Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake

Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, from brunch gatherings to cozy dessert nights. This delightful cake features a soft and buttery maple batter, complemented by a sweet cinnamon sugar layer and a crunchy maple pecan streusel on top. Its rich flavors and tender texture will impress your family and friends, making it a standout dish at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and pecans creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this coffee cake can be whipped up quickly, even by novice bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Serve it as a breakfast option or dessert; this cake fits both occasions perfectly.
• Dairy-Free & Egg-Free: Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence without compromising on taste or texture.
• Perfectly Moist: The addition of applesauce ensures the cake remains moist while keeping it plant-based.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients separately to ensure even mixing.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading batter evenly in the baking pan and incorporating ingredients without overmixing.

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Ingredients

To create this delectable Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecan halves
• 2 Tablespoons pastry flour
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Maple Pecan Streusel

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pastry flour
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 Tablespoons melted vegan butter
• 1/4 teaspoon maple extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecan halves

For the Maple Cake Batter

• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup melted vegan butter (can substitute 1:1 for olive oil or neutral oil)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 2 1/2 cups pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Optionally, you can lightly grease the sides with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Layer

In a mixing bowl:
– Combine the brown sugar, white sugar, chopped pecans, pastry flour, and ground cinnamon.
– Whisk together until well blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Create the Maple Pecan Streusel

In another bowl:
– Mix together the brown sugar, pastry flour, and ground cinnamon.
– Add in melted vegan butter, maple extract, and chopped pecans.
– Stir until you achieve a thick but crumbly texture. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Maple Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
– Add plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together and let sit for about two minutes to curdle—this creates a vegan buttermilk.
– Incorporate melted vegan butter, unsweetened applesauce, white sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract into the mixture. Whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Into the wet mixture:
– Gradually add pastry flour along with baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– Gently whisk until combined—be careful not to overmix; a lumpy batter is fine!

Step 6: Assemble the Cake Layers

In your prepared baking pan:
– Spread 2/3 of the maple cake batter evenly across the bottom using a spatula.
– Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar swirl mixture evenly over this layer.
– Top with the remaining 1/3 of batter gently spread out over the swirl.
– Finally, sprinkle on the maple pecan streusel.

Step 7: Bake

Place in preheated oven. Bake for about 40–45 minutes or until cooked through. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked:
– Allow cooling in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve

Once cooled down completely, you can top your Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake with optional icing or enjoy it plain!

How to Serve Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake

Serving Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake can enhance its delightful flavors and textures. Here are some creative serving suggestions that complement the cake beautifully.

Classic Pairing with Coffee

• Brewed Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
• Espresso: A shot of espresso brings out the maple notes in the cake.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Bananas: Fresh bananas add a creamy texture and balance the sweetness.
• Berries: Strawberries or blueberries provide a tart contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

Drizzle with Icing

• Simple Icing: A light drizzle of vegan icing can elevate the presentation and add extra sweetness.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: Enhance the maple flavor by drizzling pure maple syrup on top.

Serve with Dairy-Free Whipped Cream

• Coconut Whipped Cream: This light and fluffy topping adds a rich, creamy element to your slice.
• Almond Milk Cream: A lighter option that enhances the cake without overpowering it.

How to Perfect Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake

To ensure your Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake is moist and flavorful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like plant-based milk and melted butter mix better when they’re at room temperature.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently mixing your batter helps maintain a fluffy texture; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
• Cool Completely Before Icing: Allowing the cake to cool completely will prevent the icing from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake

Enjoying side dishes with your Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to your dessert.
2. Vegan Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola, this adds a crunchy texture alongside your soft coffee cake.
3. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy, nutritious option complements the sweetness of the cake.
4. Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought bars offer a convenient crunchy side that pairs well with coffee.
5. Green Smoothie: A refreshing green smoothie made with spinach, banana, and almond milk can balance out your meal.
6. Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea provides a soothing contrast to the richness of the coffee cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when trying out a new recipe like Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps your cake rise properly.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense and tough. Stir just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.

• Neglecting to measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements matter. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.

• Not allowing the cake to cool properly: Cooling in the pan for too long can lead to sogginess. Let it cool on a wire rack for optimal texture.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Cold ingredients can create lumps in your batter.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake that might help you with your baking journey.

What makes this Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake special?

This cake is moist and fluffy, featuring rich maple flavors paired with crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap melted vegan butter with olive oil or neutral oil and use different nuts if you prefer.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply replace the pastry flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.

Is this Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake healthy?

While it’s indulgent, it does contain wholesome ingredients like plant-based milk and applesauce, making it a better choice than traditional coffee cakes.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Maple Pecan Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavor makes it suitable for various occasions from brunches to dessert tables. Feel free to customize it by adding different nuts or spices to match your taste preferences!