Gluten Free Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a soft, moist, and crumbly coffee cake, this gluten free coffee cake is the perfect treat for me. With a cinnamon streusel topping, a buttery flavor, and a tender texture, this cake pairs beautifully with coffee, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Unlike regular coffee cakes, gluten free versions require the right flour blend and proper baking techniques to achieve the perfect balance of fluffiness and structure. If you’re looking for another gluten free breakfast cake, check out this Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cake (Gluten Free) for a nutritious and filling alternative.

Additionally, if you’re a fan of light and airy baked goods, you might enjoy this Gluten Free Dutch Pancake Recipe, which offers a similarly soft and satisfying texture.

---

Why Make a Gluten Free Coffee Cake?

Making a gluten free coffee cake at home ensures a safe, delicious, and customizable experience. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

1. 100% Gluten Free – No Risk of Contamination

• Many store-bought coffee cakes contain hidden gluten in wheat flour, modified starches, or baking mixes.
• Homemade versions allow you to control every ingredient, reducing the risk of cross-contamination for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

2. Moist, Fluffy, and Buttery Texture

• Achieved with the right mix of gluten free flour, sour cream, and butter.
• A carefully balanced batter prevents the gritty or dry texture often associated with gluten free baked goods.

3. Naturally Sweetened with Healthier Ingredients

• Uses brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup instead of refined white sugar.
• Cinnamon and vanilla extract enhance the natural sweetness without needing excess sugar.

4. Easy to Make and Customizable

• Add fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to enhance flavor and texture.
• Adjust the sweetness and spice level based on your preference.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

• Great as a breakfast treat, brunch dessert, or afternoon snack.
• Serves well at family gatherings, tea parties, or even as a holiday treat.

If you love indulgent gluten free treats, don’t miss these Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies (No Flour) for a rich and chocolatey dessert option.

---

Key Ingredients for Gluten Free Coffee Cake

1. Cake Batter Essentials

• 1 ⅓ cups gluten free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum for structure)
• 1 tsp baking powder (helps the cake rise)
• ¼ tsp baking soda (balances acidity for a tender crumb)
• ¼ tsp kosher salt (enhances flavor)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt (keeps the cake moist)
• 2 tbsp milk (regular or dairy-free alternative)

2. Table: Best Gluten Free Flours for Coffee Cake

Flour Type	Texture & Benefits	Best Used With
Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour Blend	Light, mimics regular flour, easy to use	Cakes, muffins, cookies
Almond Flour	Moist, slightly nutty, adds richness	Coffee cake, brownies, muffins
Oat Flour	Soft texture, naturally sweet	Breakfast cakes, quick breads
Coconut Flour	Absorbs moisture, slightly dense	Combined with other flours
Rice Flour	Light, neutral taste, slightly dry	Best blended with starches

✔ Tip: I Use gluten free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum . It works best for soft and fluffy coffee cake.

3. Cinnamon Streusel Topping

• ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup gluten free all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice blend
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

✔ Pro Tip: For a nutty crunch, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel.

---

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Gluten Free Coffee Cake

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping

• In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, gluten free flour, and cinnamon.
• Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.
• Refrigerate until ready to use to keep the texture perfect.

2. Make the Cake Batter

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing well.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth.

3. Assemble & Bake

• Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
• Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter, spreading gently with a spatula.
• Top with the rest of the streusel mixture.
• Bake for 32-38 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

✔ Pro Tip: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.

---

Tips for the Perfect Gluten Free Coffee Cake

✔ Measure Flour Properly  Gluten free flour blends can be denser than regular flour, so measuring correctly is crucial. Use a kitchen scale for precision or use the spoon-and-level method:

• Fluff the flour with a spoon.
• Gently spoon it into the measuring cup without packing it down.
• Level it off with a knife.
• This prevents using too much flour, which can make the cake dry and crumbly.

✔ Do Not Overmix – Overmixing the batter activates too much air, leading to a dense, tough cake. For the best texture:

• Mix dry and wet ingredients separately first.
• Slowly combine them using a spatula or low-speed mixer.
• Stop mixing once no flour streaks remain a few lumps are fine!

✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Cold butter, eggs, or sour cream can make the batter lumpy and uneven. For a smooth, uniform texture:

• Let butter and eggs sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before using.
• If you forget, place eggs in warm (not hot) water for 5 minutes to speed up the process.

✔ Keep the Streusel Cold – A chilled streusel topping helps create the perfect crunchy texture. If the butter melts too soon:

• The streusel can become oily and dense instead of light and crumbly.
• After preparing, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before sprinkling it on top.

✔ Test for Doneness Correctly – Since gluten free cakes tend to be more delicate, overbaking can dry them out quickly.

• Insert a toothpick into the center if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
• If the toothpick comes out wet, bake for 3-5 more minutes and check again.
• Avoid waiting for a completely clean toothpick, as the cake will continue cooking while it cools.

Following these tips ensures your gluten free coffee cake turns out soft, fluffy, and delicious every time! 😊

---

Variations & Customizations

1. Flavor Additions

• Berry Coffee Cake – Fold ½ cup fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter.
• Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake – Add ½ cup dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Coffee Cake – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel.

2. Dairy-Free & Vegan Options

• Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use almond or oat milk.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

3. Special Toppings

• Drizzle with a Glaze – Mix powdered sugar + milk + vanilla for an icing drizzle.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar – Adds an elegant and light sweetness.
• Add a Caramel Swirl – Swirl ½ cup caramel sauce into the batter before baking.

✔ Pro Tip: If you enjoy fruity desserts, try this Gluten Free Fruit and Pudding Salad for a light and refreshing option.

---

FAQs: Common Questions About Gluten Free Coffee Cake

1. What is the Best Gluten Free Flour for Coffee Cake?

• A 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend (with xanthan gum) gives the best texture.
• Almond flour + coconut flour works well for a grain-free version.

2. Can I Make This Cake Without Xanthan Gum?

• Yes! Use psyllium husk or an extra egg to bind the ingredients.

3. Why is My Gluten Free Coffee Cake Dry?

• Overbaking or not enough moisture (use sour cream, yogurt, or extra milk).
• Too much flour (measure correctly using a kitchen scale).

4. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

• Yes! Bake and freeze it for up to 2 months.

5. What’s the Difference Between Coffee Cake & Regular Cake?

• Coffee cake has a crumb topping and no frosting.
• It pairs perfectly with coffee, but contains no actual coffee!

---

Final Thought

A gluten free coffee cake is a warm, comforting, and delicious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. Its moist texture, buttery crumb, and sweet cinnamon streusel make it an irresistible favorite. Whether you’re looking for a classic version or want to customize it with fruits, nuts, or chocolate, this recipe is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for more gluten free treats, try these Easy Homemade Gluten Free Granola Bars for a healthy, on-the-go snack. Bake this cake today and enjoy every delicious bite!