Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake

After spending a delightful weekend experimenting in the kitchen, I stumbled upon what I can confidently say is the ultimate gluten-free coffee cake recipe. My family, who are usually quite discerning critics (especially my youngest!), devoured slice after slice of this Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake. The aroma alone, filling the house with warm cinnamon and buttery goodness, was enough to draw everyone in. But it was the taste and texture that truly won them over. Moist, tender, and perfectly crumbly, this coffee cake is a revelation for anyone avoiding gluten, proving that gluten-free baking can be just as, if not more, delicious than traditional recipes. It’s become a new staple in our household, perfect for weekend brunches, afternoon treats, or even a slightly indulgent breakfast. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share it – it’s simply the best!

Ingredients

Creating the perfect gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture, flavor, and overall deliciousness of this delightful treat. Let’s delve into each ingredient, understanding its purpose and why it’s essential for this recipe.

For the Coffee Cake:

• 1/2 cup Salted Butter, Softened: Butter is the heart of any good cake, and in this gluten-free version, it’s no different. Using salted butter not only adds richness and flavor but also contributes to the tender crumb of the cake. Softened butter is absolutely key here. It needs to be at room temperature, pliable enough to easily cream with sugar, but not melted. This creamy texture is essential for incorporating air into the batter, which results in a light and fluffy cake. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if it’s too melted, the cake can become greasy. Using high-quality butter will also significantly enhance the overall flavor of your coffee cake, so opting for a good brand is always a worthwhile investment. For those who prefer unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the dry ingredients to balance the sweetness.
• 2/3 cup Applesauce: Applesauce is a secret weapon in gluten-free baking. It adds moisture and tenderness to the cake without adding extra fat. In this recipe, it works alongside the butter to create a moist and buttery texture that’s simply irresistible. Unsweetened applesauce is preferred so that you can control the sweetness of the cake. It also acts as a binder, helping to hold the gluten-free flours together. You can use store-bought applesauce, but homemade applesauce, if you have the time, can add an even more nuanced flavor to your cake. The natural pectin in applesauce also contributes to the cake’s structure, giving it a pleasant chewiness.
• 2 Eggs: Eggs are another vital ingredient in baking, providing structure, richness, and moisture. In this gluten-free coffee cake, they act as a binder, holding together the almond and oat flours, and contributing to the cake’s overall texture. Using large eggs at room temperature is recommended for best results. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily into the batter, creating a smoother and more homogenous mixture. This better emulsion leads to a more tender and evenly baked cake. Eggs also add a subtle richness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the coffee cake.
• 1 cup White Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the moisture and tenderness of the cake. White sugar, also known as granulated sugar, is used here for its clean sweetness and its ability to cream well with butter. The creaming process, where sugar is beaten with softened butter, is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. If you prefer a slightly less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two, but be mindful that sugar also contributes to the cake’s structure and moisture balance.
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer, adding a warm and aromatic note that complements the cinnamon and buttery flavors of the coffee cake beautifully. Using pure vanilla extract is always recommended for the best flavor. Imitation vanilla extract can sometimes taste artificial and doesn’t provide the same depth of flavor. A good quality vanilla extract will elevate the overall taste of your coffee cake, making it even more delicious and inviting. You can also experiment with vanilla bean paste for an even more intense vanilla flavor, using about 1 teaspoon of paste as a substitute for the extract.
• 1 cup Almond Flour: Almond flour is a star ingredient in gluten-free baking, adding a slightly nutty flavor and a wonderfully moist and tender texture to baked goods. It’s made from blanched almonds that have been finely ground. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free and is a good source of healthy fats and protein. In this recipe, it provides structure and a delicate crumb, preventing the cake from becoming dry or crumbly, which can sometimes happen with gluten-free baked goods. It’s important to use finely ground almond flour for the best texture. Almond meal, which is made from almonds with their skins on and is coarser, is not recommended for this recipe as it can result in a grittier texture.
• 1 1/4 cup Oat Flour: Oat flour is another excellent gluten-free flour that adds a slightly sweet and wholesome flavor to the coffee cake. It also contributes to a soft and slightly chewy texture. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oat flour if you are strictly gluten-free, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten. Oat flour is readily available in most supermarkets, or you can easily make your own by grinding rolled oats in a food processor or high-speed blender until they reach a fine flour consistency. Oat flour is also a good source of fiber, adding a bit of nutritional value to your treat.
• 2 tsp Baking Powder: Baking powder is a chemical leavening agent that makes the coffee cake rise and become light and airy. It’s essential for achieving the desired fluffy texture. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, as it loses its potency over time. To check if your baking powder is still active, you can test a small amount by mixing it with hot water – it should bubble vigorously. Using the correct amount of baking powder is crucial; too little and the cake will be dense, too much and it might rise too quickly and then collapse.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Salt is a flavor enhancer that might seem counterintuitive in a sweet recipe, but it’s crucial for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the other flavors. It enhances the buttery, cinnamon, and vanilla notes, creating a more complex and delicious overall flavor profile. Salt also helps to control the yeast in the baking powder and strengthens the gluten-free flour structure, contributing to a better texture.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 2 tbsp Salted Butter, Melted: Melted butter is used in the cinnamon sugar filling to bind the sugar and cinnamon together and create a moist and flavorful swirl throughout the cake. The melted butter also helps to create those beautiful, gooey pockets of cinnamon sugar that are so characteristic of coffee cake. Using salted butter here enhances the overall flavor and complements the sweetness of the sugar.
• 1 tbsp Oat Flour: A small amount of oat flour is added to the cinnamon sugar filling to help thicken it slightly and prevent it from sinking completely to the bottom of the cake. It also helps to create a slightly more cohesive swirl that is evenly distributed throughout the cake layers. If you don’t have oat flour readily available, you can substitute with a tablespoon of almond flour, though oat flour is preferred for its slightly finer texture in this application.
• 2 tbsp White Sugar: White sugar is used in the cinnamon sugar filling to add sweetness and create that classic cinnamon sugar flavor. It dissolves into the melted butter and oat flour, creating a delicious and slightly caramelized swirl as the cake bakes.
• 1/2 tbsp Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star spice in this coffee cake, providing its signature warm and aromatic flavor. Using high-quality cinnamon will make a significant difference in the overall taste. Freshly ground cinnamon, if you have it, will have an even more intense and fragrant aroma. Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference – if you love cinnamon, you can increase it slightly to ¾ tablespoon, or reduce it to ¼ tablespoon if you prefer a milder cinnamon flavor.

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/4 cup Salted Butter, Slightly Softened (Room Temperature): Slightly softened butter is used in the crumble topping to create those perfect, crumbly clusters. Unlike the butter for the cake batter, which needs to be fully softened and creamy, the butter for the crumble topping should still be slightly firm but pliable. This allows you to easily incorporate it into the dry ingredients to form crumbles. If the butter is too soft, the topping will become more like a paste rather than crumbles.
• 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the crumble topping, as well as a hint of molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon and butter beautifully. The moisture in brown sugar helps to keep the topping from becoming too dry and adds a delightful chewiness to the crumbles. You can also use dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor, or granulated sugar if you prefer a less intense sweetness.
• 1/4 cup Almond Flour: Almond flour is used in the crumble topping to add structure and a slightly nutty flavor. It helps to create those distinct crumbles and prevents the topping from becoming too dense or sticky.
• 1/2 cup Oat Flour: Oat flour is the main flour component of the crumble topping, providing bulk and a slightly wholesome flavor. It contributes to the crumbly texture and helps to absorb some of the butter, creating those perfect clusters.
• 2 tsp Cinnamon: Cinnamon is added to the crumble topping to enhance the cinnamon flavor of the coffee cake and create a cohesive flavor profile throughout the entire treat. It complements the cinnamon in the filling and the cake itself, making for a truly cinnamon-lover’s delight. Again, using high-quality cinnamon will elevate the flavor of your crumble topping.

Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all our high-quality gluten-free ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions to create this incredible Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake. Following these instructions carefully will ensure that you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This is crucial because a properly preheated oven ensures even baking and prevents the cake from sinking in the middle. While the oven is heating, prepare your 8×8 inch baking dish. Grease the dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking. Alternatively, you can line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it incredibly easy to lift the baked coffee cake out of the pan once it’s cooled. Set the prepared baking dish aside.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, applesauce, eggs, white sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s important that the butter is properly softened so that it creams smoothly with the sugar. Use an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer) or a whisk to cream these wet ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a tender cake. Once the wet ingredients are well combined, add in the dry ingredients: almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed or gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flours, as overmixing can develop the gluten in regular flour, but in gluten-free baking, it can still lead to a tougher texture. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated and the batter is smooth and homogenous.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a separate small bowl, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. Combine the melted salted butter, oat flour, white sugar, and cinnamon. Stir with a fork or small whisk until everything is evenly combined. The melted butter will help to bind the dry ingredients together, creating a slightly wet and crumbly mixture. Set this aside.
4. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In another medium bowl, make the crumble topping. Add the slightly softened (room temperature) salted butter, light brown sugar, almond flour, oat flour, and cinnamon. Using your hands or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbles form. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs, with some larger clusters and some finer pieces. Avoid overworking the mixture, as you want to maintain distinct crumbles rather than a smooth paste. Set the crumble topping aside.
5. Assemble the Coffee Cake: Now it’s time to assemble the coffee cake. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared 8×8 inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the batter is distributed uniformly. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the batter layer. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar filling into the batter. Don’t over-swirl, just enough to create some beautiful streaks and pockets of cinnamon flavor. Pour the remaining half of the cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and spread it evenly again. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar filling on top of the second batter layer. Swirl it in gently once more.
6. Bake the Coffee Cake (First Bake): Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, the cake will be partially baked, and the top will be set but not fully cooked.
7. Add the Crumble Topping and Second Bake: Remove the coffee cake from the oven. Carefully and softly sprinkle the prepared crumble topping evenly over the partially baked cake. Gently press the crumble topping into the cake, especially in the center where it might still be slightly underbaked. This helps the crumble adhere to the cake and bake properly. Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The crumble topping should be golden brown and the cake should be nicely risen and set.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Allowing the coffee cake to cool completely is crucial before cutting into it. This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when you slice it. Cooling also enhances the moisture and flavor. Once completely cooled, cut the Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake into squares. It’s now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Nutrition Facts

(Please note: These are estimations and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measuring techniques.)

Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving (estimated): Approximately 300-350 calories

• Fat: 18-22g (Primarily from butter, almond flour, and eggs)
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g (From sugar, oat flour, applesauce, and almond flour)
• Protein: 4-5g (From eggs, almond flour, and oat flour)

This Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a delicious treat to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While it’s gluten-free, it’s still a dessert and contains sugar and fats. The almond flour and oat flour do contribute some fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white flour-based cakes, but it should still be considered an occasional indulgence.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 Minutes (This includes gathering ingredients, mixing batters and toppings, and assembling the cake)
• Cook Time: 45 Minutes (This includes the initial 25 minutes bake and the subsequent 18 minutes bake after adding the crumble topping)
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

While the total time is a bit over an hour, the hands-on preparation is only about 30 minutes. The rest is oven time, allowing you to multitask or relax while the delightful aroma of cinnamon coffee cake fills your kitchen.

How to Serve

This Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for different occasions and times of day. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Warm with Coffee or Tea: As the name suggests, coffee cake is a classic pairing with coffee or tea. Serve a slice of warm coffee cake alongside your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or even a cozy evening cup. The warm cinnamon flavors complement the bitterness of coffee and the soothing warmth of tea perfectly.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Start your day with a touch of sweetness by enjoying a slice of this coffee cake for breakfast. It’s a wonderful alternative to muffins or pastries and provides a comforting and satisfying start to the morning.
• Dessert with a Dollop of Cream: Elevate this coffee cake to a dessert by serving it slightly warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a scoop of Greek yogurt. The cool creaminess provides a lovely contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors and crumbly texture of the cake.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Make this coffee cake the star of your brunch spread. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family and looks beautiful on a brunch table. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other brunch favorites for a delightful and satisfying meal.
• Snack or Afternoon Treat: Enjoy a slice of this coffee cake as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. It’s a perfect pick-me-up and a delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
• With Fresh Berries: Add a touch of freshness and color by serving the coffee cake with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries provides a lovely balance to the sweetness of the cake.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, lightly dust the cooled coffee cake with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Additional Tips for the Best Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake

To ensure your Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking, especially gluten-free baking, is a science. Accurate measurements are crucial for success. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off dry ingredients with a knife. For flour, spoon it into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and lead to using too much.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing gluten-free batter can sometimes lead to a tougher texture. Mix the wet ingredients until combined, and then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Stop mixing as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, emulsify more easily and create a smoother batter. This results in a more tender and evenly baked cake. Let your butter and eggs sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before starting to bake.
4. Check for Doneness Properly: Gluten-free cakes can sometimes be tricky to judge for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again. Be careful not to overbake, as gluten-free cakes can dry out easily.
5. Let it Cool Completely Before Cutting: Resist the temptation to cut into the coffee cake while it’s still warm. Allowing it to cool completely in the baking dish helps it to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when you slice it. Cooling also allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making the coffee cake even more delicious.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake, covering ingredients, baking process, and storage:

Q1: Can I substitute almond flour or oat flour with other gluten-free flours?

A: While almond flour and oat flour are recommended for this recipe due to their texture and flavor contributions, you can experiment with other gluten-free flour blends. If substituting, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum, as these gums help to mimic the binding properties of gluten. However, keep in mind that substitutions may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the final coffee cake. For best results, stick to the recipe as written with almond and oat flour.

Q2: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

A: Yes, this Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day or two. You can bake the coffee cake a day in advance, let it cool completely, and then store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can wrap it well and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q3: How should I store leftover coffee cake?

A: Leftover Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain its moistness, you can place a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container with the coffee cake. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Q4: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter if preferred. If using unsalted butter for the cake and filling, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients of the cake batter to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors. For the crumble topping, you can also add a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients if using unsalted butter.

Q5: Can I add nuts or other toppings to this coffee cake?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this coffee cake to your liking. You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor. You can also incorporate chocolate chips into the cake batter or drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled coffee cake for added sweetness and decoration. A lemon glaze or a cream cheese glaze would be particularly delicious complements to the cinnamon flavors. Get creative and make it your own!

Print