As I pulled open the fridge on a sunny afternoon, an unexpected sight caught my eye: a vibrant basket of fresh strawberries gleaming like little jewels. The thought of transforming these gems into an easy Vegan Strawberry Crumble immediately sparked my creativity. Infused with zesty orange juice and topped with a crispy crumble, this dessert is not only a celebration of strawberry season but also a fantastic way to indulge in something delightful and guilt-free. It’s quick to prepare and serves as a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for everything from cozy family gatherings to spontaneous picnic treats. Curious to know how to whip up this joyful concoction and savor the taste of spring? Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe together!
Why is this crumble a must-try?
Irresistible flavors shine through with ripe, juicy strawberries mingled with citrusy orange juice, making every bite burst with freshness. Ease is key here; this recipe is quick to whip up, perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet. Versatile by nature, feel free to swap in your favorite fruits! Serve warm with coconut yogurt or vegan vanilla ice cream for a heavenly treat. If you enjoy fruit-based desserts, you’ll also love our Vegan Jam Tarts or try the refreshing twist of Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. Crowd-pleaser status guaranteed; it’s a dessert everyone will adore!
Vegan Strawberry Crumble Ingredients
• Dive into the delightful details of this recipe with the essential ingredients!
For the Strawberry Filling
- Fresh Strawberries – Perfectly sweet and juicy, they form the heart of this crumble. Consider using thawed frozen strawberries if fresh ones are out of season, just remember to drain the excess water!
- Fresh Orange Juice – Adds a refreshing citrusy brightness to the filling, enhancing the strawberry flavor immensely. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice can be a zesty substitute, though you might want to add a bit of sweetener.
For the Crumble Topping
- Cornflour – Vital for thickening the filling, this ingredient ensures a luscious consistency. In a pinch, regular flour works just as well!
- Coconut Sugar – Introduces a warm sweetness to the crumble; feel free to swap in any preferred sweetener, such as white sugar or maple syrup.
- Whole Wheat Flour – Adds wholesome texture and nutrition to the crumble topping. You can easily substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.
- Vegan Butter – Creates a rich, creamy texture in the crumble. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut oil or nut butter.
- Rolled Oats – Contributes a delightful crunch and fiber to the topping. Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free Vegan Strawberry Crumble!
- Almond Flakes – Infuse extra crunch and nuttiness into the topping; any nut of your choice works beautifully or you can omit them altogether.
- Cinnamon – Offers a warm, aromatic flavor that makes this crumble truly comforting.
Get ready to enjoy the warm, scrumptious flavors of this Vegan Strawberry Crumble!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Strawberry Crumble
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Rinse and halve the fresh strawberries, then place them in a baking dish. Sprinkle the cornflour and coconut sugar over the berries, ensuring an even coating. Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice on top and mix gently to combine, allowing the strawberries to soak up the flavors for about 5 minutes while you prep the crumble.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, almond flakes, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted vegan butter, then use your hands to blend the ingredients, working them into a crumbly texture. This should take about 3-4 minutes, and you’ll want to see a mixture that’s still crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Step 3: Assemble the Crumble
Once your strawberry filling is prepared, spread the crumble topping evenly over the strawberry mixture, ensuring all fruit is covered. This layer should be thick enough to create a delightful contrast when baked. Aim to distribute the topping evenly for consistent baking, which usually takes just a minute or two.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and set a timer for 35 minutes. Keep an eye on the crumble as it bakes; you want the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown and become crunchy. The aroma of bubbling strawberries and warming spices will let you know that your Vegan Strawberry Crumble is nearly ready!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This step allows the juices to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve. Once it’s cooled to a comfortable temperature, scoop some of the crumble into bowls and enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut yogurt for an extra treat!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Strawberry Crumble
Fridge: Store your Vegan Strawberry Crumble in an airtight container for up to 3 days to retain its delightful flavors and freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the crumble in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat the crumble in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or use the microwave for a quicker option, following intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through.
Tip: Best enjoyed fresh, but the delightful contrast of warm, buttery crumble and juicy strawberries can still be savored after storage!
What to Serve with Vegan Strawberry Crumble
Indulging in a warm Vegan Strawberry Crumble is a treat on its own, but why not elevate it to a full meal experience?
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: This creamy, dreamy addition melts beautifully over the warm crumble, enhancing every sweet, juicy bite.
- Coconut Yogurt: A refreshing, dairy-free topping that adds a tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries, perfect for those seeking a lighter touch.
- Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the crumble and adds a pop of freshness to your meal.
- Herbal Iced Tea: A lightly sweetened herbal tea complements the vibrant flavors of the crumble, making it a delightful beverage for warm days.
- Chilled Lemonade: The tartness of homemade lemonade cuts through the sweetness of the crumble, making for a refreshing pairing.
- Dark Chocolate Squares: Rich, melted dark chocolate drizzled over each serving offers a decadent contrast to the fruity dessert, making it a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Grilled Peach Slices: Sweet, caramelized grilled peaches provide a delightful twist, echoing the fruity goodness of the crumble itself.
- Nut and Seed Mix: A crunchy, savory side of nuts and seeds can be a perfect snack before indulging in dessert, adding texture to your meal.
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of hot coffee or espresso side-by-side with your Vegan Strawberry Crumble creates a cozy ending to any meal.
Expert Tips for Vegan Strawberry Crumble
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Coat Well: Ensure all strawberries are fully coated in the filling mix for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
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Adjust Sweetness: If your strawberries are particularly sweet, reduce the coconut sugar in the filling to prevent overpowering sweetness.
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Crispy Topping: For a crunchier texture, increase the proportion of rolled oats or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the crumble topping.
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Gluten-Free Assurance: When making a gluten-free Vegan Strawberry Crumble, always check that your oats and cornflour are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the crumble while baking; every oven varies, and you want that topping to be perfectly golden without burning!
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Fruit Variations: Don’t hesitate to swap strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful variation on this Vegan Strawberry Crumble!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Strawberry Crumble preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the strawberry filling and crumble topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wash and halve the strawberries, mix them with cornflour and coconut sugar, and refrigerate in an airtight container. For the crumble, combine all dry ingredients and melted vegan butter, then store in the fridge. To maintain freshness, don’t assemble the layers until you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to enjoy your dessert, just layer the crumble over the filling and bake as instructed. This way, you’ll experience that just-baked goodness with minimal effort!
Vegan Strawberry Crumble Variations
Feel free to elevate your vegan strawberry crumble with these fun and tasty twists that will make your dessert even more enjoyable!
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Berry Bliss: Substitute strawberries with a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a vibrant, fruity explosion. Each berry brings its unique flavor to this joyful medley!
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Citrus Zing: Try adding lemon or lime zest alongside the orange juice to enhance the crumble’s citrusy brightness. A little zesty kick can really brighten up the whole dish.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor boost. It’s a delightful surprise that everyone will love!
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Maple Delight: Swap out coconut sugar for pure maple syrup in the crumble to lend a warm, inviting sweetness. Just reduce the liquid elsewhere a bit to maintain that perfect texture!
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Spiced Up: Introduce a dash of nutmeg or ginger to the crumble mix for an enticing, aromatic undertone. This will elevate your crumble to a comforting and cozy dessert!
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Vegan Crumble Bars: For a fun alternative, press the crumble into a baking dish as a bar, creating “strawberry crumble bars.” Perfect for on-the-go snacking!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some vegan chocolate sauce over the warm crumble for a decadent dessert twist. Chocolate and strawberry are a match made in heaven!
For even more delightful dessert inspirations, consider welcoming the lovely flavors of our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake or indulge in the fun of our Vegan Pistachio Ice Cream as perfect accompaniments to this crumble!
Vegan Strawberry Crumble Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for this Vegan Strawberry Crumble, as they bring sweetness and juiciness. When choosing strawberries, look for berries that are bright red and firm, without dark spots or signs of mold. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thawed frozen strawberries can work too, just ensure to drain any excess water before using.
How should I store the leftover crumble?
To keep your Vegan Strawberry Crumble fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation. If you find yourself with leftovers after that, you can freeze the crumble for up to 3 months! Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I freeze this crumble?
Very! Freezing is a great option. To freeze, allow the crumble to cool completely, then transfer it to a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. If you’re freezing individual portions, scoop out servings into smaller containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.
What should I do if my crumble doesn’t get crispy?
If your crumble topping isn’t crispy, it’s often because it hasn’t baked long enough or the topping wasn’t mixed properly. Ensure you bake for the full 35 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If during mixing, your crumble feels too wet, try adding a bit more rolled oats or flour to achieve that crumbly texture. If necessary, you can also broil for the last couple of minutes to achieve extra crispiness.
Is this recipe allergy-friendly?
Definitely! This Vegan Strawberry Crumble is naturally dairy-free, and you can easily make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and replacing whole wheat flour with a gluten-free alternative. Always check the labels of your ingredients, especially the oats and any nuts you might add, to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Can I modify the sweetener used in the recipe?
Yes! If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you can substitute coconut sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just remember that liquid sweeteners may affect the consistency, so you might need to adjust the dry ingredients in the crumble topping to maintain the right texture.
Delicious Vegan Strawberry Crumble for a Guilt-Free Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Rinse and halve the fresh strawberries, then place them in a baking dish. Sprinkle cornflour and coconut sugar over the berries, mixing gently and letting sit for about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, rolled oats, almond flakes, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted vegan butter and blend into a crumbly texture.
- Spread the crumble topping evenly over the strawberry mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crunchy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm, possibly with vegan ice cream or coconut yogurt.
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