Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe: A Slice Of Sweet Indulgence

Vegan coffee cake—a phrase that evokes images of moist, crumbly cake infused with the aromatic essence of coffee, topped with a sweet and crunchy streusel. This recipe brings that vision to life, offering a guilt-free indulgence that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting your plant-based journey, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Table of Contents

Gathering Your Vegan Baking Essentials

Before we embark on this delightful baking adventure, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is designed to be accessible, utilizing pantry staples and readily available vegan substitutes.

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coffee Swirl:

¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons hot water

For the Crumb Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup rolled oats
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons vegan butter, cold and cubed

Vegan Coffee Cake Ingredients

Creating Vegan Coffee Cake Magic: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have our ingredients prepped and ready, let’s dive into the heart of the recipe. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a delicious vegan coffee cake:

Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Make the coffee swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, instant espresso powder, and hot water until smooth.
Layer the batter and swirl: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of the coffee swirl mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and coffee swirl. Swirl the batter and coffee mixture together using a knife or toothpick.

Swirling Coffee Mixture into Batter
Make the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold vegan butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.

Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans to your crumb topping.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Savoring Your Vegan Delight

This vegan coffee cake is best enjoyed warm, with its soft, crumbly texture and rich coffee flavor. It’s delicious on its own but can be elevated further with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of vegan ice cream.

Vegan Coffee Cake Slice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

What can I use instead of almond milk?

Any unsweetened plant-based milk will work well in this recipe, such as soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature in an airtight container.

How do I store leftover vegan coffee cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I omit the coffee flavor?

Certainly! If you’re not a fan of coffee, simply omit the coffee swirl and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a classic vanilla cake flavor. You could even explore other flavors like adding a vegan pumpkin spice latte inspired swirl.

This vegan coffee cake is a testament to the fact that indulging in sweet treats doesn’t have to come at the expense of your ethics or dietary choices. With a few simple substitutions and a dash of creativity, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying dessert that aligns with your vegan lifestyle. So go ahead, preheat those ovens, and experience the joy of baking and savoring this delightful treat!