If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, cinnamon-swirled vegan coffee cake that just happens to be dairy-free and egg-free—but still deeply satisfying—you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk through a soul-warming vegan coffee cake recipe that tastes just like the classic version you remember from childhood. We’ll also dive into essential vegan baking tips, ingredient swaps, and how to make sure your cake stays moist and tender. From crumb topping tricks to the right kind of plant-based milk, every part is designed to help you make the best vegan coffee cake—without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Vegan Coffee Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- 9-inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g. oat or almond)
- ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup coconut oil or vegan butter, melted
- ½ cup toasted walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix plant-based milk, applesauce, vinegar, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in toasted walnuts if using.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl layer. Add remaining batter and smooth the top.
- Make the crumb topping by combining flour, sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil or vegan butter. Pinch with fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Soulful Start with Vegan Coffee Cake
The Backstory: A Childhood Morning Ritual
I’ll never forget the first time I had coffee cake. I was ten, sitting on my grandma’s creaky porch just outside Asheville, wrapped in a blanket that smelled like nutmeg and cedar. That original cake wasn’t plant-based, but it left a mark—golden and crisp on top, tender in the center, with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl threading through every bite. Years down the road, I brought that memory back to life in a new way—with a fully vegan coffee cake that captures all the nostalgia, minus the dairy: a vegan coffee cake. And believe me, the spirit of that old recipe still shines. It’s become a weekend staple in my kitchen studio, where oat milk and brown sugar now rule.
This vegan coffee cake proves you don’t have to trade flavor for plant-based. That buttery crumb topping? It’s the kind of thing that’ll tempt you to steal a slice before the coffee’s even brewed. With ingredients you likely have in your pantry, like flour, baking powder, and non-dairy milk, you can bring the same nostalgic comfort—minus the animal products. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just trying to bake without eggs and butter, this one’s for you.
If you enjoy bakes with a tender crumb and rich flavors, you’ll love this Vegan Red Velvet Cake—another reader favorite that doesn’t skimp on indulgence.
Why Vegan Coffee Cake Is the Ultimate Comfort Bake
There’s something honest about a slice of coffee cake. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to impress. It’s simply there to be good. And when you make a vegan coffee cake, you’re keeping all that comfort while making a few thoughtful choices. No dairy, no eggs—but still everything you love. Plus, it’s a perfect recipe for sharing: brunches, potlucks, or lazy Sundays with your favorite mug of coffee.
Looking for more ways to stick with your plant-based journey? Our Gluten-Free Vegan Red Velvet Cake is perfect for those avoiding gluten, yet it stays rich and soft without compromise.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe
Building Flavor Without Butter or Eggs
You don’t need eggs or dairy to make a moist, flavorful vegan coffee cake recipe. The trick is using ingredients that mimic their texture and richness—think applesauce for moisture, plant-based milk for tenderness, and a bit of apple cider vinegar to activate the baking powder. Add vanilla extract and a hint of nutmeg, and suddenly your batter smells like something from a high-end bakery.
This method also lays the foundation for variations like vegan blueberry coffee cake, where juicy bursts of berries brighten every bite, or even a warmly spiced vegan pumpkin coffee cake for fall mornings. The basic formula stays the same; the flavors shift with the season and your cravings.
When you understand how to make vegan coffee cake from scratch, it becomes less about substitution and more about celebration. You’re not giving up anything—you’re baking with intention.
Loaf lovers, don’t miss the Vegan Red Velvet Loaf Cake—another dreamy slice to pair with your morning coffee.
Layering Texture: Crumb Topping & Swirls
Texture is everything in a coffee cake. You want that crumbly, slightly crunchy topping to contrast with the soft interior. This topping usually starts with flour, brown sugar, a bit of cinnamon, and coconut oil or vegan butter. Pinch it together until you get those perfect pebble-sized clumps that sit like a golden crown on top.
Inside, swirl in brown sugar and cinnamon—or take it further with chopped nuts or blueberries. If you’re asking how to make veg walnut coffee cake, the answer is simple: just fold toasted walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them between the layers for a nutty surprise. Pair it with your favorite non-dairy milk latte, and you’ve got a morning that feels indulgent but still fits your lifestyle.
And if you’re wondering, “Is coffee cake vegan by default?”—it’s not. Traditional recipes often include eggs, sour cream, or milk. But with the right swaps, your vegan version won’t just match the original—it might beat it.
If you’re craving something unexpected and veggie-based, the Vegan Red Velvet Cake with Beetroot is a must-try—moist, earthy, and beautifully vibrant.
