Who doesn’t love a soft, crumbly vegan coffee cake with a delicious cinnamon streusel topping? Whether you’re pairing it with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving it as a sweet treat, this best vegan coffee cake is an absolute delight. And the best part? It’s gluten-free optional, meaning everyone can enjoy it!
In this article, I’ll show you how to make vegan coffee cake that’s moist, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. You’ll get a step-by-step breakdown of the coffee cake recipe, plus tips for making it perfect every time. If you’re looking for an easy vegan coffee cake, you’re in the right place!
What Is Vegan Coffee Cake?
Before we jump into the vegan coffee cake recipe, let’s clarify what it actually is. Despite the name, coffee cake doesn’t usually contain coffee. Instead, it’s a soft, buttery cake meant to be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Traditional coffee cakes are made with eggs and dairy, but this vegan version swaps those out for plant-based alternatives while keeping the same rich and tender texture. With the perfect blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla cake flavors, this cake is truly irresistible.
Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe with Cinnamon Streusel Gluten-Free
Course: cake10
servings15
minutes35
minutes290
kcalIndulge in the best vegan coffee cake with a soft, fluffy texture and a delicious cinnamon streusel topping. This easy vegan coffee cake is perfect for breakfast or dessert and comes with a gluten-free option. Try this simple, homemade coffee cake recipe today!
Ingredients for Vegan Coffee Cake
- For the Cake Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup vegan butter, melted
½ cup vegan sour cream or vegan yogurt
½ cup almond milk or oat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup vegan butter, softened
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling (Optional):
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Vegan Coffee Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
- Add softened vegan butter and use a fork or fingers to mix until a crumbly texture forms. Set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, coconut sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted vegan butter, vegan sour cream, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling (if using) over the batter.
- Add the remaining cake batter on top and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the cake batter.
- Step 4: Bake the Coffee Cake
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the cake once it has cooled completely.
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for the best experience!
Nutritional Information (Per 100g Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Calcium | 50mg |
| Iron | 1.2mg |
Does Vegan Coffee Cake Contain Coffee?
A common question people ask when looking for a coffee cake recipe is whether it actually contains coffee. The answer? No! Traditional coffee cake is named for its pairing with coffee rather than its ingredients. However, if you want a coffee-flavored cake, you can always add a bit of espresso powder to the batter.
Ingredients for the Best Vegan Coffee Cake
To make this easy vegan coffee cake, you’ll need a mix of dry ingredients and wet ingredients. Here’s what you’ll use:
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a vegan and gluten-free option)
- Brown sugar and coconut sugar for sweetness
- Cinnamon for that classic warm spice
- Baking powder and baking soda to help the cake to rise
- A pinch of salt for balance
Wet Ingredients:
- Vegan butter or melted vegan butter for richness
- Vegan sour cream or vegan yogurt to add moisture
- Almond milk or oat milk for a tender crumb
- Vanilla extract for flavor
These ingredients work together to create a fluffy cake with the perfect crumb.
The Secret to a Perfect Cinnamon Streusel Topping
The cinnamon streusel topping is what makes this crumb coffee cake so amazing! To get that classic coffee cake texture, make sure your streusel is crumbly but holds together when pressed. The layer of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making this the best vegan coffee cake ever.
Can You Make a Gluten-Free Vegan Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free. This ensures your gluten-free coffee cake still bakes up fluffy and tender.
Tips for Baking the Fluffiest Vegan Coffee Cake
Want to take your vegan coffee cake to the next level? Here are some tips:
- Use vegan buttermilk (mix almond milk with vinegar) for extra tenderness.
- Don’t overmix the cake batter—this keeps the texture light and airy.
- Let the cake cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Variations and Flavor Ideas for Vegan Coffee Cake
You can switch things up by adding:
- Nuts like almond or walnuts for crunch.
- A drizzle of vegan chocolate glaze for extra indulgence.
- Pumpkin puree for a pumpkin coffee cake twist.
How to Store and Serve Your Coffee Cake
To keep your vegan coffee cake fresh:
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze slices individually for a grab-and-go treat!
Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate experience.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan coffee cake recipe is:
✅ Moist and fluffy with a tender crumb
✅ Packed with cinnamon streusel for extra flavor
✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✅ Gluten-free optional, so everyone can enjoy it
If you’re looking for a vegan coffee cake, this is truly the best vegan coffee cake ever!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this coffee cake without cinnamon?
Yes! While cinnamon sugar adds classic flavor, you can replace it with nutmeg or cardamom.
2. Does this coffee cake contain actual coffee?
No, coffee cake doesn’t contain coffee—it’s just meant to be served with coffee.
3. Can I make this cake without vegan butter?
Yes! Swap vegan butter for coconut oil or more vegan yogurt for moisture.
4. How do I check if the cake is ready?
Insert a toothpick in the middle of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
5. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour alone won’t work, but a gluten-free blend with almond flour will!
Enjoy baking this easy vegan coffee cake and share it with friends!
