Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

I absolutely love how this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe captures the cozy flavors of fall without any animal products. It’s perfect for those cool mornings when you want something sweet and comforting but still light enough to enjoy with your morning cup of coffee or tea. The apple cider reduction adds a subtle tangy sweetness that really makes this coffee cake stand out from your usual recipes.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how moist and fluffy the cake turned out, even without eggs or dairy. You’ll find that the warm spices combined with tender chunks of tart apples give every bite a delightful balance of taste and texture. If you’re looking for a vegan treat that’s deceptively simple, yet so satisfying, this recipe is definitely worth a try.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe lies in the combination of everyday pantry staples with fresh apples and warm spices. I usually keep these ingredients in my kitchen, so whenever I’m craving fall flavors, it’s a snap to whip this up.

• Apple Cider: Reducing it intensifies the natural sweetness and gives the cake a lovely apple flavor base.
• Flaxseed Meal and Water: Used to make flax eggs that bind the cake while keeping it vegan.
• All-Purpose and Whole Wheat Flour: A mix that adds wholesome texture without being too dense.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Ensure the cake rises perfectly fluffy.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Allspice): These bring that cozy warmth that’s so comforting and aromatic.
• Vegan Butter: Softened for creaming — adds richness and moisture.
• Raw Sugar and Brown Sugar: A combo that delivers the perfect deep sweetness.
• Vegan Cream Cheese: Adds a slight tang and creaminess that balances the sugars.
• Vanilla Extract: For a subtle, sweet aromatic boost.
• Chopped Tart Apples: Gala and Granny Smith provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors and a fresh crunch.
• Crumble Topping Ingredients: Flour, sugars, cinnamon, and vegan butter create a sweet, crunchy topping that adds great texture contrast.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak it according to your tastes or the season—you can’t really go wrong!

• Spice Mix: I once swapped out the allspice and cardamom for pumpkin pie spice and my family couldn’t get enough of the cozy fall vibe it created.
• Apples: Sometimes I use just Granny Smith for extra tartness or swap in pears for a mild sweetness and different texture.
• Sweeteners: If you want it a little healthier, try coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of raw and brown sugars—just reduce the wet ingredients slightly.
• Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping gives a lovely crunch and nutty flavor I highly recommend.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

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 simmer it gently until it’s reduced by about half—this usually takes around 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it intensifies the flavor and sweetness without adding any extra sugar. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the batter.

Step 2: Make the Flax Eggs

In a small bowl, whisk together flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes so it thickens up and becomes similar to the consistency of eggs. This natural egg substitute helps bind the cake and keeps it moist—trust me, it works wonders once you get the hang of it.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your all-purpose and whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the beautiful blend of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice). Give everything a good whisk so it’s well combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Cream Vegan Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened vegan butter with raw sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a fluffy coffee cake texture—it usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Then, add in your flax eggs, vegan cream cheese, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider reduction. Beat again until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want a tender crumb. Next, fold in the chopped apples for that juicy, fresh element.

Step 6: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, stir together the flour, sugars, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Cut in the softened vegan butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mix looks like large crumbs. This topping adds a lovely crunch once baked, contrasting the soft cake beneath.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick coconut oil spray. Spread your coffee cake batter evenly in the pan, then sprinkle the crumble topping over it. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cooling the cake a bit before slicing helps it hold together nicely.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust my slices with a little powdered sugar for that simple, sweet touch that looks pretty and adds a hint of extra sweetness. Occasionally, a drizzle of maple glaze adds moisture and fancy flair, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a big mug of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy chai latte for a perfect morning combo. For a brunch spread, it also goes beautifully alongside a fresh fruit salad or vegan yogurt with granola.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cake in individual ramekins topped with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans—everyone loved the personal touch and extra texture. You can also cut the cake into small squares for a lovely bite-sized treat at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover coffee cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—it stays moist and flavorful. If you want to keep it longer, the fridge works well too, just bring it back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully. I slice it into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a cozy treat, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up gently before enjoying.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds or warm it in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes. This helps maintain the texture and brings back that freshly-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe has become one of my go-to fall treats, especially when I want to impress friends with something homemade yet simple. It never fails to get compliments for its moist texture and subtle, comforting flavors. I really hope you give it a try—it’s one of those recipes where you end up baking it again and again, especially when apple season rolls around!

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