Apple Coffee Cake Recipe: 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Love

There’s something undeniably cozy about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. If you’re craving comfort without the fuss, this Apple Coffee Cake recipe is exactly what you need. Made with just 5 simple, wholesome ingredients, this plant-based dessert is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or just looking for a dairy-free treat to share with loved ones, this recipe hits the sweet spot.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack, this easy vegan dessert delivers all the flavor of traditional coffee cake—without the eggs or dairy. Let’s dive into this foolproof favorite that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Apple Coffee Cake

This Apple Coffee Cake is more than just a simple sweet treat—it’s a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food that fits seamlessly into your everyday routine. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your go-to baking collection:

1. Made with Just 5 Pantry Ingredients

One of the best parts about this Apple Coffee Cake is how incredibly simple it is to make. You don’t need a long shopping list or fancy ingredients—just five everyday staples you likely already have in your pantry. From flour and plant-based milk to fresh apples and a touch of natural sweetness, each ingredient works together to create a flavorful, no-fuss cake. For more plant-based baking ideas, check out our Vegan Peanut Butter Brownies.

2. Vegan and Dairy-Free

Whether you’re following a plant-based lifestyle or avoiding dairy for health reasons, this recipe has you covered. It’s completely eggless and made without butter or milk, relying instead on plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil. The result? A delicious vegan coffee cake that everyone can enjoy—no substitutions needed.

3. Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

This cake is incredibly versatile. Enjoy a slice in the morning with your favorite hot drink, serve it at brunch alongside fresh fruit, or offer it as a light dessert after dinner. Its subtle sweetness and comforting texture make it a great fit for any time of day. Pair it with a Vegan Mulled Apple Cider for a cozy fall vibe.

4. Moist, Fluffy, and Loaded with Apples + Cinnamon

This isn’t one of those dry, crumbly cakes. Thanks to the fresh apple chunks and a hint of cinnamon, every bite is moist, tender, and bursting with natural flavor. It’s a cozy and satisfying option, whether you’re baking for yourself or serving a crowd.

5. Great for Meal Prep or Gatherings

Need something you can bake ahead and enjoy throughout the week? This eggless cake keeps beautifully and tastes even better the next day. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at brunches, holiday mornings, or casual get-togethers—especially when you want to offer a healthy apple dessert that still feels indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Apple Coffee Cake is how simple the ingredient list is. You’ll only need a handful of plant-based ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Apples – Use fresh apples (chopped or grated) to add natural sweetness, moisture, and a soft texture to the cake. Choose crisp, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
• Flour – All-purpose flour works well for a fluffy, tender crumb. You can also substitute with whole wheat flour (for a heartier texture) or a 50/50 blend of both.
• Plant-based milk – Almond milk is a popular option, but soy or oat milk (unsweetened) also work perfectly. The non-dairy milk adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients in this dairy-free recipe. Try Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk for a creamy texture.
• Natural sweetener – Maple syrup or coconut sugar brings a touch of sweetness without refined sugar. These wholesome options keep this cake aligned with clean, plant-based baking.
• Oil – Choose coconut oil or melted vegan butter for richness and a moist texture. This ensures your cake doesn’t dry out while keeping it completely dairy-free.

Optional add-ins – While the base recipe uses only five ingredients, you can enhance flavor with:

• Ground cinnamon (for a warm, spiced apple flavor)
• Vanilla extract (for aroma and depth)
• Baking powder or baking soda (if you want more lift or fluffiness)

These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a flavorful, soft, and perfectly balanced Apple Coffee Cake—without any eggs or dairy in sight.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake (Step-by-Step Guide)

This easy vegan cake recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous baking. Follow these simple steps to create a moist, flavorful, and completely eggless Apple Coffee Cake:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish with a bit of coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick. For the perfect baking dish, check out this Non-Stick Square Baking Pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of baking powder or baking soda (optional, depending on your preference). Whisk until the dry ingredients are well blended and free of clumps.
3. Stir in the wet ingredients
   Add your plant-based milk (like almond milk), natural sweetener (maple syrup or coconut sugar), and oil (coconut oil or vegan butter) into the bowl. Stir gently until a smooth batter forms. This is where the magic of eggless baking shines—no special binders needed.
4. Fold in the apples
   Gently fold in the chopped or grated apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This adds natural moisture and sweetness, which creates that signature moist Apple Coffee Cake texture.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake
   Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and springy to the touch.
6. Let it cool, slice, and enjoy!
   Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then slice it into squares and enjoy warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect served on its own or with a dollop of coconut yogurt or plant-based whipped cream.

