Name: Vegan Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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; 1/4 cup (65g) packed brown sugar (light or dark); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 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

Ingredients

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

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

1/4 cup (65g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square tin with parchment paper, leaving some paper overhanging for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the crumb topping by combining the first 5 ingredients listed for it in a small bowl. Mix until combined, then set it aside in the fridge until needed.

Step 3: Prepare the apple filling by tossing the peeled and chopped apples with the sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the cinnamon sugar layer by combining the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.

Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the cake. Add the wet ingredients: applesauce, oil, dairy-free milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—the batter should be thick.

Step 6: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar layer evenly on top.

Step 7: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar, smoothing gently without lifting the spatula too much to avoid disturbing the layer below.

Step 8: Scatter the apple filling evenly over the top of the batter without pressing down. Then sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over everything.

Step 9: Bake for 1 hour 3 minutes to 1 hour 8 minutes, until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Use a serrated knife to cut the cake into slices. Serve as is or with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a special treat.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, substitute the applesauce with unsweetened dairy-free yogurt at room temperature.

You can swap the neutral oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch.

Try using different apple varieties like Fuji or Gala for varying sweetness and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, lemon juice works just as well as apple cider vinegar for activating the baking powder and adding a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when the topping turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.