Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake
Moist and flavorful, this Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake is an ideal treat for any occasion. With its delightful combination of crunchy pistachio crumble topping and creamy pistachio filling, this cake is perfect alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this eggless dessert that will impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique Flavor: The nutty taste of pistachios pairs wonderfully with the sweet cake, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Eggless and Dairy-Free: This cake caters to various dietary preferences while remaining rich and satisfying.
- Versatile Dessert: Suitable for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a sweet end to a dinner party.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Even novice bakers can create this stunning cake without hassle.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green pistachio icing adds an eye-catching touch that’s sure to impress.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Springform cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Springform cake pan: Allows for easy removal without damaging the cake’s shape.
- Electric mixer: Makes mixing butter and sugar effortless for a fluffy texture.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding ingredients gently.

Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake:
For the Crumble Topping
- 30 g raw shelled pistachios (note 1)
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (cold)
For the Cake Batter
- 240 g all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 160 ml soy milk (note 2)
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (note 3)
For the Cream Filling
- 80 g raw shelled pistachios (note 1)
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 90 g vegan butter (room temp) (note 4)
- 180 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (room temp) (note 5)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
For the Icing
- 150 g vegan pistachio cream spread (note 6)
- 50 g vegan pistachio cream spread (note 6)
- 60 g powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon soy milk (note 2)
How to Make Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to fan-forced 160°C/320°F or conventional 180°C/356°F. Line the base and sides of a 7.5 or 8-inch springform cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine the raw shelled pistachios, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and cold vegan butter.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine soy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes to curdle slightly.
- Add room temperature vegan butter, granulated sugar, vegan Greek-style yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the curdled mixture. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan.
- Spread half of the vegan pistachio cream filling evenly over it.
- Add remaining batter on top followed by the rest of the cream filling.
- Sprinkle with crumble topping.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool before serving or decorating with icing as desired! Enjoy your delicious Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake!
How to Serve Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake
Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake pairs beautifully with various beverages and snacks. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of this delightful treat.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: The classic pairing! Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite brew for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Tea: Opt for a herbal or green tea to complement the nutty flavors without overpowering them.
As a Dessert
- With Fresh Berries: Add a side of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
- Dairy-Free Ice Cream: A scoop of vegan ice cream can take this cake to the next level, adding creaminess and sweetness.
For Special Occasions
- At Brunch: Serve slices at brunch gatherings with fruit juices or smoothies for a festive touch.
- With Whipped Coconut Cream: Top each slice with whipped coconut cream for an indulgent finish.
How to Perfect Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake
To ensure your Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder and ingredients for the best rise and flavor.
- Measure Accurately: Proper measuring of flour and sugar ensures the right texture—use weight measurements when possible.
- Chill Your Butter: Cold vegan butter helps create a light and fluffy topping when making the crumble.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding wet ingredients to prevent a dense cake.
- Allow Cooling Time: Let the cake cool fully before icing to ensure the icing sets properly without melting off.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of oranges and grapefruits that adds brightness to your dessert spread.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offers a delightful texture contrast; perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
- Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds and walnuts enhances the nutty flavors already present in the cake.
- Chia Pudding: A light chia pudding made with almond milk is both nutritious and complements the cake’s richness.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote can add moisture and sweetness, enhancing each bite of the cake.
- Granola Parfait: Layer granola with vegan yogurt and fruits for an indulgent yet healthy side dish option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when trying a new recipe. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake.
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Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients like butter and yogurt can lead to a dense cake. Ensure that your vegan butter and yogurt are at room temperature for a lighter texture.
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Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dry. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag for accurate measurement.
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Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined to ensure a tender crumb.
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Ignoring Baking Times: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
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Not Letting the Cake Cool Properly: Cutting into a warm cake can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
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Forgetting Toppings or Garnishes: The crumble topping and pistachio icing add flavor and texture. Don’t skip these essential finishing touches!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake
- Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months.
Reheating Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake.
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts like almonds or walnuts if you prefer. Just ensure they are finely chopped for even distribution.
What is the best way to add flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or even incorporating citrus zest into the batter.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake holds its moisture well, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
How should I serve this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Serve it plain, or top with additional vegan cream or fruit preserves for extra flair.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake is not only a delightful treat but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends over coffee or serving it at gatherings, this moist and flavorful cake impresses every time. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or toppings!
Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This eggless and dairy-free treat features a luscious pistachio cream filling and a crunchy crumble topping that elevates each bite. Whether enjoyed as a sweet accompaniment to your morning coffee or served at brunch gatherings, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family. With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert with ease. Enjoy the vibrant green icing that adds an eye-catching touch to this deliciously nutty creation!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 30 g raw shelled pistachios (for crumble topping)
- 30 g all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crumble topping)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (cold) (for crumble topping)
- 240 g all-purpose flour (for cake batter)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder (for cake batter)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda (for cake batter)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (for cake batter)
- 160 ml soy milk (for cake batter)
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (for cake batter)
- 80 g raw shelled pistachios (for cream filling)
- 200 g granulated sugar (for cream filling)
- 90 g vegan butter (room temp) (for cream filling)
- 180 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (room temp) (for cream filling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for cream filling)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (for cream filling)
- 150 g vegan pistachio cream spread (for icing)
- 50 g vegan pistachio cream spread (for icing)
- 60 g powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting) (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon soy milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced or 180°C (356°F) for conventional. Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- For the crumble topping, mix pistachios, flour, sugar, and cold vegan butter until crumbly.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. In another bowl, combine soy milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit briefly to curdle.
- Mix room temperature vegan butter, sugar, yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the curdled mixture until smooth. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Assemble by layering half the batter in the pan, adding half the cream filling, followed by remaining batter and cream filling topped with crumble.
- Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (112g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
