Gluten Free Coffee Cake Recipe

Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of a freshly baked gluten free coffee cake filling your kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. This gluten free coffee cake recipe has become my absolute go-to when I want something special without the fuss. Whether you're dealing with celiac disease or simply choosing to avoid gluten, this gluten free coffee cake delivers all the tender, moist texture you'd expect from a traditional version.

I've spent countless mornings perfecting this gluten free coffee cake, and I'm thrilled to share every secret that makes it incredibly delicious. The buttery crumb topping and cinnamon swirl create the perfect balance of flavors that will have your family asking for seconds every single time.

Why This Gluten Free Coffee Cake Recipe is a Game-Changer

This isn't just another gluten free coffee cake recipe that promises big but delivers disappointment. After years of gluten free baking experiments, I've discovered the perfect combination of ingredients that creates a moist, fluffy texture rivaling any traditional coffee cake. The secret lies in using the right gluten free flour blend and adding just enough moisture to prevent that dreaded dry, crumbly texture that plagues many gluten free desserts.

What makes this gluten free coffee cake truly special is its versatility and foolproof nature. You can whip it up for a weekend brunch, pack it for a picnic, or serve it as an elegant dessert. The streusel topping adds that perfect buttery crunch, while the tender cake base melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests and becomes a family tradition. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret to Bakery-Style Perfection
• FAQ
• Perfect Pairings for Your Morning
• Related
• Pairing
• Gluten Free Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake Base

• gluten free flour blend
• granulated sugar
• unsalted butter
• eggs
• sour cream
• vanilla extract
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• xanthan gum

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

• gluten free flour blend
• brown sugar
• butter
• ground cinnamon
• salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• brown sugar
• ground cinnamon
• melted butter

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preparing Your Kitchen and Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
3. Allow all refrigerated ingredients to reach room temperature; this ensures even mixing and a smoother batter.
4. Measure out all ingredients precisely, as gluten free baking requires more accuracy than traditional baking.

Creating the Perfect Coffee Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain; overmixing can make your gluten free coffee cake tough.

Assembling the Streusel and Swirl

1. For the streusel topping, combine gluten free flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl in a small bowl, then stir in melted butter.
4. Spread half the batter in prepared pan, drizzle with cinnamon swirl mixture, then top with remaining batter and sprinkle with streusel.

Expert Cooking Tips

The key to an exceptional gluten free coffee cake lies in these professional techniques I've learned through years of experimentation. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother batter, while proper measuring ensures consistent results every time.

• Flour Measurement: Always spoon gluten free flour into measuring cups and level off; scooping directly can pack too much flour and create dense results
• Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients gently to avoid overworking the gluten free flour, which can lead to a gummy texture
• Moisture Balance: The sour cream adds crucial moisture and tang that keeps this cake tender for days
• Oven Position: Bake on the center rack to ensure even heat distribution
• Testing Doneness: A toothpick inserted in center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This gluten free coffee cake adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. The base recipe works perfectly with various modifications, allowing you to create your ideal version every time.

Dairy-Free Adaptations

• Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil (solid, not melted)
• Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt
• Use plant-based milk if thinning is needed

Flavor Variations

• Blueberry Version: Fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist
• Chocolate Chip: Add ¾ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter
• Lemon Glaze: Drizzle with powdered sugar and lemon juice mixture after cooling
• Nuts and Seeds: Incorporate ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel

Healthier Options

• Replace half the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein
• Add 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids

Equipment Recommendations

Creating the perfect gluten free coffee cake becomes effortless with the right tools. I've found these essential pieces make the biggest difference in achieving consistent, professional results.

• 9x9 inch square baking pan: Glass or metal both work well; glass allows you to monitor browning
• Electric hand mixer: Crucial for properly creaming butter and sugar to the right consistency
• Large mixing bowls: At least two; one for wet ingredients, one for dry
• Pastry cutter: Essential for creating the perfect crumbly streusel topping texture
• Fine-mesh sifter: Helps prevent lumps in gluten free flour blends
• Offset spatula: Makes spreading batter evenly much easier

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage keeps your gluten free coffee cake fresh and delicious for days. These techniques preserve both texture and flavor, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Short-Term Storage

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight container at room temperature
• Keeps fresh for up to 3 days without refrigeration
• Place a slice of bread in container to maintain moisture levels

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
• Freeze for up to 3 months without quality loss
• Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving
• Individual slices can be wrapped separately for quick single servings

Reheating Tips

• Microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds to restore warmth
• Reheat larger portions in 300°F oven for 10 minutes, covered with foil
• Never reheat more than once to maintain the best texture

FAQ

Perfect Pairings for Your Morning

This gluten free coffee cake pairs beautifully with other breakfast favorites that will complete your brunch spread. Consider serving it alongside our Cinnamon Roll Cake Mix Recipe for guests who want variety, or try our Chinese Egg Cake Recipe for an elegant international touch to your morning gathering.

Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to something special, this gluten free coffee cake delivers the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. The tender crumb and buttery streusel topping create an irresistible treat that proves gluten-free baking can be just as delicious as traditional recipes.

Baking joy, one gluten-free bite at a time! 🧁 Ashley Morgan

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Gluten Free Coffee Cake recipe: