Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of coffee cake with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Coffee cakes have always been a favorite for brunches, family gatherings, and cozy mornings. This Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl takes that classic comfort and elevates it with a rich almond flavor and a luscious cream cheese swirl — all while being 100% plant-based.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or an experienced baker, this recipe is a showstopper. It’s soft, moist, full of flavor, and layered with just the right amount of creamy tang. Plus, it pairs beautifully with your morning latte, afternoon tea, or even as a sweet ending to dinner.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, baking tips, storage methods, and fun variations.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Almond Coffee Cake
- Plant-Based & Dairy-Free – No butter, no dairy, no eggs, yet it’s still moist and flavorful.
- Perfect Texture – A balance of fluffy cake, crunchy almond topping, and smooth cream cheese swirl.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be baked ahead and enjoyed for days.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Even non-vegans won’t be able to tell it’s dairy-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Coffee Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup almond milk (or oat milk)
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Vegan Cream Cheese Swirl:
- ½ cup vegan cream cheese
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Almond Topping:
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, mix vegan cream cheese, coconut sugar, almond milk, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Coffee Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk almond milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and coconut sugar until smooth. Slowly add wet ingredients into dry, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 3: Layer the Batter and Swirl
Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9-inch round or square pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining cake batter. Using a knife, swirl the cream cheese mixture gently into the batter for a marbled effect.
Step 4: Add the Almond Topping
Sprinkle the sliced almonds mixed with coconut sugar and cinnamon over the top of the cake.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.
Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix almond milk with apple cider vinegar. Let sit 2-3 minutes.
- Add melted coconut oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the almond milk. Mix well.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Prepare the cream cheese swirl by beating vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, almond extract, and almond milk until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, spread cream cheese mixture on top, then pour remaining batter. Swirl gently.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Notes
Baking Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix – Mix the batter until just combined for a fluffy cake.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients – Helps the batter blend smoothly.
- Add a Glaze – For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple almond glaze (powdered sugar + almond milk + vanilla).
- Make it Nut-Free – Replace almond flour with oat flour and skip sliced almonds.
Variations
- Chocolate Almond Coffee Cake – Add vegan chocolate chips to the batter.
- Berry Swirl – Mix fresh blueberries or raspberries into the cream cheese layer.
- Pumpkin Spice – Add pumpkin puree and warm spices for a fall twist.
Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer – Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Serving Ideas
This coffee cake isn’t just for breakfast! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Brunch Party – Serve alongside fresh fruit and mimosas.
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up – Perfect with a cappuccino.
- Holiday Table – A beautiful addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I use another plant milk?
Absolutely! Oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk all work well.
Q: What if I don’t have vegan cream cheese?
You can substitute with thick coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl is the ultimate dairy-free treat for any occasion. It’s rich, moist, and full of flavor — proof that vegan baking can be just as indulgent as traditional desserts. Whether you’re hosting brunch, bringing dessert to a potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy morning at home, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
