Vegan Gluten-Free Coffee Cake That’s Delicious and Nutritious

Discover a delightful twist on a classic favorite with this vegan, gluten-free coffee cake. Perfect for health-conscious dessert lovers, this recipe combines rich flavors with nutritious plant-based ingredients. Each slice offers a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a guilt-free indulgence. At around 320-350 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying treat that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Whether you’re following a specific diet or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, this coffee cake proves that wholesome ingredients can create truly delicious results. Get ready to enjoy a slice of goodness that’s as nourishing as it is tasty!

Health Benefits

Nutritional Information

To provide a detailed nutritional breakdown for this recipe, I’ll need to make some assumptions about specific brands and types of ingredients used, as these can vary. I’ll base the calculations on average values and assume the recipe yields 9 servings (one 9-inch square pan cut into 9 pieces). Please note that this is an estimate and actual values may vary.

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (1/9th of the recipe):

Macronutrients:

• Protein: 4-5g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Fiber: 4-5g
• Sugar: 20-22g (mostly from coconut sugar)
• Fat: 15-17g (mostly from coconut oil, nuts, and seeds)

Micronutrients:

• Vitamin E: 2-3mg (15-20% of Daily Value, primarily from almonds and walnuts)
• Calcium: 80-100mg (6-8% of DV, from almond milk and baking powder)
• Iron: 1.5-2mg (8-11% of DV, from flour and nuts)
• Magnesium: 50-60mg (12-14% of DV, from nuts and seeds)
• Potassium: 150-200mg (3-4% of DV, from various ingredients)
• Zinc: 1-1.5mg (9-14% of DV, from nuts and seeds)

Other notable nutrients:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.5-1g (primarily from flaxseed and walnuts)
• Antioxidants: Present in coffee, cinnamon, and nuts (quantities not easily quantifiable)

Key points:

1. This recipe is relatively high in calories and carbohydrates, with moderate fat content.
2. It’s a good source of fiber, providing about 15-20% of the daily recommended intake per serving.
3. The protein content is modest, typical for a vegan baked good.
4. It contains a significant amount of sugar, albeit from less refined sources like coconut sugar.
5. The recipe provides a good mix of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
6. It’s rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.

It’s important to note that while this recipe includes many nutritious ingredients, it should still be considered a treat due to its calorie and sugar content. The use of whole food ingredients and the inclusion of nuts and seeds enhance its nutritional profile compared to traditional coffee cakes.

Vegan Gluten-Free Coffee Cake

Course: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

9

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

• Ingredients: For the cake:
  

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
  

• 1 cup coconut sugar
  

• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  

• 2 tsp baking powder
  

• 1 tsp baking soda
  

• 1/2 tsp salt
  

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  

• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  

• 2 tsp vanilla extract
  

• 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled

• For the streusel topping:
  

• 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  

• 1/4 cup almond flour
  

• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, solid
  

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, ground flaxseed, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and cooled coffee.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, solid coconut oil, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts (if using). Use your fingers to mix until crumbly.
• Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the streusel topping.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• For the best texture, let your almond milk and melted coconut oil come to room temperature before mixing.
  When making the streusel topping, use cold coconut oil and work it in with your fingers until you achieve a crumbly consistency.
  To enhance the coffee flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
  If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of almond milk at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.
  For a more decadent version, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of non-dairy milk.

Alternative Milk Options:

While this recipe calls for almond milk, you can easily substitute it with other plant-based milks for equally delicious and nutritious results. Here are some healthy alternatives:

1. Soy milk: A protein-rich option that works well in baking.
2. Oat milk: Adds a slightly nutty flavor and may increase the natural sweetness.
3. Coconut milk: Imparts a subtle coconut flavor and creates a richer texture.
4. Cashew milk: Offers a creamy texture similar to almond milk and blends seamlessly.
5. Rice milk: Slightly thinner consistency, which may result in a runnier batter.
6. Hemp milk: A good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

When using these alternatives, maintain the same measurement as specified for almond milk (1 cup). While the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on your choice, the recipe will still yield a delicious result. Keep in mind that some options, particularly coconut milk, may add their distinct flavors to the final product.

These substitutions allow you to customize the recipe based on your dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen, all while maintaining the health benefits of a plant-based, gluten-free treat.

This vegan, gluten-free coffee cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. The ground flaxseed provides omega-3 fatty acids, while the almond flour and walnuts offer healthy fats and protein. The use of coconut sugar instead of refined sugar gives a lower glycemic index, and the gluten-free flour blend ensures that those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this treat. Pair it with your favorite plant-based milk or a cup of coffee for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack!