Vegan Coffee Cake – The Truth About Absolutely Delicious Treats

Name: Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the cake’s structure. White whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend can also be used.; ¾ cup cane sugar – Sweetens the cake naturally. Coconut sugar is a great alternative.; 1 tbsp baking powder – Ensures the cake rises well and stays light.; ½ tsp baking soda – Combines with the vinegar for extra fluffiness.; ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.; 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds a warm (comforting spice that complements coffee.); 1 cup unsweetened almond milk – Any plant-based milk (oat, soy, or coconut works.); 1 tsp apple cider vinegar – Reacts with the baking soda for a tender texture.; ⅓ cup neutral oil – Canola (sunflower, or melted coconut oil keeps the cake moist.); 2 tsp vanilla extract – Deepens the sweetness and aroma.; ½ cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumbly topping.; ⅓ cup brown sugar – Gives a rich (caramelized sweetness.); 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Reinforces the classic spiced flavor.; ¼ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil – Helps hold the crumb topping together while adding a rich (buttery flavor.); Pinch of salt – Offsets the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.; Chopped walnuts or pecans – For extra crunch and nuttiness.; Dairy-free chocolate chips – A decadent twist on traditional coffee cake.; Crumbled vegan cream cheese – Adds a creamy (lightly tangy touch for more flavor complexity.)

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Few things are as wonderful as smelling a freshly baked coffee cake, unless it’s served while still warm, soft and sprinkled with a crispy, sweet layer on top. Imagine you could relish all of that without the use of dairy or eggs? That’s where vegan coffee cake comes in. Anyone searching for a plant-based treat that still has the right taste and texture will find it satisfying.

It shows that you can make a soft and delectable cake using uncommon ingredients. If you have dabbled in veganism or are simply interested in dairy-free baking, making this amazing cake from scratch will be refreshingly simple.

The greatest part is that… Vegan coffee cake captures all the nostalgic flavors of the traditional recipe, often surpassing expectations with its surprisingly delightful texture. You can easily make a cake that resembles one from a bakery by simply swapping and using items you already have. Toss a hen or two on the grill and everyone at the gathering will be pleased.

Key Benefits

Making a vegan coffee cake isn’t just about skipping eggs or milk—it’s about choosing a recipe that’s better for your body, animals, and the planet. This cake offers plenty of benefits beyond its sweet, cinnamon-filled taste.

1. Plant-Based and Dairy-Free
This cake is made without butter, milk, or eggs. That means it’s safe for people who are lactose-intolerant, allergic to eggs, or simply following a plant-based diet. Using ingredients like plant milk, oil, and natural egg substitutes makes this vegan coffee cake light and gentle on the stomach.

2. Simple, Accessible Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy. This cake uses everyday items like flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and your choice of dairy-free milk. Everything is easy to find and affordable, making this a budget-friendly treat you can bake anytime.

3. Lower in Cholesterol
Since it’s egg-free and dairy-free, this vegan coffee cake contains no dietary cholesterol. That can help support heart health when enjoyed in moderation, especially compared to traditional coffee cakes that use butter and eggs.

4. Great for All Diets
This cake is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to eat more plant-based meals, you won’t miss the traditional ingredients. You can also make it gluten-free or low-sugar with easy adjustments, which we’ll cover later.

5. Kinder to the Environment
Baking a vegan coffee cake means using fewer animal-based products, which lowers your recipe’s carbon footprint. That makes it a small but meaningful step toward more sustainable cooking.

6. Perfect for Any Time of Day
It’s not just for dessert. You can enjoy this vegan coffee cake as a sweet breakfast, a midday snack, or even bring it to brunch. Its soft texture and cinnamon crumb topping make it feel special without being overly rich.

In short, this cake is tasty, flexible, and easy to make. If you’re looking for a dessert that checks all the boxes—simple, satisfying, and plant-powered—this vegan coffee cake is a must-bake.

Ingredients

To make the perfect vegan coffee cake, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for a soft, moist crumb and a sweet cinnamon topping. Here’s everything you’ll need for the cake base and the crumb layer.

