Making Fresh Vegan Strawberry Cake Recipe: Simple, Delicious, and Vegan-Friendly!
Love a good cake but want to keep it vegan? This vegan strawberry cake recipe is perfect for anyone craving a treat that’s as kind to animals as it is to taste buds. This article will walk you through how to make the most delicious and vibrant vegan strawberry cake with a soft, fluffy texture and a fresh strawberry flavor that’s impossible to resist. Packed with strawberries and a light vegan strawberry frosting, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy all your dessert cravings.
Why Try This Vegan Strawberry Cake?
Vegan cakes are a delicious, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free dessert option that caters to everyone’s sweet tooth without sacrificing flavor or texture. This vegan strawberry cake recipe makes the experience even better with the fresh taste of strawberries. It’s perfect for celebrations or as a treat for yourself! This easy cake recipe offers a fluffy texture, vibrant strawberry flavor, and gorgeous pink color that’s sure to impress.
What Makes a Cake Vegan?
A vegan cake omits animal products like eggs, butter, and milk. Instead, ingredients like vegan butter, plant-based milk, and baking powder are used to achieve a similar texture and richness. In this recipe, we use vegan butter and plant-based milk as well as baking powder to help create a cake that’s both soft and flavorful.
Ingredients for the Perfect Vegan Strawberry Cake
Creating the perfect vegan strawberry cake starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ½ cups: This is the foundation of the cake, giving it structure. You can also use gluten-free flour if desired.
- Granulated Sugar – 1 cup: Adds sweetness to balance the tang of the strawberries.
- Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons: This will help the cake rise and give it a soft, fluffy texture.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, especially the strawberries.
- Vegan Butter – ½ cup (at room temperature): Adds richness and moisture, making the cake tender and flavorful.
- Almond Milk – 1 cup (or other plant-based milk): Almond milk is a neutral base that doesn’t interfere with the strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry Puree – ¾ cup: Fresh or frozen strawberries blended into a puree add natural sweetness, color, and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon: Adds depth to the overall flavor of the cake.
- Fresh Strawberries – 1 cup, chopped: Folded into the batter for extra bursts of juicy strawberry goodness.
- Powdered Sugar – 2 cups (for frosting): Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting.
- Strawberry Puree (for frosting) – 2 tablespoons: Enhances the strawberry flavor in the frosting.
- Vegan Food Coloring (optional) – 1-2 drops: Add for a deeper pink hue if desired.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method for This Cake Recipe
Creating a delicious vegan strawberry cake is straightforward with these simple steps:
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides lightly with vegan butter to ensure easy release.
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: In a food processor, blend fresh or frozen strawberries until smooth. If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, reduce the puree over low heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter and sugar until creamy. Add the almond milk, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree, blending until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser cake.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the vegan butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree, mixing until fluffy and spreadable. For a deeper pink color, add a few drops of vegan food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices if desired.
Nutritional Information (per 100g)
Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 42g |
Protein | 2g |
Fat | 11g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 28g |
Sodium | 120mg |
Vitamin C | 15mg |
Calcium | 40mg |
Iron | 0.7mg |
This vegan strawberry cake is not only delicious but also offers a touch of vitamin C from the strawberries, while keeping cholesterol and animal-based ingredients out of the mix.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Puree for Cake
One of the key elements in this vegan strawberry cake recipe is the strawberry puree. Here’s how to make it:
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash and hull a few cups of fresh strawberries.
- Blend: Place the strawberries in a food processor and blend until smooth. You’ll need about a half-cup of puree for this cake recipe.
- Reduce (optional): If you want a more concentrated strawberry flavor, you can reduce the puree over low heat until it thickens slightly. This is especially helpful for adding extra flavor to your cake and frosting.
Tips for Making a Moist Vegan Cake
Achieving the perfect texture can be tricky with vegan cakes. Here are some tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter blend smoothly, giving your cake a better texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Add a little extra fat: A bit more vegan butter or coconut oil can help improve moistness.
- Consider adding a touch of vinegar: When mixed with baking powder, it helps the cake rise nicely and adds a fluffy texture.
Perfecting the Vegan Strawberry Frosting
Strawberry frosting adds an extra layer of flavor and aesthetic appeal to your vegan strawberry cake. Here’s how to make it:
- Blend strawberries: Make a small amount of strawberry puree using fresh or freeze-dried strawberries for added color and taste.
- Mix with vegan butter and powdered sugar: Whip vegan butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree.
- Add food coloring if desired: For a deeper pink shade, add a drop of food coloring.
This frosting recipe results in a light and airy strawberry-flavored buttercream that’s perfect for this vegan cake.
Using Food Coloring in Vegan Strawberry Cake
For those wanting a vibrant pink cake, a bit of food coloring can make a big difference. Use a vegan-friendly food dye to maintain the cake’s ethical integrity. Aim for a subtle, natural pink that complements the strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
Tips for Baking the Cake to Perfection
Baking a vegan cake requires a little extra attention. Here are some key tips:
- Monitor oven temperature: Vegan cakes can sometimes be more delicate, so bake at a consistent 350°F.
- Use the toothpick test: To ensure your cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cool before frosting: Let your cake layers cool fully to avoid melting the frosting.
How to Store Your Vegan Strawberry Cake
Proper storage is essential to keep your vegan strawberry cake fresh:
- Refrigerate for longer freshness: If you’re storing the cake for more than a day, refrigerate it in an airtight container.
- Freeze for longer periods: Wrap each layer in plastic wrap, then store it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost.
Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes Option
If you’re in the mood for a twist, make vegan strawberry cupcakes instead! Simply follow the same recipe but pour the batter into cupcake tins. Bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until they’re set.
Key Takeaways
- Vegan butter and plant-based milk create a deliciously moist vegan cake.
- Strawberry puree is a must for the fresh, fruity flavor in both cake and frosting.
- Bake with care and make sure to cool fully before frosting for the best results.
- Try vegan strawberry cupcakes if you want a bite-sized version of this cake.
This vegan strawberry cake recipe is a sweet, fresh, and cruelty-free option for any dessert lover!