A soft, moist, and crumbly coffee cake is a perfect companion for a cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s a quiet morning breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special treat for guests, coffee cake is versatile and beloved. But for those who follow a gluten-free diet, finding a cake that delivers on flavor and texture can be a challenge. Fortunately, this gluten-free coffee cake recipe provides all the satisfaction of the classic cake without gluten, making it ideal for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
With the right combination of ingredients, this gluten-free coffee cake is soft, rich, and topped with a delicious streusel crumb that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful gluten-free treat, packed with flavor and perfect for sharing!
Why Make a Gluten-Free Coffee Cake?
For those with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or simply those choosing to follow a gluten-free lifestyle, finding a good cake recipe can often be daunting. Traditional coffee cakes use wheat flour, which is not safe for those avoiding gluten. Thankfully, with the right gluten-free flour blends and a few helpful tips, you can enjoy a gluten-free coffee cake that’s just as fluffy and flavorful as the original.
Here’s why you’ll love making this gluten-free coffee cake:
- Inclusion for Everyone: Whether for breakfast or a special occasion, this gluten-free coffee cake ensures everyone can enjoy a slice, regardless of dietary restrictions.
- Homemade Comfort: Homemade coffee cake allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.
- Rich and Moist Texture: This recipe uses gluten-free flour and ingredients that help maintain a moist and tender crumb, while also keeping it light and fluffy.
For other ideas on how to cater to various dietary needs, check out this gluten and dairy-free dessert recipe for more delicious, inclusive dessert options.
Key Ingredients for Gluten-Free Coffee Cake
Creating the perfect gluten-free coffee cake requires careful selection of ingredients that mimic the texture and structure of traditional wheat-based cakes. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients:
1. Gluten-Free Flour Blend
The foundation of any good gluten-free cake is a quality gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that combine rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, as these provide the necessary structure without being too dense. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or guar gum to give elasticity and binding properties, which are typically provided by gluten.
2. Butter or Coconut Oil
Butter gives the coffee cake a rich flavor and helps keep it moist. For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
3. Sugar
Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used in this recipe. Brown sugar, in particular, adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon in the streusel topping.
4. Eggs or Egg Replacements
Eggs add richness and help bind the cake together. If you’re following a vegan diet, you can substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
5. Cinnamon Streusel Topping
The star of any coffee cake is the streusel topping, which provides a crunchy, sweet layer. For this, you’ll need a mix of gluten-free flour, brown sugar, butter (or a dairy-free alternative), and plenty of cinnamon.
For more guidance on gluten-free baking, including alternative flours, check out this helpful guide to gluten-free flours.
Tools You’ll Need
Before we get into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools ready:
- Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar together.
- 9-inch Baking Pan: A square or round pan works best for this coffee cake.
- Spatula: To fold the batter and smooth it into the pan.
Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
This gluten-free coffee cake is easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a delicious cake ready in no time!
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
For the cinnamon streusel topping:
- ¾ cup gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter (or coconut oil)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the butter (or coconut oil) and use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
3. Assemble the Coffee Cake
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Gently spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Top with the remaining streusel mixture.
4. Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cake has cooled, slice it into squares or wedges and serve with your favorite coffee or tea. The streusel topping will be slightly crunchy, while the cake remains soft and moist.
Variations and Tips for the Perfect Gluten-Free Coffee Cake
1. Add Fruits or Nuts
You can easily customize this gluten-free coffee cake by adding in fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples. Simply fold the fruit into the batter before baking. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for extra crunch.
2. Dairy-Free and Vegan Options
To make this cake dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap the sour cream with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream substitute. For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and ensure that all dairy products are replaced with plant-based alternatives.
3. Use High-Quality Gluten-Free Flour
The success of your gluten-free coffee cake largely depends on the quality of the flour blend you use. Look for blends that contain a mix of starches (like tapioca or potato starch) and flours (like rice or sorghum flour), as these provide the best texture. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity and structure of gluten.
If you’re interested in learning more about gluten-free baking techniques, this gluten-free lasagna recipe offers another example of how to work with gluten-free ingredients to create delicious meals.
FAQ: Gluten Free Coffee Cake Recipe
Can I freeze gluten-free coffee cake?
Yes, this gluten-free coffee cake freezes beautifully. To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.
What’s the best way to store gluten-free coffee cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for extended storage.
Can I make this coffee cake without eggs?
Yes! You can make this coffee cake egg-free by using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Simply mix the flax and water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, and use it as you would regular eggs.
Conclusion
This gluten-free coffee cake recipe is a wonderful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread, and it’s perfect for those who need to avoid gluten. The tender cake combined with