For the Cake Batter:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the cake’s structure. White whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend can also be used.
¾ cup cane sugar – Sweetens the cake naturally. Coconut sugar is a great alternative.
1 tbsp baking powder – Ensures the cake rises well and stays light.
½ tsp baking soda – Combines with the vinegar for extra fluffiness.
½ tsp salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting spice that complements coffee.
1 cup unsweetened almond milk – Any plant-based milk (oat, soy, or coconut) works.
1 tsp apple cider vinegar – Reacts with the baking soda for a tender texture.
⅓ cup neutral oil – Canola, sunflower, or melted coconut oil keeps the cake moist.
2 tsp vanilla extract – Deepens the sweetness and aroma.

For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
⅓ cup brown sugar – Gives a rich, caramelized sweetness.
1 tsp ground cinnamon – Reinforces the classic spiced flavor.
¼ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil – Helps hold the crumb topping together while adding a rich, buttery flavor.
Pinch of salt – Offsets the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.

Optional Add-Ins:

Chopped walnuts or pecans – For extra crunch and nuttiness.
Dairy-free chocolate chips – A decadent twist on traditional coffee cake.
Crumbled vegan cream cheese – Adds a creamy, lightly tangy touch for more flavor complexity.

These ingredients are easy to find and flexible—whether you prefer nuts, chocolate, or extra cinnamon, this recipe is a great starting point.

How to Make Vegan Coffee Cake

Making vegan coffee cake at home is simple and satisfying. You don’t need any fancy tools or rare ingredients. Just follow these step-by-step instructions to bake a soft, crumbly, cinnamon-spiced treat that goes perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes removing the cake much easier after baking.

Step 2: Make the Vegan Buttermilk

Combine 1 cup of unflavored almond milk and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a small vessel, stirring gently to initiate the curdling process.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This curdling process mimics buttermilk and helps the cake rise better.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

This dry mix forms the base of your vegan coffee cake, keeping the crumb soft and flavorful.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the bowl of dry ingredients, add:
- The almond milk mixture
- ⅓ cup of mild-flavored vegetable oil (sunflower or liquefied coconut oil work ideally)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Stir until just combined. Mix with restraint—excessive stirring develops gluten, resulting in a less delicate texture.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
- ½ cup flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Add ¼ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil and mix with a fork until large crumbs form.

This is the signature topping that gives vegan coffee cake its bakery-style texture.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Transfer the batter to your greased baking dish, using a spatula to create a uniform layer across the entire surface.
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter, covering the surface.

Optional: Add chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips to the topping if you’d like extra texture or richness.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the center of the oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the topping starts to brown too quickly, lightly cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.Enjoy it unadorned, or elevate it with plant-based yogurt or a light glaze drizzle for added indulgence.

This easy method ensures your vegan coffee cake comes out moist, tender, and full of comforting cinnamon flavor every time.

Pro Tips and Variations

Making a delicious vegan coffee cake is about more than just following a recipe—it’s about understanding the little tricks that guarantee a perfect texture, flavor, and presentation every time. Below are some helpful pro tips and creative variations to inspire your next bake.

Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Coffee Cake

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing activates gluten in the flour, which can make the cake dense and chewy rather than light and fluffy.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold milk or melted coconut oil can cause curdling or uneven texture. Let your plant-based milk and oils come to room temperature before mixing to help the batter blend more smoothly and evenly.

3. Allow the Crumb Topping to Chill
After mixing the crumb topping, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes while you prep the batter. This helps it firm up and creates chunkier, bakery-style crumbs that hold their shape during baking.

4. Adjust Sweetness as Needed
Depending on your preference or the sweetness of your plant milk, you can reduce the sugar slightly in the batter or add a glaze afterward if you prefer a sweeter finish.

5. Check for Doneness Without Opening the Oven Too Early
Resist opening the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking to maintain consistent heat and prevent collapse. Sudden temperature drops can cause the center to sink. Insert a wooden skewer into the center—perfect doneness is achieved when it emerges with a couple of clinging crumbs but no wet batter.

