Coffee cake, often associated with cozy mornings and leisurely afternoons, is more than just a delightful pastry. It’s a dessert that invites conversation, offers comfort, and provides the perfect complement to a cup of coffee. But what if you’re looking for a version that’s both delicious and vegetarian? Whether you’re vegetarian yourself or you simply want to try something different, this recipe for a vegetarian coffee cake will not disappoint. Unlike traditional coffee cakes, which often use eggs, butter, and milk, this recipe makes use of plant-based ingredients to create a moist, flavorful treat that will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to make this vegetarian coffee cake, from the ingredients to expert tips. Along the way, we’ll explore some fascinating ingredient science, as well as ideas for how to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to make this irresistible dessert at home.
Vegetarian Coffee Cake Recipe
The beauty of a coffee cake lies in its balance of sweetness, richness, and texture. A perfect coffee cake should have a crumbly, slightly moist interior with a topping that offers both a subtle crunch and a little extra sweetness. This vegetarian recipe ensures all of that-without the need for any animal-based products. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients Needed
To make this vegetarian coffee cake, you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients, but you do need a few key ones to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
For The Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This is your base for the cake. It provides structure and softness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness, of course. You can use coconut sugar or another substitute if you want a more natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – This is a key leavening agent that helps your cake rise to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Works alongside the baking soda for a fluffy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Helps balance the sweetness.
- ¾ cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.) – Adds moisture and helps activate the baking soda and powder.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil – This provides the fat content necessary for a rich, moist texture. You can also use melted coconut oil or avocado oil.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavor. It adds warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – This reacts with the baking soda to give the cake a light, airy texture.
For The Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – Helps form the structure of the streusel.
- ½ cup brown sugar – The molasses in brown sugar gives a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with coffee cake.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon – A warm spice that enhances the cake’s flavor.
- ⅓ cup vegan butter (or coconut oil) – Gives the streusel a buttery flavor and texture. It’s essential for that crumbly, crunchy topping.
Cooking Instructions
Making this vegetarian coffee cake is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make this delightful treat:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a square baking pan. This ensures the cake won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
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Mix The Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, helping your cake rise.
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Combine The Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
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Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently as you go. Mix until just combined, but be careful not to over-mix as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be thick but pourable.
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Prepare The Streusel Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the vegan butter (or coconut oil) and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
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Assemble The Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Even it out with a spatula, making sure it reaches the edges of the pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
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Bake The Cake
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
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Cool And Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The science behind baking is what makes or breaks a cake. In this recipe, there are a few key ingredients worth highlighting:
- Baking Soda + Apple Cider Vinegar: These two ingredients are a powerful combination in this cake. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, creating bubbles that give the cake its light, fluffy texture. The acid in the vinegar neutralizes the base of the baking soda, helping to leaven the batter without the need for eggs.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Using non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat, provides moisture without altering the texture or flavor too much. It’s also essential for binding the dry ingredients together.
- Vegan Butter (or Coconut Oil): This fat source helps the streusel topping develop that desirable crumbling texture. Fat is a key element in baking, providing moisture and richness, which is why it’s essential to use a high-quality vegan butter or oil.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will activate the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a dense cake. Mix until everything is just combined and no more.
- Let the Cake Cool: While it’s tempting to dive into the cake right away, giving it time to cool helps it set and hold its shape better.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your non-dairy milk and oil are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter. Cold ingredients can cause the fat to solidify, resulting in a lumpy batter.
- Customize the Streusel: If you want to make your streusel more unique, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You could also mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to play around with the base and topping to make this coffee cake your own:
- Fruit Coffee Cake: Add fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) or chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist. This adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Coffee Cake: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the batter for a rich, indulgent cake. A sprinkle of chocolate chips on top before baking will make it even more decadent.
- Cinnamon Swirl: For a true cinnamon lover, you can add a cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout the batter. To do this, simply sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture in between two layers of batter before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just make sure to check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Words
This vegetarian coffee cake recipe is simple, adaptable, and perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet treat without compromising their dietary preferences. Whether you’re new to plant-based baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers everything you need for success. With a few simple substitutions and tweaks, you can create a coffee cake that’s uniquely yours, perfect for any occasion-whether it’s a brunch, a family gathering, or a quiet afternoon snack.
FAQs
What Makes A Coffee Cake Vegetarian?
A vegetarian coffee cake is made without animal-derived ingredients like eggs, dairy, or gelatin. Instead, plant-based alternatives such as flax eggs, almond milk, or plant-based butter are used.
Can I Substitute Eggs In A Vegetarian Coffee Cake Recipe?
Yes, you can use several egg substitutes, including flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), unsweetened applesauce, or a store-bought egg replacer. These will provide the binding and moisture needed for the cake.
Can I Make A Vegan Coffee Cake?
Yes, a vegan coffee cake can be made by omitting dairy and egg ingredients entirely and replacing them with plant-based options like non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes. The cake would be both vegetarian and vegan.
What Are The Best Dairy Alternatives For A Vegetarian Coffee Cake?
Common dairy alternatives for vegetarian coffee cakes include almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. For butter, you can use plant-based butter or vegetable oil.
What Are Some Common Flavorings In Vegetarian Coffee Cake Recipes?
Common flavorings include cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, lemon zest, or fruit like berries or apples. These ingredients enhance the flavor profile of the cake while keeping it vegetarian.
Can I Add Fruit To My Vegetarian Coffee Cake?
Yes, fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples can be incorporated into the cake batter or added as a topping. These fruits not only add flavor but also moisture to the cake.
How Can I Make My Coffee Cake Gluten-free And Vegetarian?
To make a gluten-free and vegetarian coffee cake, replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as plant-based milk and egg substitutes, are gluten-free as well.
Can I Make The Crumb Topping Vegan In A Vegetarian Coffee Cake?
Yes, the crumb topping can easily be made vegan by using vegan butter instead of regular butter. You can also use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar if desired.
How Do I Store Leftover Vegetarian Coffee Cake?
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for later.
Can I Make A Vegetarian Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake batter in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the coffee cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.