If you have a soft spot for sweet, moist cakes that burst with fruity goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for this **Vegan Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe**. It’s a delightful dairy-free and egg-free cake that combines a tender vanilla bean crumb, fresh blueberries bubbling under a crunchy cinnamon streusel, and a glossy blueberry glaze that ties every bite together. Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a cozy weekend baking project, or simply craving something indulgent yet wholesome, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen and heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cake starts with a handful of simple ingredients, each playing its own role in flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy blueberries that add bursts of freshness to the cinnamon-scented crumb that provides crunch, every component works in harmony to create a dreamy dessert.
- Fresh blueberries (1 ¾ cups): The star fruit that gives the cake its vibrant color and juicy tartness.
- Blueberry preserves (¼ cup): Blends with the fresh berries to amplify blueberry flavor and add natural sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and the toppings, balancing tartness perfectly.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the blueberry topping for a luscious texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm spice notes to the crumb topping.
- All-purpose flour: Used both in the cake and crumb for structure and tenderness.
- Vegan butter: Brings richness and moisture without dairy.
- Soy milk (⅔ cup): Combines with apple cider vinegar to create vegan buttermilk for lightness.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons): Reacts with baking powder to give the cake a fluffy crumb.
- Vanilla bean or extract: Infuses the cake with subtle, fragrant flavor.
- Neutral oil (3 tablespoons): Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the vanilla.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt (⅔ cup): Adds tang and ensures a tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Used in the optional glaze for a delicate finish.
How to Make Vegan Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
Line the base and sides of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking. Preheat your oven to 320°F fan-forced or 356°F conventional. This preparation sets the stage for a smooth baking process and perfectly cooked cake.
Step 2: Macerate the Blueberries
In a bowl, gently toss fresh blueberries with blueberry preserves, sugar, and cornstarch. This mixture will bubble and thicken during baking, creating irresistible juicy pockets throughout your cake.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
Combine sugar, cinnamon, flour, and vegan butter, then use your fingers to rub everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumb topping will bake into a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cake.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Cake
Sift together flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. This step is crucial for a cake that rises evenly and tastes balanced.
Step 5: Create Vegan Buttermilk
Stir apple cider vinegar into soy milk and set aside for a few minutes until it curdles slightly. This acts as a vegan buttermilk substitute that tenderizes the cake crumb and helps it rise.
Step 6: Flavor the Sugar
Add sugar and a split vanilla bean pod to a mixing bowl, rubbing the beans into the sugar with your fingertips before removing the pod. This technique infuses your cake with natural vanilla aroma without artificial extracts.
Step 7: Cream Sugar and Butter
Whisk vegan butter into the vanilla sugar until fluffy and pale, creating a rich base that traps air and yields a light cake texture.
Step 8: Add Wet Ingredients
Blend in vegan yogurt, neutral oil, and vanilla extract (if you’re not using the pod) until the mixture is smooth and silky.
Step 9: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Slowly add half of the dry ingredients mixed earlier, then half of the vegan buttermilk, whisking gently. Follow with the remaining dry and wet ingredients and combine until just blended to keep the cake tender and moist.
Step 10: Assemble and Bake
Pour your cake batter into the prepared pan, spread macerated blueberries evenly on top, and sprinkle the crumb topping over everything. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick which should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs attached.
Step 11: Cool and Glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cool, whisk together blueberry jam, soy milk, and powdered sugar to create a glossy glaze. Drizzle this over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Vegan Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh blueberries makes a pretty and tasty garnish to brighten up each slice. A few mint leaves add lovely color and freshness if you want to get fancy.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for extra decadence. A cup of herbal tea or a latte complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into small squares and serve on decorative plates for parties or brunches. You can also cut it into wedges and arrange on a platter surrounded by fresh berries and edible flowers to wow your guests visually and palate-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Vegan Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. This preserves the moist texture and fresh flavor beautifully.
Freezing
Wrap cooled slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge for quick enjoyment of your homemade treat anytime.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well too! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before macerating to avoid making the batter too wet.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that other ingredients like baking powder are gluten-free as well.
What if I don’t have vegan Greek-style yogurt?
You can replace it with any plain unsweetened vegan yogurt, though Greek-style provides a thicker texture that contributes to moistness and tang.
Can I skip the blueberry glaze?
Absolutely! The glaze is optional and the cake is delicious on its own. The crumb and blueberry topping already add wonderful texture and flavor.
How do I store this cake if I don’t have a springform pan?
Use a similarly sized cake or baking pan lined with parchment paper. Just be extra careful when removing to keep the crumb topping intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about baking a **Vegan Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe** from scratch, especially when it fills your home with comforting vanilla and cinnamon scents. Whether served with a cup of tea or as a delightful breakfast treat, this cake proves that plant-based baking can be every bit as indulgent and satisfying as traditional versions. Give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Vegan Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan blueberry crumb cake features a moist and tender vanilla bean cake infused with fresh blueberries, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel and finished with a sweet blueberry glaze. Egg-free and dairy-free, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a delicious plant-based dessert that combines fruity freshness with a crumbly texture.
Ingredients
Blueberry Topping
- 260 g (1 ¾ cups) fresh blueberries
- 60 g (¼ cup) blueberry preserves/jam
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Crumb Topping
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 90 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
- 45 g (3 tablespoons) vegan butter, room temperature
Cake
- 250 g (2 cups + 4 teaspoons) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 160 ml (⅔ cup) soy milk
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla pod, sliced in half (optional)
- 90 g (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) vegan butter, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil or olive oil
- 160 g (⅔ cup) vegan Greek-style yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon if not using pod
Blueberry Glaze (optional)
- 1 teaspoon blueberry preserves/jam
- 1 tablespoon soy milk
- 90 g (¾ cup) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preparation: Line the sides and base of a 7.5 or 8-inch springform cake pan with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to fan-forced 160°C (320°F) or conventional 180°C (356°F).
- Macerate the blueberries: In a bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with blueberry preserves, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set this mixture aside to macerate and thicken slightly while you prepare the other components.
- Prepare the crumb topping: In a bowl, combine sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and vegan butter. Use your fingers to rub the mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside the crumb topping.
- Mix dry ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt into a separate bowl and stir to combine. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Make vegan buttermilk: In a small jug, mix the soy milk and apple cider vinegar together and allow it to sit for a few minutes to curdle, creating a vegan buttermilk substitute.
- Flavor the sugar: Add the granulated sugar and sliced vanilla pod to a large mixing bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the vanilla seeds into the sugar to infuse it with flavor. Remove and discard the vanilla pod after rubbing.
- Cream the sugar and butter: Add the room temperature vegan butter to the vanilla-infused sugar and whisk with a hand mixer for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the vegan Greek-style yogurt, neutral or olive oil, and vanilla extract to the creamed sugar and butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Make the batter: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then half of the vegan buttermilk. Whisk gently to combine, then add the remaining dry ingredients and vegan buttermilk and mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and spread evenly. Carefully spread the macerated blueberries over the top, then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the blueberries.
- Bake: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center. It should come out almost clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If wet batter remains, bake in 5-minute increments until done.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove the springform pan and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze (optional): Whisk together blueberry preserves, soy milk, and powdered sugar until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, dust the top with powdered sugar and drizzle the blueberry glaze over the cake for an extra burst of sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for best results; frozen blueberries can be used but may release more moisture.
- Cornstarch helps thicken the blueberry topping so it doesn’t make the cake soggy.
- Soy milk is recommended for its neutral flavor and good curdling ability with vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
- Neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil works well; olive oil can be used but may impart a slight flavor.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt adds moisture and creaminess to the cake batter.
- Ensure vegan butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and incorporation.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before applying the glaze to avoid melting it.