Vegan Strawberry Birthday Cake
There’s something undeniably joyful about baking a cake for someone you love! We’re celebrating a June birthday, as well as Father’s Day back to back and strawberries are in their seasonal prime. This Vegan Strawberry Birthday Cake was created to mark a special day/weekend in our home, and it quickly turned into a new favorite. Light, tender, and full of natural strawberry flavor, it's a celebration of everything we love about early summer.
Strawberries hold a nostalgic charm for us, and using them fresh in both the batter and the frosting gives this cake its vibrant color and sweet, tangy brightness. It's completely plant-based, but you’d never know it—each bite is rich, fluffy, and just indulgent enough to feel festive. The addition of strawberry purée in both the cake and the frosting makes the flavor shine, while vegan butter and a touch of vanilla bring everything together into a dreamy, pink-hued dessert.
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer gathering, or simply looking to treat yourself with something special, this recipe delivers. Top it with fresh berries, a dusting of crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or your favorite vegan sprinkles, and you’ve got a cake that looks just as lovely as it tastes.
Vegan Strawberry Birthday Cake
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25-30 mins | Total Time: ~1 hour (plus cooling)
Servings: 8-10
Vegan Strawberry Birthday Cake Ingredients:
For the Vegan Strawberry Cake:
2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups (360ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
⅓ cup (80ml) melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
2 tsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120g) strawberry puree (blend fresh/frozen strawberries)
For the Strawberry Frosting:
1 cup (230g) vegan butter (or coconut oil, softened)
3 ½ - 4 cups (420-480g) powdered sugar
¼ cup (60g) strawberry puree (strained for smoother frosting)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp plant milk (if needed for consistency)
Optional Add-ins/Decorations:
Fresh strawberry slices
Vegan sprinkles
Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (for color & flavor)
Vegan Strawberry Birthday Cake Instructions:
1. Make the Cake Layers:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (or 9-inch) round cake pans.
Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk almond milk, vinegar, vanilla, oil, and strawberry puree.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
Bake: Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake for 25-30 mins, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Strawberry Frosting:
Beat vegan butter until creamy (~2 mins).
Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing well.
Add strawberry puree and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Adjust thickness with plant milk if needed.
3. Assemble the Cake:
Layer cakes: Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting, and add fresh strawberry slices (optional).
Top with second layer, then frost the entire cake. Decorate with more strawberries or sprinkles!
Tips for Success:
Strawberry puree: Blend 1 cup strawberries, then strain if you want a smoother frosting.
Extra flavor: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter for brightness.
Make ahead: Cakes can be baked 1 day in advance (wrap tightly in plastic).
Enjoy your Vegan Strawberry Birthday Cake! 🎉🍓
This Vegan Strawberry Birthday Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of the season, of thoughtful baking, and of the joy that comes from creating something with love. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, an afternoon tea, or a casual summer gathering, this cake brings something special to the table: a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia, all in a plant-based package.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can keep it simple with fresh strawberry slices and a swirl of frosting, or dress it up with layers, sprinkles, and crushed freeze-dried berries for an eye-catching finish. It’s designed to be approachable and reliable for home bakers—no complicated steps, just good ingredients and a clear method.
We love how the natural sweetness of strawberries shines through, both in the cake and in the frosting. It’s light enough to enjoy during warm weather, but rich and satisfying enough to feel like a proper birthday treat. Even non-vegans will be reaching for a second slice.
So whether you’re marking a milestone, honoring a June birthday, or simply leaning into the joys of seasonal fruit, this strawberry cake is a sweet and thoughtful choice. We hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen like it has in ours—and that it brings a little extra sunshine to your next celebration.
Here’s to delicious moments, shared memories, and the magic of homemade cake. Happy baking!
