Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake has a special spot in my heart. It’s perfect for lazy weekends, family gatherings, or even just a cozy evening at home with a good book. The nutty flavor of pistachios combined with the fluffy texture of the cake makes it an absolute must-try. Plus, it’s vegan, so everyone can enjoy it guilt-free!

What I adore about this cake is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert after dinner or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, it fits right in. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this cake is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the rich flavors and soft texture – it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and store it for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
• Deliciously Nutty Flavor: The ground pistachios give this cake a unique twist that sets it apart from regular coffee cakes.
• Customizable: Feel free to make variations that suit your taste or what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make our Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake! You probably have most of these in your pantry already.

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup shelled pistachios (unsalted, finely ground)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup vegan butter, melted

For the Glaze (optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons plant-based milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

Variations

This Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• Add Some Fruit: Toss in fresh berries or bananas for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spice It Up: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the cake.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Nutty Alternatives: Swap out pistachios for almonds or walnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.

How to Make Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper. This ensures an easy release once your cake is baked and ready to be devoured.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, finely ground pistachios, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together your almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. These wet ingredients will add moisture and flavor to your cake batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want our cake light and fluffy!

Step 5: Prepare Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, chopped pistachios, salt, and melted vegan butter. Mix until crumbly. This topping will create that delicious crunch on top of our soft cake.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle half of the crumb topping over it. Add the remaining batter on top followed by the rest of the crumb topping. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. If you’d like to add glaze for an extra touch of sweetness, mix powdered sugar with plant-based milk and vanilla/almond extract until smooth and drizzle over cooled cake.

Enjoy every bite of this Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake! It’s sure to bring smiles all around.

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake

Baking this cake is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make it even better!

• Use fresh ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda. Fresh leavening agents ensure that your cake rises beautifully and has the perfect texture.
• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the pistachios. This will help maintain the right balance of flavors and textures in your cake.
• Don’t skip the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar is key to creating that fluffy texture by reacting with the baking soda. It adds moisture while also providing a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
• Let it cool before glazing: Allow your coffee cake to cool completely before adding any glaze. This prevents it from melting into the cake, resulting in a beautiful finish that enhances presentation.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to mix in some citrus zest or spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist. These additions can elevate your coffee cake to new flavor heights!

How to Serve Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake

This Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake makes for an inviting centerpiece at any gathering, whether it’s an afternoon tea or a cozy family brunch. Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dessert.

Garnishes

• Chopped Pistachios: Sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios on top of the glaze for an added crunch and visual appeal.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of coconut whipped cream pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of pistachio and makes each slice feel indulgent.
• Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side to bring a pop of color and freshness to your plate.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of the coffee cake.
• Vegan Yogurt Parfait: Layer vegan yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delightful contrast in texture that complements your coffee cake perfectly.
• Herbal Tea: Serve slices of your coffee cake alongside a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet richness of the cake.

Enjoy sharing (or keeping!) this decadent Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a delightful treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer it chilled, keep it in the refrigerator where it will last up to a week.
• To maintain freshness, cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices of the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delicious taste!
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy with a drizzle of glaze or your favorite spread!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will give you a similar texture while keeping it deliciously moist.

What can I use instead of almond milk in this Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake?

You can use any plant-based milk like soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each will add its unique flavor while keeping the cake vegan-friendly.

How long does Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, it remains fresh for about 3 days. In the refrigerator, you can enjoy it for up to a week!

Can I add other nuts to my Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. Just ensure they are finely chopped so they blend well into the batter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake as much as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking, and enjoy every crumb!