Name: Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ¾ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar); 2 tsp cinnamon; 6 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 cups gluten free 1 to 1 flour (or all purpose flour); 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; Pinch sea salt (optional); 1 ¼ cups Vegan milk (almond, coconut, cashew or oat milk); 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 6 tbsp avocado oil (or light olive oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp Vegan butter (melted)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 123 reviews

If you have a soft spot for warm, tender cakes that pair perfectly with your morning brew or afternoon tea, then this Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful cake is a beautiful balance of fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon swirls, and a crumbly, buttery topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients and completely plant-based, it’s an inviting treat that proves vegan baking can be both easy and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a medium white bowl filled with white flour. Surrounding it are six small white bowls and one white cup with a handle, each holding different ingredients: one has a light brown powder, another has a thick light brown liquid, one contains white granulated sugar, another holds a yellow melted butter, the next has a light yellow liquid, and the last bowl has a brown spice. The white cup is filled with a white liquid, likely milk. The arrangement forms a rounded cluster with an inviting and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe a delicious success. Each one plays a crucial role, from the natural sweetness of coconut sugar to the subtle tang of apple cider vinegar that helps the cake rise beautifully.

Coconut sugar (¾ cup): Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
Cinnamon (2 tsp): Infuses the cake with warm, aromatic spice, elevating every bite.
Vegan milk (1 ¼ cups): Choose almond, coconut, cashew, or oat milk to keep it creamy and plant-based.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp): Reacts with baking soda to create a light, fluffy crumb texture.
Granulated sugar (6 tbsp): Balances the flavors and helps the cake caramelize on top.
Avocado oil (6 tbsp): Keeps the cake moist with a neutral taste that lets other flavors shine.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a sweet, fragrant depth to the batter.
Gluten-free 1 to 1 flour or all-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy yet tender base of the cake.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the cake rise evenly and stay light.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Works with vinegar to give that perfect lift and texture.
Pinch of sea salt (optional): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors subtly.
Vegan butter, melted (2 tbsp): Drizzled on top for a rich, golden finish and extra indulgence.

How to Make Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake lifts out easily after baking—this little prep makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the cake intact.

Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, blend together the coconut sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will layer within the cake, creating those iconic cinnamon swirls that make every bite enchanting.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegan milk, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. This blend of liquids will give the cake its moist, tender crumb and gentle sweetness.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Now stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt (if using). Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Pour about two-thirds of the batter into your lined pan and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then dollop the remaining batter over it. Spread carefully to create distinct layers, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar evenly on top.

Step 6: Add the Final Touch and Bake

Drizzle the melted vegan butter all over the top—this step creates a gorgeous, buttery crust once baked. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 27 to 30 minutes, or until the cake has risen and the cinnamon sugar topping is bubbly and golden. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about an hour. This waiting time ensures the cake sets perfectly for clean slices and maximum flavor.

How to Serve Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe

The image shows a square metal pan lined with white parchment paper filled with a dessert. The dessert has a base layer of smooth white cream that covers the entire pan evenly. On top of the cream, there is a layer of brown crumbled powder, spread thickly and unevenly, with some darker glossy brown syrup swirled in circular patterns over the crumbs. The dessert looks soft and creamy with a textured crumbly topping, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts adds a lovely finishing touch to this Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe, giving it an extra flair of texture and sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake shines served alongside a cup of rich, hot coffee, herbal tea, or even a chilled glass of almond milk. For a more substantial spread, fresh fruit or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt complements the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake as mini squares on a pretty platter for a brunch party or slice it thick and warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or vegan caramel sauce. Setting it out with small spoons of fruit compote can also turn the experience into something extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors develop wonderfully, so you might even find it tastes better the next day.

Freezing

This Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe freezes brilliantly. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to three months. It’s a perfect ready-to-go treat for unexpected guests or busy mornings.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave just until heated through to revive that fresh-baked feel. Add a pat of vegan butter or a splash of plant milk if it seems a bit dry after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of vegan milk?

You can absolutely, but using vegan milk keeps this cake completely plant-based and is less likely to affect the flavor significantly, especially if you pick a mild option like oat or almond milk.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free 1 to 1 flour blend. Otherwise, all-purpose flour works perfectly for a classic texture. Just make sure your flour choice suits your dietary needs.

What can I substitute for avocado oil?

Light olive oil or another neutral-flavored oil will work well if you don’t have avocado oil. It keeps the moisture but won’t overpower the other flavors.

Can I add nuts or fruit to this coffee cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are fantastic additions sprinkled in the batter or on top before baking. Dried fruit bits mixed in can add lovely bursts of flavor and texture, too.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about a slice of homemade coffee cake, and this Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe takes that joy to new, plant-based heights. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this simple and luscious treat will bring smiles and warm moments to any table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite go-to recipe!