Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite cozy treat: Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling. This tender, buttery cake is completely plant-based, yet you’d never guess it’s dairy- and egg-free from the rich flavor, luscious vegan cream cheese center, and that signature crunchy almond streusel on top. It’s fuss-free to make but totally special—just the thing for brunch gatherings, holidays, or whenever you crave a slice that pairs perfectly with your morning cup. Whether you’re celebrating or simply savoring quiet moments, this cake delivers pure comfort in every moist, fragrant bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling has a delicious purpose, from giving the crumb its classic richness to putting the almond flavor front and center. You’ll find nothing complicated here—just everyday baking staples combined in all the right ways to create irresistible layers of taste and texture.

• All-purpose flour: The reliable base for a soft, tender crumb and thick, satisfying slices.
• Baking powder: Adds the essential lift you want in a perfectly risen coffee cake.
• Baking soda: Gives a boost to the cake’s fluffy height and plays well with the vinegar.
• Salt: Enhances every note, from sweet almond to tangy filling.
• Almond milk (or other plant milk): Provides moisture and melds flavors; almond milk amps up the nutty taste.
• Apple cider vinegar: Curds the plant milk gently, mimicking buttermilk for a moister cake.
• Coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter): Infuses richness without weighing down the crumb.
• Cane sugar: Sweetens while keeping the flavor clean and light.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds subtle sweetness, moist texture, and helps bind in place of eggs.
• Almond extract: The star for bold, aromatic almond flavor throughout the cake.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out every layer of flavor.
• Vegan cream cheese: Creates that irresistible, tangy-sweet “cream cheese” ribbon in the middle.
• Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the filling and adds gentle depth.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the filling, striking a perfect balance with sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Rich, caramel-y flavor for a streusel topping that perfectly complements the almonds.
• Sliced almonds: Lend a toasty crunch and classic bakery looks on top.
• Cinnamon: Adds aroma and that cozy spice to the crumb topping.
• Powdered sugar: The finishing touch that makes the cake look as decadent as it tastes.

How to Make Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action, and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This ensures your beautiful Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling releases easily and keeps those lovely layers intact when you slice.

Step 2: Mix the Plant Milk and Vinegar

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the almond milk with the apple cider vinegar. Give it a quick stir and let it stand for about 5 minutes. This is your secret to a classic, ultra-moist crumb, as it creates a simple plant-based “buttermilk” that reacts beautifully with your leaveners.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. You want these evenly combined so that every bite of cake bakes up light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk your now-curdled milk together with the cane sugar, melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, almond extract, and vanilla extract. This fragrant mix brings sweetness, almondy richness, and that hint of vanilla warmth to every part of the cake.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined—over-mixing develops gluten and can make your cake dense, so a few small flour streaks are perfectly fine.

Step 6: Prepare the “Cream Cheese” Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the vegan cream cheese, maple syrup, and lemon juice until silky smooth. This blend becomes your dreamy tangy-sweet filling, adding a luscious surprise layer to every slice of Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling.

Step 7: Assemble the Layers

Scoop half the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Carefully dollop and spread the cream cheese mixture across the surface—don’t worry if it’s not perfect, since the batter will cover it in the next step. Gently spread the remaining cake batter over the filling, covering it completely.

Step 8: Add the Almond Crumb Topping

To make your topping, combine flour, brown sugar, sliced almonds, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the cold coconut oil or vegan butter and use your fingers or a fork to work it in until you have a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle evenly over the cake, making sure those almonds are nicely scattered across the top.

Step 9: Bake and Finish

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden and crisp. Cool completely in the pan, then dust generously with powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finish. Now, you’re ready to serve, slice, and bask in the almond-scented glory!

How to Serve Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling

Garnishes

Top your cooled Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling with a generous dusting of powdered sugar for that bakery-style charm. A handful of extra toasted sliced almonds or a pretty twist of lemon zest brings even more texture and color, making every slice feel a little bit luxe.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with hot, fresh coffee, a silky chai latte, or even herbal teas for a classic brunch experience. If you’re serving for a special breakfast, a side of fresh berries or citrus fruit salad adds beautiful color and a little extra brightness to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the cake into generous squares and arrange on a rustic wooden board or pretty cake stand for tempting visual appeal. Add a swoosh of vegan yogurt or a drizzle of warmed maple syrup on each plate for that extra wow moment. This cake is also lovely as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fruit and nut platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling fresh by covering tightly and refrigerating for up to 4 days. The cream cheese center means it’s best not to leave it at room temperature for long, but the cake stays moist and delicious even after chilling.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this beauty! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire cake in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again. The layers hold up wonderfully, so you can savor this treat whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To refresh slices, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds until just warmed and tender, or place in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This revives the cake’s incredible softness and brings out the almond and cream cheese notes perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different plant-based milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk all work beautifully here. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for best results—the almond milk just accentuates the nutty flavor, but any neutral plant milk will yield a great Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling.

What’s the best vegan cream cheese to use?

Any plain, spreadable vegan cream cheese will do—the richer and tangier, the better! Brands like Tofutti, Kite Hill, or your local favorite work well. If you prefer homemade versions, make sure it’s thick and not too watery to keep a luscious filling.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may change slightly, but the crumb and cream cheese filling will still shine. Check the topping ingredients as well to ensure all are gluten-free.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The toothpick test is your friend—insert it in the center and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), your Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling is ready. The edges will be golden and the streusel set.

Is this cake overly sweet?

Not at all! The sweetness is perfectly balanced so that the almond, cream cheese, and cinnamon flavors shine without overpowering. The maple-sweetened filling and brown sugar streusel create just the right level of indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself and your loved ones a slice of pure comfort with this Vegan Almond Coffee Cake with “Cream Cheese” Filling. It’s one of those bakes that instantly brightens any day, whether you’re celebrating with friends or treating yourself. I promise you’ll come back to this recipe again and again. Happy baking!

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