Vegan Coffee Cake Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Treats

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked coffee cake wafting through your kitchen on a cozy morning. Coffee cake is a beloved classic—moist, tender, and often topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel.

But what if you could enjoy every single bite without dairy or eggs? Enter the world of vegan coffee cake recipes, where plant-based ingredients come together to create a treat that’s every bit as indulgent and satisfying as its traditional counterpart.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for the perfect companion to your afternoon cup of coffee, or simply craving a sweet snack, a vegan coffee cake fits the bill beautifully. This recipe is designed to be easy, approachable, and absolutely delicious—no fancy ingredients or complicated steps required.

You’ll find that with a few simple swaps, you can make a coffee cake that tastes just like the classic, with a crumbly topping and a fluffy, flavorful base. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Plant-Based and Allergy-Friendly: No dairy or eggs means this coffee cake is perfect for vegans and those with allergies.
• Classic Flavor, Modern Ingredients: Enjoy the comforting taste of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla—just like the coffee cakes you remember!
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to plant-based milk and oil, this cake stays wonderfully soft and moist.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps or equipment. This recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together quickly.
• Customizable: Add nuts, fruit, or swap in your favorite spices for a personal twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-vegans will love this cake, making it ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
• Perfect Any Time of Day: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—there’s never a wrong time for coffee cake!

Ingredients

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (at least two: one for the cake, one for the topping)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9-inch square baking pan (or similar size, such as 8×8-inch or a round pan)
• Whisk and spatula
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
• Oven
• Cooling rack
• Knife for slicing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the streusel topping:
   • In a medium bowl, mix together 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
   • Add the cold vegan butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles crumbly, coarse sand. If desired, stir in the chopped nuts for extra crunch.
   • Set aside in the refrigerator while you make the cake batter.
3. Mix the wet ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together non-dairy milk, oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Combine the dry ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
   • Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—the batter should be slightly lumpy, but with no visible flour streaks.
6. Assemble the cake:
   • Pour about half of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
   • Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
   • Gently pour the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it to the edges.
   • Finish by scattering the rest of the streusel evenly over the cake.
7. Bake:
   • Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and serve:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Then, remove and transfer to a cooling rack if desired.
   • Slice and enjoy warm, or at room temperature!

Tips & Variations

“Don’t over-mix your batter—gentle folds make for a tender cake!”

• Fruit Swirls: For a fruity twist, swirl in a few spoonfuls of blueberry or raspberry jam between the layers.
• Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds to the streusel topping for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free vegan coffee cake.
• Oil Alternatives: Use melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor, or substitute half the oil with more applesauce for a lighter cake.
• Spice It Up: Try adding ground cardamom or nutmeg to the batter for a warming, aromatic note.
• Layered Streusel: For even more crumbly topping in every bite, divide the streusel into three layers instead of two.
• Make-Ahead: This cake keeps well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for grab-and-go treats.

Want more vegan baking inspiration?

• Try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another irresistible dessert.
• If you love hearty breads, don’t miss the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
• Pair your cake with a savory meal, like something from our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on substitutions and specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect with Coffee or Tea: Serve a generous slice with your favorite hot beverage for the ultimate breakfast or snack.
• Brunch Table Star: Add this cake to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, vegan yogurt, and savory dishes.
• Sweet Dessert: Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vegan glaze for an elegant dessert.
• Picnic-Ready: Pack slices in a container for a sweet treat on-the-go or at the office.
• With Plant-Based Cream: For extra decadence, add a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vegan ice cream on the side.

Conclusion

Vegan coffee cake proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor, texture, or tradition when baking plant-based. With simple pantry staples and easy steps, you can whip up a treat that’s every bit as comforting and delicious as the classic.

The tender crumb, fragrant cinnamon, and crumbly topping will make this a favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Whether you enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up, a midday snack, or an after-dinner dessert, this coffee cake is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, with endless ways to customize—from fruity swirls to nutty toppings—you’ll never get bored.

Happy baking, and may every bite bring you joy! If you’re looking for more vegan and vegetarian inspiration, browse our other recipes for sweet and savory favorites.

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