This step-by-step method makes it easy to whip up a moist, flavorful Apple Coffee Cake that’s 100% vegan and guaranteed to impress—no eggs, dairy, or complicated steps required.

Expert Tips & Substitutions

To help you get the most out of this Apple Coffee Cake recipe, here are some smart tweaks and vegan baking hacks that make the recipe more flexible, nutritious, and suitable for various dietary needs.

1. Use Spelt Flour for a Whole Grain Option

If you’re looking to boost the fiber and nutrition in your Apple Coffee Cake, try swapping all-purpose flour with spelt flour. It offers a slightly nutty flavor and a tender texture, making it a great alternative for whole grain baking. Spelt also works well in most vegan recipes without compromising the softness of the cake.

2. Swap Maple Syrup with Agave or Coconut Sugar

Out of maple syrup? No problem. You can use agave syrup or coconut sugar (for a deeper, caramel-like flavor) as a one-to-one replacement. These are excellent healthy swaps that keep your cake refined sugar-free while maintaining its natural sweetness.

3. Add Walnuts or Raisins for Texture

For extra texture and a nutritional boost, fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins when you add the apples. Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats, while raisins bring a soft, sweet bite that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples. These small additions can really elevate your plant-based baking. Want more nutty recipes? Try our Almond Nut Cake.

4. Make It Gluten-Free with Almond or Oat Flour

To turn this into a gluten-free apple cake, substitute the flour with almond flour or oat flour. Almond flour will create a rich, moist cake, while oat flour gives a light, hearty result. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as these flours absorb moisture differently. It’s one of the best vegan baking hacks for those avoiding gluten without giving up flavor or texture. For more gluten-free ideas, explore our Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Recipe.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about this Apple Coffee Cake recipe. These responses are designed to help readers and improve your chances of appearing in Google’s “People Also Ask” and voice search results.

1. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this Apple Coffee Cake gluten-free by using alternative flours like almond flour, oat flour, or a certified gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the flour you choose, but the cake will still be moist and delicious. For best results, start with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix that’s designed for cake recipes.

2. Can I use applesauce instead of oil?

Absolutely. Unsweetened applesauce is a great substitute for oil in this recipe. It reduces the fat content while keeping the cake moist and tender. Replace the oil with an equal amount of applesauce (1:1 ratio). This is a helpful option for anyone looking to make a lighter or lower-fat version of this plant-based dessert.

3. Is coffee cake supposed to have coffee in it?

Despite the name, traditional coffee cake—including this vegan version—does not contain coffee as an ingredient. It’s called coffee cake because it’s typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. This Apple Coffee Cake follows that tradition and pairs perfectly with your favorite hot beverage.

4. What kind of apples work best?

For the best texture and flavor, use firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and add a balanced sweetness to the cake. Whether chopped or grated, they blend beautifully into the batter and give your moist Apple Coffee Cake that classic fruity bite.

Conclusion

This Apple Coffee Cake proves that delicious, comforting desserts don’t need to be complicated. With just 5 simple ingredients, it’s a breeze to make—and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a cozy brunch, prepping ahead for the week, or simply treating yourself, this moist, cinnamon-spiced cake checks all the boxes for a satisfying plant-based dessert. For more apple-inspired treats, try our Vegan Apple Coffee Cake or Apple Crumble for Baby.

If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your own creative twists or substitutions. Loved it? Pin it for later or share it with a friend who loves easy vegan baking as much as you do!