Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’ve been hunting for that perfect morning treat or a sweet afternoon indulgence, this Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s got that classic coffee cake vibe—soft, tender crumb with ribbons of cinnamon sugar running through it—but without any gluten in sight, which means it’s perfect for just about anyone at your table. I’ve made this cake on hectic weekday mornings and relaxed weekend brunches alike, and it never fails to brighten up the day.
What makes this Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe really stand out is the balance between wholesome ingredients like almond and oat flours and that heavenly cinnamon swirl paired with a crumbly topping. It’s not just about being gluten free—it’s about treating yourself to something truly delicious, too. I promise you’ll love how easily it comes together and how impressive it feels when you serve it to guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this cake’s texture and flavor. The almond and oat flours give it a tender yet sturdy base, while the mix of butter and applesauce keeps it moist without weighing it down. Here’s a simple rundown with some tips to make shopping a breeze.
- Salted butter: Softened for the batter and slightly softened again for the crumble topping—the butter is key for richness and that perfect crumb.
- Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness without extra fat, a great pairing with the nutty flours.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together, so don’t swap these if you can avoid it for best results.
- White sugar: For sweetness in the batter and cinnamon filling—balances flavors without overwhelming.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash perks up the whole cake with warm, comforting notes.
- Almond flour: Gives the cake a tender crumb and subtle nuttiness.
- Oat flour: Imparts a mild sweetness and works beautifully alongside almond flour for texture.
- Baking powder: Essential for lift—make sure it’s fresh for the fluffiest cake.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
- Melted butter: Mixed with cinnamon and sugar to create that unforgettable cinnamon swirl.
- Brown sugar: Used in the crumble topping for depth and caramel notes.
- Cinnamon: The star spice here—double duty in filling and crumble for maximum flavor.
Variations
I love making this Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe my own by tweaking it to fit whatever mood I’m in—or whoever is visiting. You should absolutely play around with it, because it’s so forgiving and versatile!
- Nut-Free Variation: Swap almond flour for more oat flour or a gluten free all-purpose blend if anyone’s allergic. I’ve tried this when friends visit with allergies, and it still tastes fantastic!
- Seasonal Twist: Toss in fresh or dried fruit like blueberries or chopped apples into the batter for a fresh flavor twist—perfect for fall or summer brunches.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and coconut oil instead of butter. I tested this approach and was pleasantly surprised by the moistness.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon to give it a more exotic flavor.
How to Make Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, applesauce, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined—that’s where the magic starts. Then, sift in the almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to create a smooth batter. I like to use a spatula here, folding carefully so the batter stays light.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, oat flour, white sugar, and cinnamon until combined evenly. This mix will create those gorgeous cinnamon ribbons inside the cake. I always make sure to blend this thoroughly—no clumps!—so the flavors spread perfectly as it bakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping
For the best crumble topping, take the room temperature butter and combine it with brown sugar, almond flour, oat flour, and cinnamon. Use your hands or a fork to break it up into small clumps. This hands-on step really makes the texture just right—fluffy but with a satisfying crunch. Set it aside for later.
Step 4: Layer the Cake Batter and Filling
Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish and spread half of your batter evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the cinnamon sugar filling on top and gently swirl it into the batter using a butter knife or skewer—this creates those signature cinnamon streaks. Now add the remaining batter and spread it out, followed by the rest of the cinnamon filling on top, swirling again.
Step 5: Bake and Add Crumble
Bake the cake for 25 minutes until it’s just starting to set but not fully cooked through. Then carefully sprinkle the crumble topping all over the cake, pressing it gently especially in the center where it might still be a bit soft. Pop it back in the oven for another 18 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp. Remember, ovens vary—keep an eye on it and use a toothpick to check for doneness.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This helps it set nicely and makes cutting easier. I usually slice it into 12 squares, perfect for sharing or savoring throughout the week!
How to Serve Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with this cake—a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze really elevates it without hiding the beautiful cinnamon swirls. Sometimes, I’ll add a few toasted almond slivers on top of the crumble for an extra crunch and a little garnish flair.
Side Dishes
Pair this gluten free cinnamon coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for that cozy café vibe right at home. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries, which add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruit and a small bowl of whipped cream or crème fraîche. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks inviting when guests come over for brunch. You could even cut the cake into mini squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for a stylish finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but if it’s particularly warm or humid, the fridge is best. Just be sure to bring it back to room temp before serving to bring back the tender crumb.
Freezing
This cake freezes like a charm! I cut it into individual squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I pull out a square and let it thaw on the counter for a couple of hours.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it gently in a toaster oven. It’s best eaten just slightly warm to really enjoy that melty crumble topping and soft cake inside. Avoid overheating or it can dry out.
FAQs
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Can I make this Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with your favorite dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly, but it still works beautifully. Also, use a dairy-free milk if you decide to add any liquids elsewhere.
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Is the cake suitable for storing overnight?
Absolutely. The cake actually tastes better the day after baking, as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm.
- Can I use all almond flour or all oat flour instead of mixing them?
You can, but the texture might differ. Almond flour alone will make the cake more moist and dense, while oat flour alone could create a slightly drier crumb. I find the mix gives the best balance of fluffiness and tenderness.
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How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for the crumble topping to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs—that’s perfect! If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes but watch carefully so it doesn’t overbake.
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Can I make this recipe in a loaf pan or muffin tins?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Muffins will bake faster, around 20-25 minutes, while a loaf pan might need upwards of 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on the texture and do the toothpick test!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe is one of my go-tos when I want to impress guests without fuss or just treat myself on a chilled Sunday morning. It feels homey and special all at once—the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and enjoy every bite with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. You’re going to love how easy, flavorful, and comforting this cake is!
Print
Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 43 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with almond and oat flours, it’s a deliciously spiced cake layered with a cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a buttery crumble. The cake is easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, offering a great gluten-free option for cinnamon lovers.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 1/4 cup oat flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp oat flour
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- 1/4 cup salted butter, slightly softened (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, applesauce, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the batter becomes smooth and well incorporated.
- Make the cinnamon sugar filling: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, oat flour, white sugar, and cinnamon thoroughly to create an even cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Prepare the crumble topping: Combine the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, almond flour, oat flour, and cinnamon. Use your hands or a fork to mix until you achieve crumbly texture. Set aside.
- Assemble the cake layers: Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cake batter into the dish and spread it evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon sugar filling over the batter and swirl it gently using a knife or skewer. Add the remaining cake batter on top and spread evenly. Finish by spreading and swirling the remaining cinnamon sugar filling on the top layer.
- Bake the cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add the crumble topping and continue baking: Remove the cake from the oven and carefully spread the crumble topping over the partially baked cake, pressing gently especially in the center where the cake is less baked. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 18 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares for serving.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your moist and flavorful gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake!
Notes
- For best results, make sure all butter used in the batter and crumble is at the specified temperature.
- You can substitute oat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour if oat flour is unavailable.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbles and maintain structure.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Keywords: gluten free coffee cake,cinnamon coffee cake,almond flour cake,oat flour cake,breakfast cake,gluten free dessert,coffee cake recipe
