Hazelnut Coffee Cake

 Not every cake reveals its story right away. The one I’m sharing today holds a little secret in the middle — subtle, aromatic, and comforting.

This vegan coffee cake is soft, flavorful, and nourishing. It smells like a peaceful morning hug in cake form, with a toasty hazelnut-spelled crumble on top and a silky drizzle of coconut yogurt.
Whether for a cozy breakfast, mindful snacking, or a quiet evening with a book, this cake has you covered—simple on the outside, a gentle surprise within.

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Coffee Cake 

Ingredients (for a square pan, approx. 8x8 inches / 20x20 cm):

 The first (and third) layer:

• 1 cup rice flour

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup chickpea flour (or hemp flour for extra protein)

• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (flax "egg")

• 1/4 cup erythritol or preferred low-FODMAP sweetener

• 1/2 cup plant-based milk (like rice milk)

• 1/4 cup brewed decaf coffee or caffeine-free coffee substitute

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Chocolate Layer (hidden middle):

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1–2 tbsp plant milk

• Optional: 1 tbsp hazelnut butter 

Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup puffed spelt

• 2 tbsp chopped hazelnuts

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or liquid erythritol

 Yogurt Drizzle:

• 2 tbsp thick coconut yogurt

• Optional: a few drops of vanilla extract

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Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prepare flax egg: mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. Mix dry ingredients for the batter in one bowl. Combine wet ingredients (flax egg, milk, coffee) in another.

4. Combine wet and dry into a smooth batter.

5. Pour half the batter into the square pan.

6. Mix ingredients for the chocolate layer and gently spread in the middle. Top with the rest of the batter.

7. Mix crumble ingredients and sprinkle evenly over the top.

8. Bake for 30–35 minutes.

9. Let cool completely, then drizzle with coconut yogurt and a dash of cinnamon if desired.

Nutritional Information (per 1 slice):

• Calories: ~190 kcal

• Protein: ~7.5 g

• Fat: ~9.8 g

  • Saturated fat: ~3.2 g

• Carbohydrates: ~15.5 g

  • Sugars: ~1.5 g

• Fiber: ~4.2 g

• Iron: ~1.5 mg

• Calcium: ~40 mg

• Sodium: ~140 mg