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Indulge in the delightful simplicity of a Small-batch Vegan Strawberry Cake – the perfect sweet treat tailored for intimate gatherings. This recipe is a gem for those looking for a scaled-down dessert that doesn’t leave you with excess leftovers. Imagine two moist 6-inch layers infused with the essence of fresh strawberries, lovingly filled with berry preserves, and elegantly crowned with a velvety strawberry frosting – a true celebration cake for those special moments shared with a few loved ones.
Crafted out of a desire to offer a smaller version of a beloved full-sized classic, this Vegan Strawberry Cake is a testament to the joy of baking with purpose and heart. The secret lies in the luscious strawberry puree that imparts a natural burst of fruitiness, elevating every bite with authentic flavor. It’s a recipe that has won over even the most discerning non-vegan palates, making it a star at any gathering where taste and quality matter.
Embrace the versatility of this cake by exploring variations in frosting, from tangy vegan cream cheese to zesty lemon buttercream, or even a decadent dark chocolate ganache for a twist. And don’t fret if fresh strawberries are out of season – frozen ones work beautifully too, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful treat any time of the year. So, whip up this Small-batch Vegan Strawberry Cake, savor every moment of baking, and share the joy of a homemade dessert that speaks volumes in flavor and love.
Quick Benefits
- Perfect portion size for intimate gatherings without leftovers
- Successfully veganized recipe with genuine fruit flavor from strawberry puree
- Maintains moisture beautifully when stored properly
- Versatile recipe with options for ingredient substitutions and frosting variations
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Vegan Strawberry Cake Recipe Recipe
- Perfect for Intimate Gatherings: Ideal for smaller celebrations or when you don’t want leftovers of a full-sized dessert, making it perfect for intimate gatherings.
- Deliciously Vegan: Even non-vegans will be impressed by the flavor and texture of this cake, proving that vegan desserts can be just as delicious.
- Authentic Strawberry Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries and strawberry puree infuses the cake with genuine fruit flavor, avoiding artificial extracts for a more authentic taste.
- Moist and Flavorful: Maintains its moisture beautifully, providing a delectable experience with every bite.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Can be made with different berries if strawberries aren’t available, and can be adapted for gluten-free diets or varied flavor preferences.
- Variety of Frosting Options: While the strawberry frosting is delightful, there are suggestions for alternative frostings to cater to different tastes.
- Make-ahead Friendly: Cake layers can be baked in advance and stored, allowing for easy assembly and frosting just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Storage Tips: Offers guidance on how to store the cake for optimal texture and flavor, whether at room temperature or in the fridge, emphasizing the importance of letting it come to room temperature before serving.
- Coloring and Flavoring Options: Provides flexibility with food coloring and flavoring, allowing you to skip the coloring or experiment with different frostings for a personalized touch.
Ingredients for Delicious Vegan Strawberry Cake Recipe
Strawberry Puree
- 240g fresh or frozen strawberries, room temperature, measured without stems
Dry ingredients
- 135g granulated sugar
- 190g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Wet ingredients
- 30g dairy-free milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 65g neutral-flavored oil
- 1/4 scant teaspoon pink gel food coloring or 1/2 scant teaspoon liquid food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To decorate
- Fresh strawberries or other fresh berries
- Vegan strawberry frosting
- 110g strawberry or raspberry preserves, thick and not runny
How to Make Delicious Vegan Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the fresh strawberry puree
Place the strawberries in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the cake batter
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare two 15 cm (6 inch) round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry cake ingredients, then add strawberry puree and wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, ensuring no flour pockets remain.
Step 3: Bake the cakes
Pour the batter evenly into the two greased cake pans and level the tops. Bake for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the cake
Once the cakes have cooled, level off the domed tops. Put one cake layer on a serving plate and spread or pipe 3/4 cup of frosting on top. If using fruit preserves, create a dam with frosting, add the preserves, and top with the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake and decorate with fresh strawberries or other toppings.
Step 5: Storage recommendation
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature until serving. Refrigerate any leftovers for 2-3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
Storage Tips
Once your small-batch vegan strawberry cake is fully assembled and frosted, it’s essential to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and flavor. If you plan to serve the cake on the same day, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. However, for longer storage of up to 3 days, it is best to refrigerate the cake. When refrigerating, ensure the cake is in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Before serving the refrigerated cake, remember to let it come to room temperature for 1-2 hours. Allowing the cake to warm up before serving helps to restore its moisture and enhances the flavors. This step is crucial as serving the cake cold can mute the sweetness and the vibrant strawberry notes. By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your small-batch vegan strawberry cake at its best for several days after baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If strawberries are not available, feel free to substitute them with raspberries or a mixed berry blend for a delicious variation of the vegan strawberry cake. Additionally, for those with gluten-free dietary needs, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly. Another adaptable substitution is using melted coconut oil instead of neutral-flavored oil to introduce a subtle coconut flavor that complements the strawberry taste beautifully.
While the vegan strawberry frosting is recommended for its cohesive berry experience, you have the flexibility to experiment with other frostings like strawberry cream cheese or lemon buttercream to create different flavor profiles. If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can omit it without compromising the taste of the cake. Remember to measure the flour accurately using the spoon and level method to prevent the cake from turning out dry or dense. Finally, for make-ahead convenience, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container, assembling and frosting the cake just before serving for optimal freshness.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate the presentation of this Small-batch Vegan Strawberry Cake, consider serving it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top. The creamy coconut undertones will complement the strawberry flavor beautifully, while the vibrant green mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness to each slice.
For a charming individual dessert presentation, try cutting the cake into petite rounds using a small biscuit cutter or a glass with a narrow rim. Stack these mini cake rounds with layers of strawberry frosting and a drizzle of berry preserves between each one to create elegant and dainty cake stacks. Finish by topping each stack with a whole fresh strawberry or a medley of berries for a visually appealing and delectable treat.
FAQs for Delicious Vegan Strawberry Cake Recipe
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure they are fully thawed and at room temperature before blending into a puree.
Can I use a different frosting other than the vegan strawberry frosting?
The vegan strawberry frosting is ideal, but you can also try strawberry cream cheese frosting or lemon buttercream for variations.
How should I measure the flour for this recipe?
Use the spoon and level method to measure flour properly. This ensures the cake doesn’t turn out dry or dense.
Can I bake the cake layers in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble and frost the cake just before serving for freshness.
Conclusion
Small-batch Vegan Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries in a perfectly portioned dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this cake is sure to bring joy to your table and smiles to your guests’ faces. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a must-try for any baker looking to create a memorable culinary experience.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of strawberries fill your kitchen as you embark on the journey of making this Small-batch Vegan Strawberry Cake. From its tender layers to its luscious frosting, every bite is a celebration of flavor and love. Embrace the magic of baking and share the joy of homemade goodness with those you cherish. Let this cake be a reminder that even in small batches, great things can be achieved, especially when they involve a slice of heavenly vegan strawberry goodness.
Delicious Vegan Strawberry Cake Recipe
“Whip up a delightful Small-batch Vegan Strawberry Cake showcasing fresh fruit flavors and a luscious strawberry frosting, perfect for intimate celebrations.”
Prep Time30 Minutes
Cook Time22 Minutes
Total Time52 Minutes
CuisineAmerican, Vegan
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 240g fresh or frozen strawberries, room temperature, measured without stems
Dry ingredients
- 135g granulated sugar
- 190g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Wet ingredients
- 30g dairy-free milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 65g neutral-flavored oil
- 1/4 scant teaspoon pink gel food coloring or 1/2 scant teaspoon liquid food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To decorate
- Fresh strawberries or other fresh berries
- Vegan strawberry frosting
- 110g strawberry or raspberry preserves, thick and not runny
Instructions
-
Prepare the fresh strawberry puree: Place the strawberries in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
-
Prepare the cake batter: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare two 15 cm (6 inch) round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry cake ingredients, then add strawberry puree and wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, ensuring no flour pockets remain.
-
Bake the cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the two greased cake pans and level the tops. Bake for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Assemble the cake: Once the cakes have cooled, level off the domed tops. Put one cake layer on a serving plate and spread or pipe 3/4 cup of frosting on top. If using fruit preserves, create a dam with frosting, add the preserves, and top with the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake and decorate with fresh strawberries or other toppings.
-
Storage recommendation: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature until serving. Refrigerate any leftovers for 2-3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
