Are you craving a warm, comforting coffee cake but need a dairy-free option? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic coffee cake without any dairy products, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend baking. This recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and easy healthy meals can be. Get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your coffee cake will bake evenly and won't stick.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a light and fluffy cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, dairy-free milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Stir in the dairy-free chocolate chips, if using.
Prepare the Crumble: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Cut in the cold dairy-free butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
Cool and Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea!
Tips for the Best Dairy-Free Coffee Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients will help create a more evenly baked cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with moist crumbs, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the crumble.
- Different Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the batter or crumble.
- Fruit Filling: Add a layer of fruit filling, such as applesauce or berries, between the batter and crumble.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutritional calculator and input your exact ingredients. However, expect a serving to contain roughly:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Protein: 3-5g
This dairy-free coffee cake recipe offers a delicious and adaptable treat that everyone can enjoy. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack. It's a simple recipe even for beginner cooks, and a delightful way to enjoy a homemade treat without compromising on flavor or dietary needs. Enjoy baking, and happy eating!