Cinnamon-Swirled Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of coffee cake with a swirl of cinnamon and a tender crumb. 

This vegan coffee cake is buttery and soft, with a sweet cinnamon layer running through the center and a crunchy, golden topping. 

It’s the perfect companion to a cup of coffee or tea, whether you’re hosting brunch, enjoying a weekend treat, or looking for a cozy snack.

Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, this cake comes together easily and bakes into a fluffy, moist loaf or square cake that’s as inviting as it is delicious.

Why This Vegan Coffee Cake Is a Favorite

This recipe has everything you love about classic coffee cake, without the dairy or eggs. It’s easy to make, stays moist for days, and is ideal for sharing.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Fluffy, soft texture with a rich cinnamon swirl
• Crunchy topping that adds sweetness and texture
• 100% plant-based with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon coffee breaks
• Easy to bake in advance and store for several days
• Customizable with nuts, fruit, or glaze

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Coffee Cake

This cake is made with simple, vegan-friendly ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
• ½ cup neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or avocado)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup organic cane sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup organic cane sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Vegan Coffee Cake

Making this cake is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
   
2. Make the crumb topping
   In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, coconut oil or vegan butter, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.
   
3. Mix the cinnamon swirl
   Stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
   
4. Prepare the cake batter
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the plant milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined.
   
5. Assemble the layers
   Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together.
   
6. Add the crumb topping
   Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
   
7. Bake
   Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   
8. Cool
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Simple Serving Ideas for Vegan Coffee Cake

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can make it even better with a few extras:

• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast
• Top with fresh berries or sliced fruit
• Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant milk
• Pair with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a dessert twist

Easy Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, you can mix it up with different flavors and textures:

• Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping
• Mix in diced apples or pears with the cinnamon swirl
• Add a pinch of cardamom for a spiced flavor boost
• Swap the cinnamon swirl for a chocolate swirl by using cocoa powder and sugar
• Turn it into muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin (bake for 18 to 20 minutes)

How to Store Vegan Coffee Cake

This cake stays moist and flavorful for several days, making it great for meal prep or entertaining. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. 

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This cinnamon-swirled vegan coffee cake is everything you want in a comforting, homemade treat. With its soft crumb, sweet swirl, and crunchy topping, it’s perfect for any time of day. 

Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe is one you’ll want to bake again and again.

Cinnamon-Swirled Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe

Recipe by Jess Miller

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)

• ½ cup neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or avocado)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ¼ cup organic cane sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup organic cane sugar

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter, softened

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

• Preheat the oven
  Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
• Make the crumb topping
  In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, coconut oil or vegan butter, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.
• Mix the cinnamon swirl
  Stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Prepare the cake batter
  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the plant milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined.
• Assemble the layers
  Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together.
• Add the crumb topping
  Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
• Bake
  Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool
  Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.