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Vegan Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 100 reviews

This Vegan Apple Coffee Cake is a delightful blend of tender cake layered with cinnamon sugar, topped with fresh apples and a crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is free from dairy and eggs, using vegan butter and applesauce to create moist, flavorful layers. The combination of warm cinnamon and tart apples makes it irresistibly comforting and ideal for the fall season.

Ingredients

Scale

Crumb Topping

  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose plain flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (35g) 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)

  • 1/4 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 (70g) dairy-free milk (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some paper overhanging the sides to help with removal later.
  2. Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted vegan butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix until all ingredients are well combined into a crumbly texture. Chill this mixture in the fridge while you prepare the rest.
  3. Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  4. Make the cinnamon sugar layer (optional): In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this aside to be used between the cake batter layers.
  5. Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: applesauce (or dairy-free yogurt), neutral oil, dairy-free milk, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. The batter should be thick but uniform.
  6. Assemble the cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking tin and smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar layer over this first layer of batter. Then pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing carefully without disturbing the cinnamon sugar layer below (try not to lift your spatula to keep the layers distinct).
  7. Add the apples and crumble: Scatter the prepared apple filling evenly over the top of the batter without pressing down. Finally, sprinkle the chilled crumb topping generously over the apples.
  8. Bake the cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for approximately 63 to 68 minutes. The cake is done when the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean without wet batter.
  9. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice with a serrated knife and serve as is or with a scoop of vegan ice cream.
  10. Storage: This apple coffee cake is best enjoyed the day it is 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.

Notes

  • Using applesauce or unsweetened dairy-free yogurt helps keep the cake moist without eggs.
  • The cinnamon sugar layer is optional but adds a delightful flavor and texture contrast between cake layers.
  • Neutral flavored oil such as sunflower, canola, or light olive oil works best for a balanced flavor.
  • For a simple icing to serve with the cake, mix powdered sugar with a little dairy-free milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • When smoothing the top batter layer over the cinnamon sugar, try to avoid lifting the spatula too much to prevent breaking the layer separation.

Keywords: vegan apple coffee cake, vegan coffee cake, apple cake, dairy-free dessert, vegan baking, cinnamon apple cake

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