Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe with friends because it brings that cozy fall feeling straight into your kitchen — without any fuss or animal products. The blend of apple cider reduction and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting, fragrant cake that feels like autumn in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for weekend brunch or as an afternoon pick-me-up, it always hits the spot.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how moist and flavorful the cake turned out despite being vegan, which can sometimes be tricky. You’ll find that the subtle tang of the vegan cream cheese and the crisp chunks of tart apples add an irresistible depth. Plus, the crumbly topping gives it just the right amount of crunch, making this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe a must-try if you love cakes that are both hearty and light.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe combines the sweetness of apple cider with warm spices and a satisfyingly crumbly topping. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the flours that give it structure to the vegan butter that adds richness.

• Apple cider: This is reduced to concentrate sweetness and flavor; fresh or store-bought works fine.
• Flaxseed meal: Used to make flax eggs, a great egg alternative providing moisture and binding.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake; you can swap part for whole wheat for added texture.
• Whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty flavor and wholesome density without weighing down the cake.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise light and fluffy.
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice): These warm spices build the cozy autumn vibe essential to this recipe.
• Vegan butter: Softened to cream with sugars, it brings moisture and richness.
• Raw sugar and brown sugar: A blend that adds depth of sweetness and slight caramel notes.
• Vegan cream cheese: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a smooth, fragrant note.
• Tart apples: I like a mix of gala and granny smith for sweetness and crispness.
• For topping – flour, brown sugar, raw sugar, cinnamon, vegan butter: Combined to create a crunchy, sweet crumb layer that makes the cake irresistible.

Variations

I love to mix things up with this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe depending on the season or my pantry stash—feel free to customize it to your liking! It’s super forgiving, so swapping ingredients or adding extras is easy and fun.

• Nutty crunch: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping gives a lovely texture contrast—my family goes crazy for the added crunch!
• Fruit swap: Try pears or berries instead of apples for a fresh twist that still complements the cider’s sweetness.
• Spice mix: Tweak the spices—more cardamom for an exotic feel or extra cinnamon for that classic warmth.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if you need gluten-free, but be mindful the texture might be a bit denser.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider for rich flavor

Start by pouring your apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it’s reduced by half. This step is key because it concentrates the cider’s flavor, giving the cake a subtle but distinct apple richness without watering down the batter. Don’t rush it or cook it down too much, or it can burn—keep an eye and stir occasionally if needed. Set aside to cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Prepare your flax egg

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens like an egg. This flax egg not only binds ingredients but adds a subtle nuttiness that works beautifully in this coffee cake. I always make this first so it’s ready to add right when I cream the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the aromatic spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which I learned makes every bite perfectly balanced rather than pockets of flavor.

Step 4: Cream the wet ingredients until fluffy

Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the vegan butter with raw and brown sugars until it looks light and fluffy—that’s the secret to a tender crumb. Then add your flax egg, vegan cream cheese, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Mix until the batter is creamy and smooth; I like to scrape the sides to avoid any lumps or unincorporated bits.

Step 5: Combine dry and wet ingredients with apples

Pour the dry mixture into the wet and whisk gently until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose some of the cake’s light texture. Fold in the chopped tart apples last so they stay nicely distributed. This keeps the fruit juicy in the final cake rather than sinking to the bottom.

Step 6: Prepare the crumb topping

In another bowl, stir all-purpose flour, brown sugar, raw sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in softened vegan butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping adds that wonderful sweet crunch on top that contrasts the soft cake underneath—totally worth the extra step!

Step 7: Bake and enjoy

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared 8×8 baking pan, then sprinkle on the crumb topping. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing—it’s tempting to dive in warm, but patience really pays off for perfect slices. Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or your favorite plant milk latte for the full experience.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually dust a little cinnamon sugar on top before serving or add a drizzle of maple glaze if I want to impress guests. Sometimes a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on the side turns this cake into a decadent dessert that no one expects from a coffee cake!

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee, chai tea, or even a fresh-pressed apple cider. For brunch, consider serving it with a simple mixed green salad or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to layer slices with vegan whipped cream and thin apple slices for a rustic parfait presentation. It’s unexpected and really elevates the experience while keeping those beloved flavors front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays tender and flavorful for up to 4 days, and I always find the flavors actually deepen after resting overnight.

Freezing

This Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully—just wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

I prefer reheating slices briefly in a toaster oven to revive the crumbly topping, but the microwave works fine if you’re in a hurry—just keep an eye to avoid drying it out. A quick pat of vegan butter on top before warming helps refresh the moistness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts and breakfast treats because it’s easy, comforting, and full of flavor that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little cozy joy to your kitchen like it has to mine. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on your repeat list too!

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