Vegan Strawberry Crumble Cups

Name: Vegan Strawberry Crumble Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore making Vegan Strawberry Crumble Cups! These delightful treats combine the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries with a crunchy, crumbly topping. Since going vegan, I've experimented with various fruit-based desserts, but this combination stands out due to its simplicity and taste. They are perfect for a quick snack or a charming dessert at gatherings. The best part? They come together in just a few minutes, allowing me to share a tasty treat without extensive preparation.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-21T19:18:18.825Z

When I first tried making these Vegan Strawberry Crumble Cups, I was amazed at how well the flavors melded together. I used ripe strawberries, which added a natural sweetness, and combined them with a quick oat topping. It’s incredible how such simple ingredients can create a dish that feels indulgent.

One crucial tip I learned is to let the strawberries macerate for a bit before baking. This step enhances their natural juiciness and flavor, leading to a filling that is both vibrant and delicious. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor in every bite
Crunchy crumble topping that adds a delightful texture
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion

Strawberry Maceration Magic

Macerating the strawberries is a crucial step that enhances the flavor of your filling. When combined with maple syrup and lemon juice, the strawberries release their natural juices, allowing for a more syrupy and cohesive filling. Letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes is key; during this time, you'll notice the berries becoming glossy and softer. This not only intensifies the sweetness but also thickens the juice slightly due to the cornstarch, creating a luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy topping.

For a twist in flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the maceration mix. This small addition can elevate the overall flavor profile, giving your vegan cups a more well-rounded taste. Remember that the quality of your strawberries plays a significant role; opt for ripe, in-season berries to maximize sweetness and juiciness.

Achieving the Perfect Crumble

The crumble topping is where the texture of your Vegan Strawberry Crumble Cups truly shines. Mixing rolled oats with almond flour provides a balance of chewiness and crispiness. Ensure that your coconut oil is melted but not overly hot, as this can lead to an overly greasy crumble. The right consistency should be crumbly yet cohesive, holding together when pressed. If your mixture feels too dry, you can add an additional tablespoon of melted coconut oil to bind it better.

To add flavor variance to the crumble, feel free to include different spices or nuts, such as a pinch of nutmeg or some chopped walnuts. These additions can enhance the wholesome nature of the cups while giving them a perfect crunch. Be careful not to overmix; this helps in maintaining a delightful, crumbly texture that contrasts with the soft strawberries.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Vegan Strawberry Crumble Cups are delightful warm, but they can also be served at room temperature, making them versatile for different occasions. If you plan to serve them at a gathering, consider prepping the strawberry filling and crumble topping separately in advance, then assemble and bake shortly before serving. This ensures your crumble stays crispy and delicious while allowing you to enjoy your guests.

For storage, these treats will last in the refrigerator for up to three days when covered properly. If you'd like to keep them longer, they can be frozen after baking—just ensure they're in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness.

Ingredients

For the Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well and let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to macerate.

Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, mix rolled oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Assemble the Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the strawberry mixture into oven-safe cups, then generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the strawberries.

Bake

Place the cups in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbly.

Serve

Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an even more flavor-packed crumble, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or seeds to the topping. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by modifying the maple syrup amount based on the ripeness of your strawberries.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily swap rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats. For the flour component, substitute almond flour with oat flour or another nut flour like hazelnut flour, keeping in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile. Coconut oil can also be substituted with vegan butter or a light olive oil, although coconut oil gives a lovely tropical hint to the dish.

Maple syrup can be replaced with agave nectar or a similar liquid sweetener, but consider the flavor intensity; agave is generally milder, so adjust to your preference. For a raw twist, you can use dates blended into a paste, though this will change the texture of the filling slightly.

Creating Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fruits beyond strawberries! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples make for great substitutions or additions. Each of these fruits brings its unique flavor and texture, so adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your fruit of choice. For a tropical flair, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the crumble topping.

Adding spices like ginger or cardamom to the filling or the topping can elevate the flavor complexity. Furthermore, to make these cups a complete breakfast option, add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the filling for a nutritional boost.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your crumble topping is too greasy or falling apart, it's likely due to excess melted coconut oil. Adding a bit more oats or flour can help absorb excess moisture. Conversely, if the topping is too dry, make sure to adjust with more oil or even a bit of plant-based yogurt to help it adhere better.

For the filling, if the strawberries are too runny after baking, you can thicken it further with an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tiny bit of water before adding it to the cups. This ensures that the dessert isn’t overly soupy, maintaining the delightful balance between the juicy fruit and crunchy topping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Certainly! Use certified gluten-free oats and flour for the crumble topping.

→ What's a good substitute for almond flour?

You can use oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.