Looking for a comforting dessert that’s both indulgent and 100% plant-based? This best vegan crumble cake recipe is exactly what you need!
Combining a soft, moist cake base with a buttery, crunchy crumble topping, this dessert is perfect for cozy afternoons, family gatherings, or whenever your sweet tooth calls. Whether you’re vegan or simply want to try a delicious dairy-free treat, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and uses wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
The balance of flavors and textures in this crumble cake will leave you craving more. It’s perfect on its own or served warm with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream or a drizzle of plant-based cream.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with seasonal fruits or nuts. Let’s dive right into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan crumble cake is a showstopper for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
The recipe uses natural sweeteners and plant-based fats to create a rich yet light cake that pairs beautifully with the crumbly topping.
Second, it’s highly versatile. You can swap in apples, berries, or stone fruits for the filling to match the season or your preference.
The crumble topping is delightfully crisp and brings a wonderful contrast to the tender cake beneath. Lastly, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional cakes—free from eggs and dairy but full of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, solid but scoopable
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Optional Filling:
- 2 cups chopped apples, pears, or mixed berries
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for fruit mix)
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Mixing bowls (2 large)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Knife and chopping board (if using fresh fruit)
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the fruit filling (if using): In a medium bowl, toss the chopped fruit with lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Set aside to marinate while you make the cake batter.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
- Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Add the fruit filling on top of the batter, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the fruit with the remaining cake batter, smoothing the top carefully.
- Prepare the crumble topping: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the solid coconut oil and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped nuts if using, then sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top of the cake batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the crumble) comes out clean.
- Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the cake to set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and increase the baking powder slightly for better rise.
Try adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the cake batter for a warm, aromatic twist.
If you prefer a fruit-packed crumble, double the fruit filling and reduce the cake batter accordingly.
To make this crumble cake extra special, you can drizzle it with a simple vegan glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice once cooled. Alternatively, serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Fat | 12g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugars | 18g |
Protein | 3g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan crumble cake is fantastic served warm or at room temperature. Here are a few ways to elevate your serving:
- Serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or a quick vegan caramel sauce for added sweetness.
- Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream topped with toasted nuts or cinnamon.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a spiced chai latte for a cozy dessert experience.
Conclusion
This best vegan crumble cake recipe is a must-try for anyone wanting a delicious, plant-based dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but elegant enough to serve at gatherings or special occasions.
The combination of tender cake, juicy fruit filling, and crunchy crumble topping delivers a perfect bite every time.
Best of all, this recipe is versatile and forgiving—so you can tweak the fruits, nuts, or spices to your liking. If you love baking vegan treats, you might also enjoy trying our Magic Dough Recipe or the fruity twist found in the Marzipan Challah Recipe.
For a savory contrast, check out the hearty Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes—all delicious plant-based inspirations to expand your vegan cooking repertoire.
Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the irresistible aroma of this delightful vegan crumble cake!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Crumble Cake
Description: A moist and tender vegan cake topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble. Perfect for any occasion and easy to make.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix almond milk, oil, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar separately.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan.
- In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vegan butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 45g
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