Vegan Maple Brown Sugar Coffee Cake

Introduction

Vegan Maple Brown Sugar Coffee Cake is the ultimate treat for those who crave the comforting flavors of maple, brown sugar, and cinnamon—without any dairy or eggs. Its irresistibly moist crumb and crunchy, cinnamon-laced streusel topping ensure it’s a favorite at brunches, celebrations, or simple afternoon coffee breaks. This recipe is approachable, satisfying, and sure to become a go-to for anyone seeking classic flavors in a vegan-friendly package.

Why Make Vegan Maple Brown Sugar Coffee Cake?

This coffee cake stands out for its depth of flavor and absolute simplicity. Maple syrup and brown sugar give each bite a nuanced sweetness, while the crumbly top balances texture with a hint of spice. It’s a plant-based crowd-pleaser that appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike—perfect for sharing at gatherings or prepping ahead for special mornings.

The Secret to Rich, Moist, and Vegan Coffee Cake

The richness in this cake comes from classic ingredients with clever vegan swaps. Plant-based milk curdled with apple cider vinegar mimics buttermilk for a tender crumb, while maple syrup adds complexity and moisture. Coconut oil brings buttery fullness, and a winning combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts makes the streusel pop.

How to Make the Perfect Vegan Maple Streusel

Combine brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, chopped walnuts, a pinch of salt, and a touch of coconut oil or vegan butter to create an irresistible, crunchy topping. Scattering this mix generously on top of the batter results in an extra layer of decadent flavor and satisfying crunch when baked.

Serving Suggestions for a Standout Coffee Cake

Serve your Vegan Maple Brown Sugar Coffee Cake warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of maple syrup. It’s perfect with freshly brewed coffee or chai tea and can be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, snack, or sweet end to a meal. For gatherings, slice and arrange on a platter for a tempting, shareable centerpiece.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 9–12 squares, depending on cut size. Each serving (1 square) is typically about 230–260 calories. The cake is free from dairy and eggs, making it suitable for vegan and many vegetarian diets. It also offers a source of healthy fats from walnuts and coconut oil.

Vegan Maple Brown Sugar Coffee Cake (Recap)

Satisfyingly moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a crunchy maple-infused streusel, this vegan coffee cake is easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd—perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the streusel: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, walnuts (if using), cinnamon, salt, and melted coconut oil until crumbly. Set aside.
3. In a measuring cup, combine plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to curdle (this mimics buttermilk).
4. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and the milk mixture.
5. In another bowl, sift or whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
8. Bake for 34–38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Vegan Maple Brown Sugar Coffee Cake is fabulous for meal prep—bake it on the weekend, then enjoy a quick, wholesome breakfast or snack all week. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan your week, streamline grocery shopping, and see which staple ingredients (like plant-based milk and brown sugar) appear in multiple recipes.

Planning Benefits:

– Instantly generates accurate shopping lists, avoiding forgotten items
– Combines overlapping ingredients across all your planned meals
– Sorts groceries by section for an easier store run
– Optimizes weekly meal prep and reduces food waste

Pro tip: When planning several recipes for the week, batch schedule your meals to see ingredient totals automatically—making it even easier to stock your kitchen for delicious, stress-free eating.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 34–38 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes