
Baking a vegan strawberry cake is a wonderful way to celebrate fresh, seasonal flavors while embracing plant-based cooking. This recipe balances simplicity and elegance, providing a moist and flavorful cake that’s free from animal products but full of love.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten up your day, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.
With its easy-to-follow steps and adaptable ingredients, you can customize this cake to your liking and dietary needs. Plus, the vibrant strawberry frosting makes every slice a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Don’t hesitate to explore more vegan recipes like our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals to build a diverse and delicious plant-based meal plan.
Now, it’s time to bake, share, and savor every bite of this delightful vegan strawberry cake. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Strawberry Cake
Description: A moist and fluffy vegan strawberry cake perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh strawberries and plant-based ingredients for a delicious dairy-free treat.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Fold in chopped strawberries and strawberry puree.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 42 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Strawberry Cake”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A moist and fluffy vegan strawberry cake perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh strawberries and plant-based ingredients for a delicious dairy-free treat.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT35M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “1 tsp baking soda”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1 cup unsweetened almond milk”, “1/3 cup vegetable oil”, “1 tbsp apple cider vinegar”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped”, “1/2 cup strawberry puree”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in chopped strawberries and strawberry puree.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “42 g”}}