Vegan Blueberry & Pumpkin Coffee Cake Variations
The Magic of Vegan Blueberry Coffee Cake
There’s something irresistible about a vegan blueberry coffee cake. The tang of fresh or frozen blueberries baked into a soft vanilla-scented batter gives this version a bright, fruity lift. The berries burst as they bake, creating little pockets of sweet jam-like texture. You can even toss them with a spoonful of flour before folding into the batter—this keeps them from sinking to the bottom.
If you’ve ever doubted whether a vegan coffee cake recipe could be both tender and bursting with flavor, this one will win you over. It’s especially good with lemon zest in the batter or a quick lemon glaze drizzled on top once it cools. Bonus? It freezes beautifully, which means you can sneak a slice whenever the craving hits.
For those who love chocolate in their bakes, the Chocolate Cakes with Espresso Glaze offer a flavor pairing that’s just as cozy, with a sophisticated twist.
Cozy Up with Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Now, when autumn rolls in, it’s all about that vegan pumpkin coffee cake. The pumpkin purée adds moisture and richness, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove wrap the cake in pure seasonal comfort. You’re basically baking fall into every bite.
Add a pecan streusel on top and maybe a little maple glaze, and suddenly, you’ve got the kind of cake that disappears within hours at a potluck. It also works as breakfast, dessert, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up when paired with black tea or coffee.
Still wondering, is Starbucks coffee cake vegan? Sadly, no—it’s usually made with dairy and eggs. But the good news? You can make a version that’s just as satisfying at home, with better ingredients and full control over the sweetness and spices.
Feeling inspired by classic flavors? The Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream is a go-to for birthdays or big celebrations when you want to stick to the classics.
Baking Tips & Troubleshooting for Vegan Coffee Cake Success
Common Pitfalls (and Easy Fixes)
Making vegan coffee cake doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. One of the biggest? Overmixing the batter. Once you add flour, stir just until combined. Overworking the dough leads to a dense cake. To keep things soft and tender, use room-temperature ingredients and always preheat your oven for consistent baking.
If your crumb topping melts instead of crisps, double-check your fat-to-flour ratio. A good rule of thumb: equal parts flour and sugar, with slightly less coconut oil or vegan butter. Mix with your fingers until you get that perfect sandy texture.
And if your cake comes out too moist or gummy, don’t panic—it’s likely too much liquid or underbaking. Reduce your plant-based milk slightly, or bake for 5–10 more minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Small adjustments like these can turn a decent vegan coffee cake into one that’s truly unforgettable.
Craving more decadence? Try the Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cake, another flavor-packed recipe that’s vegan-friendly with a little creativity.
Serving & Storing Your Coffee Cake
Let your cake cool before slicing—it helps the structure set and keeps the crumb intact. Pair it with your favorite warm drink, a spoonful of fruit preserves, or a light shower of powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch. If you’re planning ahead, you can make the cake a day in advance; it actually tastes better after resting overnight.
To store, wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5. You can also freeze slices individually for a quick treat whenever the craving hits. Just warm gently in the oven to bring back that just-baked feel.
If you’re looking for a fancier layered dessert, the Opera Cake Recipe offers rich, multi-textured inspiration that contrasts beautifully with this humble coffee cake.
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FAQs About Vegan Coffee Cake
How to make vegan coffee cake?
Start with a base of flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Replace dairy with plant-based milk (like oat or almond) and use applesauce or flaxseed as an egg substitute. Mix gently, top with a crumb layer, and bake until golden.
How to make veg walnut coffee cake?
Start with your go-to vegan batter, then gently mix in half a cup of toasted walnuts for added crunch and depth. For extra crunch, sprinkle more walnuts over the crumb topping before baking.
Is coffee cake vegan?
Traditional coffee cakes usually aren’t vegan—they often contain butter, milk, or eggs. But with simple swaps, like coconut oil and almond milk, you can create a fully vegan version that’s just as delicious.
Is Starbucks coffee cake vegan?
No, Starbucks coffee cake contains dairy and eggs. Fortunately, you can make your own at home using our vegan coffee cake recipe—customized to your flavor preferences and dietary needs.
Conclusion
A vegan coffee cake doesn’t just check the boxes—it rewrites the rules. Whether you crave the bright pop of berries in a vegan blueberry coffee cake, the warmth of spices in a vegan pumpkin coffee cake, or just a classic slice With its cinnamon ribbons and buttery crumb topping, this cake is bound to become your favorite standby.
And remember, your kitchen doesn’t need dairy to deliver comfort. It just needs a little love, the right ingredients, and maybe a memory or two to bake into every bite.