Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect fall treat, I absolutely love sharing this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe with friends. It’s one of those cozy, comforting cakes that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of spices and fresh apples—the kind of aroma that makes you want to pull up a chair and just savor the moment. What makes this cake stand out for me is how it balances the tangy crispness of apples with the sweet, spiced richness of apple cider reduction, all wrapped up in a tender, fluffy crumb that’s totally vegan-friendly.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a casual gathering, or just because you want a slice of something special alongside your morning coffee, this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s got that irresistibly soft texture with a nutty crumble topping that my family goes crazy for, and I know you’ll love how easy it is to whip up with pantry staples and fresh apples.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe works together to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful cake. I love how the combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour adds heartiness, while the blend of warming spices layers that comforting aroma you crave on a crisp morning.

• Apple cider: Reducing it concentrates the sweet-tart flavor that bursts through every bite.
• Flaxseed meal: This is what makes your “egg” – a great vegan binder with a mild nuttiness.
• All-purpose and whole wheat flour: Mixing these flours keeps the cake light but with a little wholesome texture.
• Baking soda and baking powder: They work together for that perfect rise and fluff.
• Warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice): The key to that inviting aroma and a deep flavor profile.
• Vegan butter: Make sure it’s softened to get that creamy, smooth batter and crumble.
• Raw sugar and brown sugar: Both bring a complex sweetness and moisture.
• Vegan cream cheese: Adds tenderness and a subtle creaminess in the batter.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch to round out all the warm flavors.
• Chopped tart apples: Gala and Granny Smith add texture and freshness – don’t skip them!
• Crumble topping ingredients: Flour, sugars, cinnamon, and vegan butter come together to add that irresistible crunchy topping.

Variations

I love tweaking this Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to personalize it to your taste—whether that means swapping in your favorite apples, trying different spices, or adding nuts for crunch.

• Walnut or pecan topping: I like sprinkling chopped nuts into the crumble topping for extra texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Pear swap: In late fall, I swap apples for pears to keep things fresh and seasonal – it’s surprisingly delicious.
• Maple syrup drizzle: Sometimes I drizzle a little maple glaze over the cooled cake for an added touch of sweetness and stunning presentation.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute a gluten-free baking blend in place of the flours, and you’ll still get a moist and flavorful cake.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by heating your apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it boils, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble away gently for about 10 minutes until it reduces to roughly half – this intensifies the flavor and helps prevent the cake from getting soggy. I like to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn and set it aside to cool before adding to the batter.

Step 2: Make Your Flax Eggs

While the cider cools, mix together flaxseed meal and water in a small bowl and let it thicken for about 5 minutes. These flax eggs act as the perfect vegan binder, replacing traditional eggs without sacrificing moisture or texture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom. I find that sifting these ingredients together really helps avoid lumps and makes mixing the batter easier.

Step 4: Cream the Sugars and Vegan Butter

Use a mixer to cream your softened vegan butter with raw sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is nice and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the flax eggs, vegan cream cheese, vanilla, and the reduced apple cider, mixing until smooth and creamy. This part is key for getting that tender crumb, so don’t rush it!

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Apples

Slowly add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop once you see no flour streaks. Finally, gently fold in the chopped tart apples — they add such a lovely, fresh texture and a little tang that balances the sweetness.

Step 6: Make and Add the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, raw sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the softened vegan butter until you get large crumb-like pieces—this creates that irresistible crunchy topping we all love. Spread the batter in your prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the crumble on top.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the coffee cake in your preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before slicing – this helps the crumb set and the apple flavors to develop beautifully.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple by serving this coffee cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. If I’m feeling a bit fancy, a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of maple glaze adds just the right touch without overpowering those warm apple cider spices.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a fresh cup of black coffee or your favorite plant-based latte. For a brunch spread, I often serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a tangy vegan yogurt to balance sweetness with a little creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

When serving for special occasions, I love plating individual slices with a scoop of cinnamon-spiced vegan ice cream and some toasted pecans on the side. It instantly elevates this humble coffee cake into a show-stopping dessert that guests always ask me to make again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, I pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh, especially in warmer climates. The cake holds up well but is best enjoyed within a few days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

This Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake freezes beautifully. I slice it first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. When I want a treat, I just thaw a slice overnight in the fridge or gently warm it in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I lightly reheat slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven wrapped in foil. Reheating helps the crumb regain softness and the crumble topping stay delightfully crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe has become my go-to for cozy mornings and gatherings where I want something special but fuss-free. The combination of tangy apples, spice, and crumb topping is truly irresistible, and it’s always a hit with both vegan and non-vegan friends. Give it a try next time you want a fall-inspired dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt—I promise, you’ll be reaching for seconds and sharing it with everyone you know.

Print