Let me tell you, this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe is one of my absolute favorites when I want a cozy, comforting treat without any gluten hassles. The combination of almond and oat flours gives it a tender crumb, while the double layers of cinnamon sugar filling make every bite a little celebration of warm spices. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a casual afternoon coffee break, this cake always hits the spot and impresses guests—even those who aren’t gluten-free!

I remember the first time I made this recipe, nervous about gluten-free baking, and it turned out amazingly moist and flavorful. You’ll find it’s not only easy to make but also perfect for a crowd, especially when you want that homemade vibe without much fuss. Trust me, adding a crumble topping is the secret touch that keeps this cake irresistibly tender and beautifully textured.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe plays a special role in balancing flavor and texture. I love how the combo of nutty almond flour and hearty oat flour makes the cake dense, yet delightfully soft. When shopping, opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients like real vanilla extract and fresh cinnamon for the best results.

Salted butter: Using salted butter adds a nice balance of flavor without needing extra salt.
Applesauce: This keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness—no oil needed!
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake its lift.
White sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Always opt for pure vanilla—the aroma will fill your kitchen!
Almond flour: Adds richness and a gentle nutty flavor that’s subtle but essential.
Oat flour: Keep an eye out for certified gluten-free oat flour to avoid contamination.
Baking powder: Your leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
Melted butter (for cinnamon sugar filling): Helps the cinnamon sugar blend and swirl perfectly into the layers.
Oat flour (for filling): Adds structure to the swirl so it stays distinct and gooey.
White sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cinnamon swirl.
Cinnamon (for filling and topping): The star spice that brings warmth to every bite.
Room temperature butter (for crumble topping): Makes the topping crumbly and buttery; perfect texture is key here.
Light brown sugar (for topping): Adds moisture and a caramel depth.
Almond flour and oat flour (for topping): Combine for a nicely textured crumble that complements the soft cake.

Variations

I love encouraging you to play around with this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe because there’s so much room to make it your own. For example, I sometimes swap in coconut sugar for a deeper flavor or add chopped nuts to the crumble if I’m feeling a bit nutty. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Dairy-Free Variation: I’ve had great results replacing butter with vegan margarine and using flax eggs instead of regular eggs. The cake still comes out moist and flavorful.
Nut-Free Option: Swap almond flour for more oat flour or another gluten-free flour blend to keep it safe for nut allergies.
Fruit Twist: Adding chopped apples or pears into the batter or on top before baking enhances the autumn vibe and adds natural sweetness.
Spice It Up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees F. While it warms up, lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This simple prep step ensures your cake doesn’t stick and keeps cleanup minimal.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the softened salted butter, applesauce, eggs, white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then add your almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently but thoroughly so the batter is even, without over-beating—you don’t want your cake to get tough. The consistency should be smooth and thick, perfect for layering.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Simply combine the melted butter, oat flour, white sugar, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. This filling is what brings that classic cinnamon swirl effect inside the cake. Don’t rush this step—make sure everything is well combined so the swirl holds together nicely.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping

Mix together the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, almond flour, oat flour, and cinnamon. I find that using my hands or a fork to crumble the mix gives the best texture. It should feel buttery but still crumbly, perfect to sprinkle on top for that golden crunchy finish.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Then dollop half of the cinnamon sugar filling on top and swirl it gently through the batter with a knife or spatula. Repeat by adding the rest of the cake batter, then the remaining cinnamon sugar filling, swirling again for those beautiful marbled layers.

Step 6: Bake, Add Crumble, and Finish Baking

Bake the layered cake for about 25 minutes. When time’s up, carefully remove it and gently sprinkle the crumble topping over the surface, pressing lightly especially in the center where the batter is more underbaked. Then pop it back in the oven for another 18 minutes. This two-step baking process locks in moisture and gives you that perfect crumb topping.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. I find that this wait is key for the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making each slice neat and indulgent. Then, go ahead, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy one of the best gluten-free treats around!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

The image shows a square coffee cake cut into smaller square pieces, with one piece slightly pulled out from the others. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is light yellow with a soft, moist texture, speckled with small darker bits, and the top layer is a thick crumbly brown streusel with a rough texture. The cake sits on brown parchment paper placed on a metal tray, and there are some crumbs scattered around. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my cinnamon coffee cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or a smear of softened cream cheese for added richness. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also complement the cinnamon flavors beautifully. These little extras make your coffee cake feel a bit more special and festive, perfect for brunch or a coffee date.

Side Dishes

On my busiest mornings, I pair this cake with a cup of strong black coffee or chai tea—the spices in the tea really enhance the cinnamon. For brunch, it goes wonderfully alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad if you want to balance the sweetness. This cake is versatile enough to feel like dessert or breakfast, so feel free to get creative.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found this cake looks incredible served in a trifle bowl layered with whipped cream and fresh fruit for special occasions. Another favorite is cutting it into mini squares and placing them on a tiered dessert stand for parties. Even simple plating with cinnamon sticks on the side adds charm and hints at the flavors inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it within a day or two. Otherwise, the refrigerator works well to keep it fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temp or reheat gently, as chilling can firm up the butter in the cake.

Freezing

Freezing this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe works beautifully for longer storage. I slice it into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature, and it tastes almost as fresh as the day you baked it.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crumble topping and revives the softness of the cake. Add a little butter or cream cheese on top for extra indulgence—it’s like a mini bakery treat at home.

FAQs

Can I use other gluten-free flours in this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While almond and oat flours give great texture and flavor here, you can substitute with other gluten-free flour blends. Just make sure the flour blend is suitable for baking and maintains the right moisture balance. You might need to adjust wet ingredients slightly if the texture feels too dry or wet.
Is this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Since the recipe uses eggs and butter, it’s not vegan as is. But you can experiment with flax or chia eggs and vegan butter or coconut oil. I’ve tried a vegan version with great success—just keep an eye on baking times as moisture levels may vary.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan, and the topping should be golden brown. Don’t overbake—this cake is best moist and tender.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

You can double this recipe, just use a larger pan (I recommend 9×13 inches) and increase baking time, checking frequently after about 35 minutes. Keep the layering and crumble steps the same for the best cinnamon swirl effect.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon sugar filling?

Use a butter knife or the tip of a small spatula to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar filling into the batter. Move just enough to create pretty ribbons without mixing it completely. This helps deliver distinct cinnamon pockets throughout the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it blends nostalgic comfort with the freedom of gluten-free baking. It’s the kind of cake I reach for when I want to impress without stress, and every time it delivers that warm hug of cinnamon and buttery crumb I crave. I’m confident you’ll enjoy baking and sharing this, whether it’s a quiet morning treat or part of a sunny weekend spread. Give it a try—you deserve that cozy moment with a slice and your favorite coffee.