This Vegan Strawberry Cake stands out as a masterpiece among strawberry desserts. Its foundation lies in the generous use of fresh, ripe strawberries, giving it a vibrant, natural flavor that is truly exceptional. Complementing this fruity richness is a luscious pink frosting that adds both visual appeal and a delightful sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The recipe for this exquisite cake is an adaptation of my Vegan Vanilla Cake, carefully modified to incorporate the essence of fresh strawberries. The result is a cake that is not only moist and fluffy but also exudes the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite.
To enhance the strawberry flavor, I drew inspiration from Sally’s Baking Addiction, utilizing reduced strawberry puree in the cake batter and incorporating freeze-dried strawberries into the frosting. These additions elevate the cake’s taste, adding depth and complexity to the strawberry notes.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, using fresh strawberries in the frosting is a simple yet effective alternative. By following the frosting recipe from my Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes, you can achieve a frosting that retains the essence of fresh strawberries, offering a different yet equally delightful experience.
Whichever frosting option you choose, rest assured that both recipes guarantee a delicious outcome. After all, when it comes to strawberries, you can never go wrong. If, like me, you have a deep affection for strawberries, I invite you to explore more strawberry-infused creations, such as my Vegan Strawberry Pie, Strawberry Rolls, and Vegan Strawberry Shortcake. Each of these treats celebrates the natural sweetness and charm of strawberries, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table.”
Creating a Vegan Strawberry Cake
You can find the full recipe, including precise measurements, in the recipe card below.
Ingredients
- Strawberries:
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries.
- No significant taste difference between the two.
- Choose sweet, vibrant strawberries for a noticeable flavor in the cake.
- Freshness and quality impact the final cake’s taste and appearance.
- Strawberry Puree:
- Acts like applesauce in the recipe.
- Serves as a wonderful egg replacer.
- Adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Dairy-Free Milk:
- Recipe requires less milk compared to other vegan cakes.
- Due to the high moisture content from the strawberry puree.
- Eliminates the need for a strawberry reduction.
- Oil:
- Keeps the cake moist and fluffy.
- Better than butter, which can make the cake feel dry if not at room temperature.
- Baking Powder and Soda:
- Double baking agents used to counteract the high fruit content.
- Helps prevent the cake from becoming too dense.
- Beetroot Powder or Pink/Red Food Coloring:
- Optional for color enhancement.
- Without them, the cake is a dull, pale pink color.
- Beetroot powder can vary in color, resulting in cakes ranging from vibrant pink to orange/brown.
- Pink/red food coloring provides more consistent results, with the batter almost the same color as the baked cakes.
Creating the Strawberry Cake Batter
- Preparation Method:
- It is recommended to make the cake batter in a large bowl instead of using a stand mixer to avoid over-mixing.
- Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so mixing by hand is preferred.
- Dry Ingredients:
- Add all dry ingredients to the bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients until they are well combined.
- Incorporate beetroot powder into the dry ingredients if it is part of the recipe.
- Wet Ingredients:
- Add all wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Include any food coloring in this step if it is part of the recipe.
- Mixing the Batter:
- Mix the batter until just combined.
- It is okay if there are some lumps in the batter, but ensure that there are no pockets of flour remaining.
- Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense cake, so mix gently until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Consistency of the Batter:
- The final batter should be quite thick.
- A thick batter helps create a fluffier vegan strawberry cake without dense spots.
- Avoid a runny batter, as it can result in a stodgy cake.
Baking the Strawberry Cake
The vegan strawberry cake is typically baked for approximately 30 minutes, although the exact time may vary depending on the temperature of your oven. It’s important to check the cake layers for doneness by inserting a skewer into the middle; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. Given their high moisture content, it’s essential to ensure that the cakes are fully baked through. If you’ve added beetroot powder to the batter, it’s normal for the cakes to darken slightly after baking. The surface of the cake tends to be darker than the middle, which remains lighter in color. This color variation is expected and does not affect the taste or texture of the cake.
Prepare Vegan Strawberry Frosting and Frost Your Cake for a Delicious Finish
When making frosting for your cake, using freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh ones is recommended for several reasons. Fresh strawberries can cause the frosting to curdle due to their moisture content, while freeze-dried strawberries add a concentrated flavor without the risk of curdling. Additionally, freeze-dried strawberries provide a more intense strawberry flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the frosting.
If you prefer, you can also use the frosting recipe from your cupcakes, as it will work well with this cake too. To make the frosting, start by blending the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor or blender. This will ensure that the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the frosting.
