Best Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe: A Cinnamon Streusel Dream
Looking for the best vegan cake that’s fluffy, moist, and layered with a cinnamon-streusel topping? You’ve found it! This article will walk you through how to make a vegan coffee cake that’s not only easy but incredibly delicious. If you’re a coffee cake lover, this vegan version will blow your mind with its perfect blend of flavors and crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore plant-based desserts, this vegan coffee cake recipe is one worth bookmarking.
What Makes This Vegan Coffee Cake Special?
What sets this vegan coffee cake apart from traditional coffee cakes? The answer lies in its perfectly balanced flavors and textures. With a moist vanilla cake base, a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, and a rich, buttery taste (without any dairy), this cake can stand its ground against any non-vegan coffee cake recipe.
Plus, it’s a plant-based recipe, making it healthier and cruelty-free. Whether you’re serving it alongside a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a dessert, this vegan coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with this vegan coffee cake. First, the cinnamon streusel topping adds a crunchy, sweet layer that pairs beautifully with the soft, fluffy cake below. Second, this cake is entirely dairy-free and egg-free, making it suitable for vegans while still tasting indulgent. Finally, the recipe is adaptable; you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting a few ingredients.
Whether you’re a fan of crumb cake or looking for a vegan version of the classic coffee cake, this recipe will quickly become your favorite. It’s simple to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a bowl, whisk, and your favorite cake pan.
Ingredients for Vegan Coffee Cake
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect vegan coffee cake, including quantities:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted vegan butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegan sour cream (or vegan yogurt for extra moisture)
For the cinnamon streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter
Step-by-Step Preparation Method to Make a Vegan Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking. - Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Add the melted vegan butter and combine with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside for later. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This will ensure that your cake rises evenly and has a nice, balanced flavor. - Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. If you want to add extra moisture, mix in vegan sour cream or vegan yogurt at this point. - Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make the cake dense rather than fluffy. The batter should be thick but pourable. - Layer the Batter and Streusel
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth it out with a spatula, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter on top, and then finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel over the surface of the cake. - Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the kitchen will smell like warm cinnamon. - Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice it into squares and enjoy it as-is or alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 295 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Sugars | 22 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Calcium | 70 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
This vegan coffee cake is indulgent yet relatively balanced, offering a mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats from the vegan butter, and moderate sugar content. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a slice by yourself!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Coffee Cake
- Use Vegan Butter: Melted vegan butter ensures the streusel is crumbly and delicious.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the batter, gently fold the ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
- Bake Until Golden: Check the cake with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
The Perfect Vegan Cake Texture: Fluffy and Moist
The key to a successful vegan coffee cake is the perfect texture. You want the cake to be light and airy, yet still moist. Achieving this without eggs or dairy might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. By using a combination of vegan butter and plant-based milk, the cake stays rich and tender.
The use of baking powder also helps the cake rise, giving it a fluffy structure. For extra moisture, you can add vegan yogurt or vegan sour cream, both of which mimic the tang and richness typically provided by dairy.
What is Streusel and Why is it Essential?
Ah, streusel—the crunchy, sweet topping that transforms any cake into a decadent treat. Streusel is a mixture of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vegan butter. It’s scattered on top of the cake batter and gives a delightful texture contrast.
The magic of streusel is its ability to turn a simple cake into a masterpiece. The cinnamon streusel topping adds a sweet, crunchy layer that complements the soft cake underneath. For those who love a little extra indulgence, this topping is everything.
Can You Make This Vegan Coffee Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Making a gluten-free version of this vegan coffee cake is simple. All you need to do is swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results, as it helps mimic the elasticity of gluten, ensuring your cake holds together beautifully.
With the right gluten-free flour, you’ll get the same fluffy texture without any gluten. This is great for anyone with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.
How to Achieve the Best Vegan Coffee Cake Batter
The cake batter is the foundation of any good coffee cake. To make the best vegan coffee cake batter, you’ll want to ensure it’s smooth and well-mixed. Start by sifting your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt—before adding them to the wet ingredients. This step helps avoid clumping and ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Next, mix your vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly incorporate your plant-based milk, and if you like an extra tangy flavor, consider adding vegan sour cream or vegan yogurt to keep the cake moist and tender.
Does Vegan Coffee Cake Contain Coffee?
Surprisingly, most coffee cakes don’t actually contain coffee! The name refers to how the cake is traditionally served—alongside a cup of coffee. However, if you want to incorporate coffee flavor into the cake, you can add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the batter.
This will give the cake a subtle, rich coffee flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. So while it’s not required, it’s a fun option if you’re a coffee lover.
How to Store Vegan Coffee Cake for Freshness
To keep your vegan coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist for up to 3-4 days at room temperature. You can also freeze individual slices for up to a month and thaw them for a quick, delicious treat.
Does This Coffee Cake Actually Contain Coffee?
As mentioned earlier, this coffee cake doesn’t traditionally contain coffee. However, adding a hint of instant coffee to the batter can give it a delightful coffee-flavored twist. It’s a great way to intensify the flavors and make this recipe your own.
The Versatility of This Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe
One of the best things about this vegan coffee cake recipe is its versatility. You can experiment with different flavors by adding nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or even fruit like blueberries or apples.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a pumpkin coffee cake variation by incorporating pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the batter!
Summary: Key Takeaways for Making the Best Vegan Coffee Cake
- Use high-quality vegan butter for the best results.
- Incorporate a cinnamon streusel topping for that perfect crunch.
- You can make it gluten-free with the right flour blend.
- Consider adding instant coffee if you want a coffee-flavored cake.
- This vegan coffee cake is best served alongside a warm cup of coffee!
FAQs
- Can I freeze vegan coffee cake?
Yes! Store individual slices in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular flour for a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum. - Does coffee cake contain actual coffee?
Not usually, but you can add instant coffee to the batter if you want. - Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, coconut oil is a great substitute for vegan butter in this recipe. - What’s the best way to store leftover vegan coffee cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.