Name: Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
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· 3.8 from 22 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfectly spiced, moist, and crumbly treat from your favorite coffee shop, you’re going to adore this Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe. It captures all those familiar flavors and textures without a hint of dairy or eggs, making it not only irresistibly tasty but accessible to everyone. From the buttery cinnamon streusel topping to the tender, luscious crumb beneath, this cake truly hits all the right notes and feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re vegan or simply searching for a delicious bake that rivals the original, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Top view of various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. On the right, a large white bowl filled with a light beige flour with a small depression in the center. Near it, a white bowl with a mixture of dark brown and light brown sugars. Above them, a white bowl of smooth creamy vegan yogurt. On the left side, from top to bottom, a small clear bowl of white baking soda and powder, a small brown bowl of dark vanilla extract, a white measuring cup filled with fine white granulated sugar, and a transparent measuring jug holding light yellow vegan buttermilk. In the center, a clear bowl filled with chunks of pale yellow vegan butter, below it, a small clear bowl with finely ground cinnamon, and a small black bowl of coarse salt. The labels on each ingredient are clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe lies in simple, though thoughtful ingredients that bring each delicious element together. From the rich cinnamon crumb topping to the fluffy, tangy cake batter, every component plays a crucial role in texture and flavor.

Light brown sugar: Adds gentle sweetness with a hint of molasses to the crumb topping.
Dark brown sugar: Deepens the flavor in the crumb, giving it a more robust, caramel-like taste.
Ground cinnamon: The signature spice for that warm, inviting aroma and flavor, essential for the crumb.
All-purpose flour: The base for both crumb and batter, providing the structure and perfect crumb texture.
Vegan butter (cold for crumb, room temperature for batter): Key for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth crumbly topping.
Soy milk: Used to create the vegan “buttermilk,” giving the cake tenderness and a slight tang.
Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and stay moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter smoothly without weighing it down.
Vegan Greek-style yogurt or sour cream: Provides moisture and a slight tang, ensuring the cake stays soft.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the sweetness naturally.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leaveners that give the cake lift and fluffy texture.
Sea salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes the sweet, smooth finish that ties everything together.

How to Make Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Vegan Buttermilk

Start by preheating your oven and lining an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper strips for easy removal later. Then, mix soy milk and apple cider vinegar in a jug and let it sit for 10 minutes—this creates the perfect vegan buttermilk, essential for tenderizing the cake.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

Combine both light and dark brown sugars with flour and cinnamon in a bowl, then grate cold vegan butter into the mixture. Rub the butter in until it forms crumbly, sandy clumps. This topping is the signature part of the Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe, delivering that irresistible sweet-spicy crunch.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Beat room-temperature vegan butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy, then whisk in vegan yogurt and vanilla extract. This step builds the rich, moist foundation your cake batter needs to be delightfully tender.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. These ingredients ensure your cake rises beautifully and has a perfect texture.

Step 5: Mix the Batter

Alternately fold the vegan buttermilk and dry ingredients into the wet mixture carefully to avoid overmixing. The batter should become thick but smooth with no lumps of flour visible; this balance contributes to the soft crumb everyone loves.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour a third of the batter into your prepared pan, then evenly sprinkle half the cinnamon crumb topping over it. Carefully add the remaining batter, smooth it out, and finish by scattering the rest of the crumb topping on top. This layering creates the beautiful, classic coffee cake look and texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cake until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This usually takes between 35 to 40 minutes—keep an eye on it, because that golden finish is the best part!

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before lifting it out with your parchment sling onto a wire rack. While it cools completely, whisk up a simple glaze from powdered sugar, vanilla, and soy milk, then drizzle it over the cake for that perfect sweet sheen.

How to Serve Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

The image shows a square layered cake with three visible layers. The bottom and middle layers are light golden sponge cake, and between them is a thick dark brown layer of crumbly filling. The top layer is a crunchy crumb topping, drizzled with a white icing in a crisscross pattern. One square piece is slightly pulled out, revealing the distinct layers and crumb texture. The cake rests on white parchment paper atop a round white marble surface. In the blurred background, there is another small square piece of the cake. The overall colors are warm light browns and creamy whites, with a clean white marbled texture underneath photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance this coffee cake by sprinkling extra cinnamon on top of the glaze or dusting with a touch of powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add chopped toasted nuts for a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the crumbly topping.

Side Dishes

The warm, cinnamon-spiced notes of this Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy chai latte. Fresh fruit or a dollop of vegan whipped cream can also round out your serving for a satisfying brunch treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress friends, slice the cake into thick wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board accompanied by coffee cups. For a fun twist, enjoy it as a cake parfait layered with vegan yogurt and fresh berries—that’s a surefire way to wow the crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to five days in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it for about a week but be sure to allow it to come back to room temperature for maximum softness before serving.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly or store it in an airtight container and freeze it. When ready, simply thaw it for a couple of hours at room temperature, and it will taste freshly baked.

Reheating

To bring the cake back to life, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This softly melts the butter and revives that wonderful freshly baked texture you love about the Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe.

FAQs

Can I substitute the soy milk with another plant-based milk?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or cashew milk work well to create the vegan buttermilk used in this recipe. Just make sure to mix it with apple cider vinegar and allow it to curdle for the same tenderizing effect.

Do I have to use vegan Greek-style yogurt, or can I use a different type?

Vegan Greek-style yogurt is preferred because of its thickness and tang, which shape the cake’s texture. However, you can substitute with any thick vegan yogurt or even vegan sour cream for similar results.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or knife into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

With substitutions, yes! You’d need to swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture might change slightly, but the flavors will remain delightful.

What’s the best way to get the crumb topping nice and crunchy?

Make sure your vegan butter is cold when you rub it into the dry ingredients and don’t overwork the mixture. Keeping it chilled until baking helps it hold the crumbly texture as it bakes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a coffee cake that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and this Vegan Coffee Cake (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe delivers just that. Whether you’re sharing it over morning coffee or serving it as a cozy afternoon treat, it’s proof that plant-based baking can enchant every palate. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how wonderfully easy and rewarding it is to bake up a cake that everyone will rave about.