In a mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to beat the mixture until all the powdered sugar is incorporated and the frosting is smooth.
Next, add the strawberry powder to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Add vanilla extract and milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency. The frosting should be creamy and spreadable but not too runny.
Once your cakes have completely cooled, frost them with the strawberry frosting, spreading it evenly over the top and sides of the cakes. You can also decorate the cake with fresh whole strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy a slice of your delicious vegan strawberry cake!
Key Tips for Perfect Vegan Strawberry Cake and Frosting
When preparing your pans, it’s essential to use a small circle of parchment paper at the bottom. Additionally, make sure to spray or grease the pans, including the sides. This step is crucial, as I’ve learned from experience and have had many cakes ruined by not properly preparing my pans.
Using both vegan butter and oil in your cake recipe is key to achieving a super moist and fluffy texture, while also giving it the best possible buttery flavor.
It’s crucial to let your cakes cool completely before frosting them. If they’re even slightly warm, the frosting can melt and create a messy situation. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the cooling process by placing the cakes in the refrigerator.
Similarly, it’s a good idea to allow your reduced strawberry puree to cool a bit before adding it to the cake batter. This helps prevent the heat from affecting the batter’s consistency. I often place mine in the refrigerator while preparing the rest of the cake batter, and it works perfectly.
For the best flavor and texture, use deep red, sweet strawberries in your recipe. Fresh, seasonal strawberries are ideal, but if they’re not available, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute. However, keep in mind that fresh strawberries will give you the most delicious results.
Freezing a Strawberry Cake
- Types of Cakes:
- Includes unfrosted layers, loaves, Bundts, and even completely decorated and frosted cakes.
- The freezing process remains consistent regardless of the cake type.
- Pre-Freezing Preparation:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
- Cooling helps prevent condensation inside the wrapping, which can lead to soggy cakes.
- Wrapping for Freezing:
- Use plastic wrap to tightly wrap the entire cake.
- Ensure the wrap is snug to prevent air from reaching the cake, which can cause freezer burn.
- For individual slices or portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
- Storage in Freezer:
- Place the wrapped cake or individual portions in the freezer.
- Store the cake in a section of the freezer where it won’t get crushed or damaged.
- Thawing Before Serving:
- When ready to serve, thaw the frozen cake in the refrigerator.
- Thawing in the fridge helps maintain the cake’s texture and prevents it from becoming too moist or soggy.
- Additional Tips:
- Label the wrapped cake with the date of freezing to ensure you use it within a reasonable time frame.
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags for additional protection if the cake is to be stored for an extended period.
- Note:
- Freezing can slightly alter the texture of the cake, particularly for frosted cakes, but it generally does not significantly affect the taste.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, freezing a vegan strawberry cake is a simple and effective way to preserve its freshness and flavor for future enjoyment. Whether you’re storing unfrosted layers, fully decorated cakes, or individual slices, the key is to cool the cake completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps protect the cake from freezer burn and moisture loss. When you’re ready to serve the cake, thaw it in the refrigerator to retain its texture and taste. With these steps, you can ensure that your vegan strawberry cake remains a delicious treat, even after being stored in the freezer.
FAQ’S
How do vegan cakes differ from regular cakes?
A vegan cake is distinguished by its exclusion of animal-derived ingredients such as eggs, milk, and dairy products. In contrast, “regular” cakes typically contain these key components, which are integral to creating the sponge, icing, and often the decorations as well.
Are vegan cakes healthier than traditional cakes?
Vegan cakes are typically considered healthier than their non-vegan counterparts for several reasons. They do not contain cholesterol, and they are generally lower in saturated fat, unless they are made with significant amounts of palm or coconut oil. Additionally, vegan cakes are prepared without eggs and dairy, resulting in lower total fat and calorie content compared to traditional cakes.
Are eggs a common ingredient in vegan cakes?
A vegan cake is made without any animal-derived ingredients, including eggs and dairy. Instead, it is designed to use plant-based alternatives. For example, soy yogurt can replace dairy yogurt, and margarine made from vegetable oils can be used instead of butter. These substitutions allow vegan cakes to be free of animal products while still offering comparable taste and texture.
How long does vegan cake last?
If you have made your sponge with vegan butter, it will remain in good tasting condition for about five days. However, it is recommended to consume it within three days to be on the safe side. Using oil in your baking can extend the shelf life by about two days.
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