Name: The Best Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 60 g (¼ cup) light brown sugar (light muscovado); 60 g (¼ cup) dark brown sugar (dark muscovado); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (reduce to 1 tbsp if preferred); 100 g (¾ cup + 2 tsp) all-purpose flour; 80 g (2.82 oz) vegan butter (block-style), cold; 118 ml (½ cup) soy milk; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar; 115 g (4 oz) vegan butter (block-style), room temperature; 160 g (½ cup + 2 tablespoons) vegan Greek-style yogurt or vegan sour cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 240 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, sifted; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 90 g (¾ cup) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons soy milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

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If you’re looking for a delightfully moist, tender, and utterly satisfying treat, look no further than The Best Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe. This recipe perfectly captures those comforting layers of cinnamon swirl and a crunchy streusel topping, all while being completely eggless and dairy-free. Every bite offers that classic breakfast cake vibe Starbucks lovers adore, with a plant-based twist that will have you coming back for seconds — or thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with thick, light beige batter that has a slightly rough texture with visible small air bubbles, being stirred by a white spatula on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful coffee cake with just the right balance of sweet and spice. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the vegan butter that adds moistness, to the cinnamon-laden crumb topping that delivers irresistible crunch and aroma.

Light brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds gentle sweetness and moisture with a subtle molasses hint.
Dark brown sugar (¼ cup): Provides deeper, richer flavor—muscovado sugar is ideal for authenticity.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Gives the cake its warm, fragrant cinnamon flavor, perfectly balanced in both the batter and crumb.
All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups total): The structure base for the cake and crumb topping; sifting ensures a light texture.
Vegan butter (cold and room temperature): Cold for the crumb topping to create that crumbly texture; room temperature for the batter to help it blend smoothly.
Soy milk (½ cup): Combined with apple cider vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tang and tenderizing power.
Apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons): Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise fluffy and light.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter without overwhelming the gentle cinnamon notes.
Vegan Greek-style yogurt or sour cream (½ cup plus 2 tablespoons): Adds tanginess and moisture, making the crumb tender and soft.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances overall flavor with sweet, aromatic depth.
Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo for lift and rise.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
Powdered sugar (¾ cup): For the final glaze, adding a silky sweet finish with a touch of vanilla and soy milk.

How to Make The Best Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Vegan Buttermilk

Start by preheating your oven and getting your cake pan ready with a generous greasing and parchment paper lining. Meanwhile, mix the soy milk with apple cider vinegar and let it sit for about 10 minutes to thicken into vegan buttermilk—a trick that guarantees a tender crumb and perfect rise.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

Whisk together the light and dark brown sugars with flour and cinnamon for that iconic cinnamon swirl flavor. Then grate or dice in cold vegan butter, working it into the dry mix with your fingers until you get that satisfyingly crumbly texture. This topping adds the crunch and spice layer that makes this cake truly unforgettable.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Cream the room-temperature vegan butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this step is crucial as it traps air to make the cake soft and airy. Then add the vegan yogurt and vanilla extract to incorporate moisture and flavor depth.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a separate bowl. This provides an even distribution of leavening agents and salt for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 5: Build the Batter

Alternate adding the vegan buttermilk and dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently each time with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a thick batter with no visible flour pockets is the goal to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Spread about one-third of the batter into your prepared cake pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon crumb topping evenly on top. Add the remaining batter carefully to cover, smoothing it to the edges, and finish with the rest of the crumb topping. This layering creates the signature swirl and crunchy finish.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before gently lifting it out using the parchment paper sling—allow it to cool completely on a rack before glazing.

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and soy milk to a smooth, drizzleable glaze. Pour it generously over the cooled cake for a sweet, shiny finish that’s just icing on the cake for this vegan treat!

How to Serve The Best Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

A square-shaped dessert bar sits on crumpled parchment paper over a white marbled surface. It has one thick layer with a rough, crumbly brown texture, and is covered with thin, uneven white drizzle lines running diagonally across the top. The edges are straight and the drizzle extends slightly over the sides. The lighting is warm and natural, emphasizing the texture of the bar and the glossy look of the drizzle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make each serving special, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts on top of the glaze. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries also adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the cinnamon warmth perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair this coffee cake with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai, or your favorite plant-based latte for a truly comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. A side of dairy-free vanilla yogurt with a drizzle of maple syrup can also elevate the indulgence!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cake on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe or on a bright, colorful plate to brighten up your table. For gatherings, cut it into small squares and serve on toothpicks as bite-sized treats, perfect for brunch parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, keep leftover coffee cake stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it into an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months and thaw a couple of hours before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and softness reminiscent of a Starbucks bakery moment.

FAQs

Can I use a different plant milk instead of soy milk?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or cashew milk work well as substitutes in this recipe. Just make sure to let the vinegar react with whichever milk you use to create that important vegan buttermilk effect.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but keep in mind texture may vary slightly. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help with structure and moisture retention.

Can I replace vegan Greek-style yogurt with another ingredient?

Yes! Plant-based sour cream or even a thick unsweetened coconut yogurt can be good alternatives, as they provide moisture and tang needed for the perfect crumb.

How important is it to use cold vegan butter in the crumb topping?

It’s key! Cold butter creates a crumbly, streusel texture, while melted or softened butter would make the topping soggy instead of crisp.

Will this cake keep well for parties or potlucks?

Definitely! It transports easily and stays moist for days, especially if glazed just before serving. Just bring it out early to soften up if refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend you try The Best Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe enough — it’s a heartwarming, indulgent vegan classic that’s both simple to make and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re vegan or just coffee cake curious, this recipe invites you to enjoy that iconic cinnamon swirl and crumb topping in a fresh, compassionate way. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your baking rotation for years to come!

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