Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe (vegan + better than Starbucks)

Recipes

Who would have thought you could make a Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake that’s not only plant-based but also tastes even better than Starbucks. You’ll want to give this recipe a try! It’s a moist, tender treat topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble.

Made with wholesome plant-based ingredients, this recipe is perfect for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this coffee cake will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

  • Plant-Based Goodness: Completely vegan and free of animal products.
  • Easy to Customize: Make it gluten-free or add fruits and nuts to suit your taste.
  • Perfect Anytime: Enjoy it warm with coffee in the morning or as a satisfying dessert.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup maple sugar (or sugar of your choice)
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

  • 1/4 cup organic light brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping:

  • 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter
  • 1/4 cup organic light brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

How to Make This Cinnamon Streusel Cake Recipe

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5 loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
  2. Make Vegan Buttermilk: In a small bowl, mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the maple sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk mixture until well blended.
  5. Create the Batter: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Layer the Cake: Spread half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it evenly.
  7. Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the vegan butter with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the cake.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 7 days when refrigerated.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

  • Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Stir until just combined.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or diced apples for a fun twist.
  • Use High-Quality Cinnamon: Fresh, high-quality cinnamon (like Ceylon) enhances the flavor dramatically.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
  • Serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a festive touch.
  • Enjoy as a dessert after dinner—warm it slightly for extra indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for similar results.

2. What’s the best oil for this recipe?
Neutral oils like avocado or melted coconut oil work well. If you enjoy a hint of nuttiness, use coconut oil.

3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but the texture and sweetness may vary slightly. You can reduce the sugar in both the batter and streusel to your taste.

With its warm cinnamon aroma, moist crumb, and crunchy topping, this vegan cinnamon streusel coffee cake is a must-try.

A slice of vegan Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake on a beautifully hand-painted Gail Pittman plate, set outdoors on a sunny day, surrounded by lush greenery.

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Julie Pace, RDN
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is moist, tender, and topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that’s bursting with cinnamon flavor. Made with plant-based ingredients, it’s vegan and easy to whip up. Perfect as an occasional treat. What's more? It taste better than Starbucks and completely customizable, this coffee cake is a must-try for any occasion!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other non-dairy milk
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup maple sugar or sugar of choice
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, organic
  • 1 Tbsp cinnamon

Streusel Topping

  • 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, organic
  • 1 Tbsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • in a small bowl, combine almond milk with apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine then set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, blend together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, add maple sugar, oil, vanilla extract and milk mixture. Stir until well combine. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until dough forms.
  • Add parchment paper or grease 9×5 loaf pan. Spread half the dough into the bottom of pan. Sprinkle on brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Then add the remaining dough mixture to pan.
  • To make streusel, use a separate bowl and add flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter to the mixture. Once combined, sprinkle evenly and press into top of dough.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until when toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and let cool before slicing.
Keyword cinnamon streusel coffee cake, coffee cake recipe