If you happen to cherish the flavor of almond croissants but wish for a simpler alternative, let this Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl be your culinary triumph. This aromatic delight brings together a delicate vanilla cake layered with a creamy, dairy-free frangipane and a luscious cream cheese swirl. Topped with a satisfyingly crunchy almond streusel, each slice promises the essence of an almond croissant without the complexity of laminating dough. Best of all, this creation is entirely vegan, skillfully combining non-dairy and non-egg components to achieve a dessert that’s rich, moist, and undeniably tender.
The charm of this cake lies not just in its flavor, but also in its simplicity. Unlike traditional almond pastries that often require intricate techniques, this coffee cake comes together with ease, making it perfect for a leisurely brunch or an elegant dessert at gatherings. As the cake gently rises in the oven, the inviting aromas of almonds and vanilla envelop your kitchen, promising a confection that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Starting your day with a slice of this cake is akin to diving into the comfort of a warm hug. Serve it slightly warmed, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar, and enjoy the harmonious blend of textures — from the soft, pillowy cake to the smooth, tangy cream cheese ribbon. Indeed, it’s a testament to the wonder of plant-based baking, proving that vegan doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Almond Coffee Cake
This Vegan Almond Coffee Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why you will love making and enjoying it:
- Almond croissant flavor made simple: No need for pastry skills to enjoy this classic taste.
- Layers of indulgence: A seamless blend of vanilla cake, frangipane, and cream cheese swirls.
- Bakery-style streusel topping: Sweet, nutty, and adds the perfect amount of crunch.
- Versatile and elegant: Perfect for brunch, festive occasions, or a dessert finale.
- Completely vegan: Indulge freely without dairy or eggs, yet enjoy all the buttery richness.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before embarking on making this Vegan Almond Coffee Cake, spend a little time setting up your kitchen for an efficient baking experience. Begin by ensuring you have a clean and organized workspace to save time and reduce stress. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is essential because a consistent oven temperature is key to achieving that perfect cake rise. Line and grease a 9-inch springform pan, as this will make the cake easier to slice and remove once baked.
A few special tools can simplify the process further. An electric mixer will efficiently whip up the vegan cream cheese filling, achieving the desired fluffy texture. Additionally, a sifter for your dry ingredients can help in ensuring a smooth batter, while a spatula is quite handy for evenly spreading the layers in your pan.
Finally, keep your ingredients ready by measuring them out before you start — this is sometimes called mise en place, a French term used to mean setting up the ingredients ahead of time. This will streamline your baking process.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious coffee cake:
- Frangipane Filling:
- Vegan butter
- Granulated sugar
- Almond flour
- All-purpose flour
- Almond milk
- Vanilla or almond extract
- Sea salt
- Almond Streusel:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Vegan butter
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
- Extra frangipane + sliced almonds
- Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Vegan cream cheese
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Cake Batter:
- Vegan buttermilk
- Vegan butter
- Sugar
- Dairy-free sour cream or yogurt
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder + baking soda
- Sea salt
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend with xanthan gum)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking space by lining and greasing a 9-inch springform pan. This will make the cake easier to remove and serve later.
Step 2: Make the Frangipane
In a bowl, mix almond flour, sugar, melted vegan butter, a bit of all-purpose flour, and almond milk. Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Stir until you achieve a paste-like consistency which will add a rich, nutty flavor to your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Streusel
In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, and melted vegan butter. Flavored with a hint of vanilla and salt, mix until crumbly. To elevate the flavor, rub in a portion of the prepared frangipane and set this aside for the topping later.
Step 4: Whip the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat vegan cream cheese, brown sugar, cornstarch, and a dash of vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will serve as a delightful, creamy swirl.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk vegan butter, sugar, and dairy-free yogurt until you get a smooth cream. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with vegan buttermilk, until everything is just combined. Make sure the batter stays smooth and lump-free for the best texture.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
To assemble, pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Gently layer with the cream cheese filling, then spread the frangipane over this. Top with the rest of the cake batter. Finally, sprinkle the prepared streusel and sliced almonds to achieve a beautiful finishing touch.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your creation in the preheated oven for about 70–75 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures that the cake is thoroughly baked and moist throughout.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial for setting the layers and making the cake easier to handle. Once cooled, you can dust it lightly with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Variations
- Protein: For added protein, consider stirring a spoonful of almond protein powder into your frangipane mixture.
- Vegetables: You can subtly incorporate vegetables like grated zucchini for a moister cake without altering the taste.
- Spices: Infuse more warmth by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter or streusel mix.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother batter and better cake rise.
- Do not overmix the cake batter; stop once the ingredients are just combined to keep the texture light and tender.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair each slice with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a relaxing breakfast or tea-time treat.
- Serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
Tips
- For a brighter flavor, consider the addition of lemon zest to the cream cheese swirl.
- Experiment with different nuts in your streusel for a unique twist on texture and flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 70–75 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 100 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Estimated at 320 per slice
- Protein: Approximately 6 grams per serving
- Sodium: 300 mg per slice
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan?
Yes, if you do not have dietary restrictions, regular cream cheese can substitute vegan cream cheese.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Opt for a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum in place of regular flour for a compatibility with gluten-free diets.
Is it possible to prepare this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake this cake the day before serving to save time on the day of your event.
Can I freeze leftover cake slices?
Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight for best results.
Conclusion
This Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the creativity and excitement of vegan baking. Whether you enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up or a delightful dessert, this cake undoubtedly bridges the gap between elegance and simplicity. Don’t hesitate to get creative – try different variations, share your creation with friends and family, and experiment with new combination ideas. Your kitchen is your canvas, and this cake is one beautiful venture. Dive into the vegan baking trend with this sensational recipe, and relish in the comfort and joy each slice brings.
Print
Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 slices
Description
This Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl is a testament to the creativity and excitement of vegan baking, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- Frangipane Filling:
- Vegan butter
- Granulated sugar
- Almond flour
- All-purpose flour
- Almond milk
- Vanilla or almond extract
- Sea salt
- Almond Streusel:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Vegan butter
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
- Extra frangipane + sliced almonds
- Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Vegan cream cheese
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Cake Batter:
- Vegan buttermilk
- Vegan butter
- Sugar
- Dairy-free sour cream or yogurt
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder + baking soda
- Sea salt
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend with xanthan gum)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix almond flour, sugar, melted vegan butter, flour, and almond milk for the frangipane. Stir in vanilla or almond extract and sea salt.
- Combine all-purpose flour, sugar, and melted vegan butter for the streusel. Add vanilla and salt, rub in frangipane for topping.
- Beat vegan cream cheese, brown sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract for the cream cheese swirl.
- Whisk vegan butter, sugar, and yogurt in a large bowl. Mix in dry ingredients and vegan buttermilk for cake batter.
- Pour half of the cake batter in the pan, layer with cream cheese, spread frangipane, and top with remaining batter. Sprinkle streusel and almonds.
- Bake for 70–75 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 30 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure the layers set properly. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 70–75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 6 g