Coffee Cake Gluten-free Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let’s talk about coffee cake-not the kind made with coffee, though it pairs beautifully with your morning brew. We’re talking about that soft, buttery cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl running through it, crowned with a crumbly, streusel topping. Sound familiar?

Now, imagine that same indulgent slice… but gluten-free. Before you roll your eyes and say, “But gluten-free baked goods are dry and taste like sand”, hold up. This isn’t that kind of gluten-free recipe. This coffee cake is:

• Moist (yes, even without gluten!)
• Rich in flavor with hints of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla
• Soft and tender, with that classic buttery crumb
• Completely undetectably gluten-free

Whether you’re celiac, gluten-sensitive, or just cutting back, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser-and I’m going to walk you through every glorious, crumbly step.

Coffee Cake Gluten-free Recipe

This gluten-free coffee cake is perfect for:

• Lazy weekend brunches (especially with stretchy pants)
• Holiday breakfasts (hello, Christmas morning star!)
• Afternoon tea parties (very Bridgerton vibes)
• Or, honestly? Tuesday. You don’t need an excuse.

What To Expect From This Recipe

• A tender vanilla cake base
• A warm cinnamon-sugar swirl layer
• Buttery, crumbly streusel topping
• All made gluten-free-with texture and taste that rivals (or beats!) any wheat-based version

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this dreamy gluten-free coffee cake. I’ve broken it down into sections so you don’t miss a thing.

✨ For The Cake Batter

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum included)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For The Streusel Topping

• ½ cup gluten-free flour blend
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Optional add-ins: chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), a pinch of nutmeg, or even a splash of maple extract for that fall bakery vibe.

How To Make Coffee Cake Gluten-free

Alright, let’s get baking. Put on your apron and cue the feel-good playlist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square pan or line with parchment for easy lift-out.

2. Make the streusel topping first:

   • In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Add cold butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to cut it in until crumbly.
   • Pop it in the fridge while you make the rest. Cold streusel = crispier crumble.

3. Prepare The Cinnamon Swirl

   • Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Easy peasy.

4. Mix The Cake Batter

   • In a medium bowl, whisk your dry ingredients: gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer).
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
   • Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream, beginning and ending with flour. (So: flour → sour cream → flour → sour cream → flour.)

5. Assemble The Cake

   • Pour half the batter into the pan. Smooth it out.
   • Sprinkle on all of the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture.
   • Top with the remaining batter and smooth again.
   • Sprinkle streusel topping generously over the top.
6. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Trust me, the flavors deepen as it sits.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a bit-because every ingredient plays a role, and when it comes to gluten-free baking, science matters.

• Gluten-free flour blend: Not all are created equal. You want a mix that includes a binder like xanthan gum (or guar gum). Without gluten’s structure, you need something to hold things together.
• Sour cream: This magical ingredient adds moisture, richness, and acidity, which tenderizes the crumb and activates the baking soda.
• Baking soda + baking powder: Dual leaveners! The soda reacts with the sour cream, and the powder gives the cake its lift.
• Butter: Creamed with sugar, it traps air and creates that soft, fluffy texture.
• Brown sugar (in swirl and topping): Brings in caramel notes, depth, and added moisture.

Expert Tips

Want to bake like a gluten-free pastry pro? Here are some real-talk tips:

• Room temperature ingredients are your BFFs. Cold eggs or butter can mess with batter texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Once the flour goes in, stir gently to keep it tender.
• Let it rest: Gluten-free batters benefit from sitting for 15-20 minutes before baking to hydrate the flours. (Optional, but it helps!)
• Use an aluminum or light-colored metal pan: Dark pans can over-bake the edges before the center is done.
• Store it right: This coffee cake stays moist for 3-4 days when wrapped and stored at room temperature. Or freeze slices for later!

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try remixing your coffee cake like this:

• Berry Coffee Cake: Add a layer of blueberries or raspberries between the batter layers.
• Apple Cinnamon: Mix in chopped apples with the cinnamon swirl-so autumn!
• Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon layer. Sinfully good.
• Vegan Option: Sub in vegan butter, flax eggs, and a plant-based yogurt. It works!
• Nutty Topping: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for crunch.

You can even double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for brunch crowds!

Final Words

Gluten-free coffee cake might sound like a contradiction in terms-after all, what’s a fluffy, moist cake without wheat? But this recipe proves that texture, flavor, and comfort baking are 100% possible in a gluten-free kitchen. Honestly, this is one of those bakes where no one knows it’s gluten-free unless you tell them.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, a loved one, or a gluten-free brunch buddy, this cake checks all the boxes: nostalgic, cozy, and utterly delicious.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make A Gluten-free Coffee Cake?

To make a gluten-free coffee cake, you’ll need gluten-free all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, eggs, milk (or a non-dairy substitute), butter (or a dairy-free substitute), vanilla extract, and sour cream or yogurt for moisture. You can also add nuts or fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Can I Use Almond Flour Instead Of Gluten-free All-purpose Flour?

Yes, you can use almond flour as a substitute, but it will alter the texture and density of the cake. You may need to adjust the liquid ingredients or add a binding agent like xanthan gum to achieve the right consistency.

Is There A Dairy-free Option For Making A Gluten-free Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and replacing the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Additionally, use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative.

Can I Use A Different Sweetener Instead Of Sugar In A Gluten-free Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. However, keep in mind that these may change the texture or moisture level of the cake, so you might need to adjust the dry ingredients or liquid content to balance it out.

How Can I Make My Gluten-free Coffee Cake Moist?

To ensure moisture, use ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or buttermilk. Additionally, be cautious not to overbake the cake, as gluten-free cakes can dry out faster. Adding fruit, like apples or berries, can also help maintain moisture.

What Kind Of Topping Is Best For Gluten-free Coffee Cake?

A popular topping for gluten-free coffee cake is a cinnamon-sugar crumble made from gluten-free flour, butter, and cinnamon. You can also add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor.

How Do I Ensure The Gluten-free Coffee Cake Rises Properly?

To help your gluten-free coffee cake rise, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum, which will provide structure. Additionally, make sure your baking powder is fresh and your wet ingredients are evenly mixed.

Can I Make A Gluten-free Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake ahead of time. Once it’s baked, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze the cake.

How Do I Store Gluten-free Coffee Cake To Keep It Fresh?

Store gluten-free coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I Substitute Gluten-free Flour Blends For A 1:1 Ratio In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

Most gluten-free flour blends are designed for a 1:1 substitution with regular flour, but it’s important to check the package instructions as some may require additional adjustments, such as adding xanthan gum or adjusting liquid ratios. Make sure you’re using a blend that is specifically formulated for baking.