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Streusel Swirl Coffee Cake
Create a marbled effect by gently folding half the crumb mixture through the batter prior to applying the remaining topping. This adds a cinnamon-sugar ribbon throughout the cake.

2. Fruit-Infused Coffee Cake
Fold in ½ to 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, or diced peaches for a fruity twist. Be sure to toss fruit in a bit of flour first to prevent sinking.

3. Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Add ½ cup vegan chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle them over the top before baking for a sweet, dessert-like version.

4. Nutty Crunch Topping
Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for extra crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft cake base.

5. Gluten-Free Version
Replace wheat flour with an equal measure of quality gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs while preserving the ideal crumb structure.

6. Maple Glazed Coffee Cake
Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of almond milk for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

These pro tips and variations make it easy to customize your vegan coffee cake for different tastes, occasions, or dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

A freshly baked vegan coffee cake is a comforting treat that fits perfectly into many parts of your day. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy breakfast, sharing it with friends at brunch, or saving a slice for an afternoon snack, there are plenty of delicious ways to serve and elevate your vegan coffee cake.

Best Times to Serve Vegan Coffee Cake

1. Morning or Brunch Treat
Begin your day with a comforting wedge of freshly baked coffee cake, perfectly complemented by a steaming cup of your preferred morning drink. It’s especially good with black coffee, oat milk lattes, or herbal teas. If you’re hosting brunch, cut the cake into smaller squares to pair with a spread of fruit, yogurt, and toast.

2. Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Enjoy a slice as a mid-day snack with iced coffee or matcha. The sweet cinnamon crumb and soft cake make it perfect for that late afternoon break when you need something comforting but not too heavy.

3. Dessert Option
Warm it slightly and serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of coconut whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cake and cold topping is incredibly satisfying.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Serve with Fresh Fruit
Add a side of fresh berries, banana slices, or baked apple wedges to balance the sweetness of the cake and bring a burst of freshness to the plate.

2. Add a Simple Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of non-dairy milk and a drop of vanilla extract for a quick glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for extra shine and flavor.

3. Make It a Parfait
Layer crumbled vegan coffee cake in a jar with dairy-free yogurt and fresh fruit for a quick and beautiful breakfast parfait or portable snack.

4. Pair with Plant-Based Drinks
Pair your coffee cake with flavored almond milk, iced chai, or a frothy oat milk cappuccino to enhance the cozy experience.

5. Serve as Mini Cakes
Bake the same batter in muffin tins for individual portions. These mini vegan coffee cakes are great for parties, bake sales, or lunchbox treats.

With these serving suggestions, your vegan coffee cake can easily go from casual snack to impressive brunch centerpiece. This adaptable treat delivers universal appeal, offering equal enjoyment when served oven-warm or as a next-day indulgence.

Conclusion

Vegan coffee cake is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a simple, comforting way to enjoy baked goodness without using any animal products. With its warm flavor and soft interior, this recipe with cinnamon-streusel topping is delicious at any time. Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast, a relaxed brunch, or an after-dinner dessert, this recipe fits right in.

The best thing about it? With this recipe, all you need are some baking basics already available in your kitchen. The game is simple enough that any household tools will do. Combine the ingredients in the bowl, bake them and enjoy your delicious cake.

Even novice plant-based bakers should find this simple method appealing. It is very forgiving and you can try out plant-based milks, various flours or other natural sweeteners. In addition, you always get a cake that’s soft, tasty and sprinkled with the memorable crunchy layer of cinnamon.

Now that you’ve got the full guide—from ingredients to pro tips and serving ideas—you’re ready to whip up a batch of homemade vegan coffee cake that everyone will love. If you need a quick treat, save this recipe for mornings, lazy weekends or whenever you have some guests.

For more information on effective egg substitutes for baking, explore this comprehensive guide provided by Colorado State University.

Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe

Olivia Ava

Uncover the truth about vegan coffee cake with tips and secrets for a deliciously moist treat. Join the celebration of flavor and fun!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 260 kcal