Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Vegan Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 9 reviews

This Vegan Apple Coffee Cake is a moist, spiced treat featuring layers of cinnamon sugar, fresh apples, and a crunchy vegan crumble topping. With wholesome ingredients and a tender crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. The cake is dairy-free, egg-free, and full of warm autumn flavors, making it an ideal choice for vegan and plant-based diets.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Crumb Topping

  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose plain flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (40g) packed light brown sugar (or more granulated sugar)
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons (65g) melted vegan butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Filling

  • 2 x (~275g) peeled and chopped small apples (weighed after peeling)
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose plain flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Layer (Optional)

  • 1/3 cup (65g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cake Batter

  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose plain flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup (130g) unsweetened applesauce (or unsweetened dairy-free yogurt, room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup (110g) neutral flavored oil
  • 5 tablespoons (75g) dairy-free milk (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking tin with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted vegan butter, and cinnamon. Mix until all ingredients come together into a crumbly texture. Chill the mixture in the fridge until needed to keep it firm.
  3. Prepare the Apple Filling: Toss the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl to evenly coat. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Layer (Optional): Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside for layering between the cake batter layers.
  5. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: unsweetened applesauce (or dairy-free yogurt), neutral oil, dairy-free milk, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and vanilla bean paste. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. The batter should be thick but fully incorporated.
  6. Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar layer over this first cake layer. Carefully pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface, trying not to lift the spatula too much to prevent breaking the cinnamon sugar layer.
  7. Add Apples and Crumble: Scatter the prepared apple filling evenly over the top of the batter without pressing them down. Then, sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly over the apples for a crunchy finish.
  8. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour 3 minutes to 1 hour 8 minutes. The cake is done when the topping turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without wet batter.
  9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes to set. Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Serve and Store: Use a serrated knife to slice the cake. Serve as is or with a scoop of vegan ice cream. The cake is best enjoyed the day it’s baked but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. Note that the crumble topping will soften over time during storage.

Notes

  • You can substitute unsweetened applesauce with unsweetened dairy-free yogurt; make sure it’s at room temperature for best mixing.
  • A neutral flavored oil such as canola, vegetable, or light olive oil works best to avoid overpowering flavors.
  • Chilling the crumb topping before baking helps maintain a crisp texture on top of the cake.
  • To make a simple icing to serve with the cake, mix powdered sugar with a splash of dairy-free milk until smooth.
  • For best texture, avoid pressing the apple pieces into the batter; they should remain on the surface.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/vegan-apple-coffee-cake-recipe/