Easy Gluten Free Coffee Cake Recipe | Ready in 30 Minutes


Imagine yourself: Sunlight shining through your kitchen window smells like heaven—that of freshly made coffee cake. Recall those Saturday mornings at Grandma’s place when a delicious slice of coffee cake made things better. If you follow a gluten-free diet, you may have considered those treasured events as simply memories. The amazing news is that you will soon find your new favorite gluten free coffee cake recipe, absolutely tasty and ready in only thirty minutes!

After many Sunday mornings of testing and adjusting, you’re getting a perfect recipe that delivers that classic coffee cake experience free from gluten-related concerns. This recipe strikes all the right notes whether your event is a brunch or you just want a sweet breakfast treat: tender, moist, and crowned with that irresistible strawberry topping that makes the coffee cake so unique. 

A single slice of gluten free coffee cake on a white plate, garnished with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, with a cup of coffee in the background.

If you’re a fan of gluten-free baking, you’ll love this coffee cake! Be sure to try our gluten-free cake or gluten-free protein pancakes for more delicious options.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Coffee Cake

To be honest, not all gluten-free baking meets the standards. But what does this recipe call for? Different.

  • You will find yourself returning to it repeatedly due to its perfect texture, which is soft, moist, and never grainy.
  • You won’t have to search for unusual ingredients or specialized tools
  • The whole process—from mixing to enjoying—takes only thirty minutes
  • the recipe is quite forgiving even for novice bakers
  • Friends who avoid gluten won’t believe it’s gluten-free
  • If you have leftovers, they freeze elegantly, perfect for your next craving.

Gone are the days of thick, unsatisfactory gluten-free baked products. Without sacrificing taste or texture, this coffee cake reminds me of the fun of casual weekend cooking.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Get these essential kitchen tools ready before starting the baking process. You probably already have the reliable basics in your kitchen, so there’s no need for anything fancy :

  • An 8×8 inch baking pan (glass or metal both work great).
  • A big mixing basin for your moist components.
  • A medium mixing bowl for dry ingredients
  • standard measuring cups and spoons
  • An electric mixer (hand-held works great, but a stand mixer is also good)
  • A wire cooling rack

Pro tip: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This simple technique makes removing and serving your gluten free coffee cake effortless.

Ingredients

Let’s divide everything you will need into two basic components: the cake batter and the wonderful streusel topping that distinguishes coffee cake.

For the Cake Batter

IngredientAmountNotes
Gluten-free all-purpose flour2 cupsChoose a blend with xanthan gum included
Granulated sugar1 cupRegular white sugar works best
Baking powder2 tspFresh is crucial for proper rise
Salt1/4 tspFine sea salt preferred
Unsalted butter1/2 cupMelted and slightly cooled
Eggs2 largeRoom temperature is essential
Vanilla extract1 tspPure vanilla extract, not imitation
Milk1 cupAny variety works – dairy or plant-based

For the Streusel Topping

IngredientAmountNotes
Brown sugar1/2 cupThe same blend as used in cake
Gluten-free flour1/3 cupFresh ground for the best flavor
Cinnamon1 tspFresh ground for best flavor
Butter1/4 cupCold and cut into small cubes

For the perfect topping, we’re using brown sugar and cinnamon—ingredients also featured in our gluten-free peanut biscuits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready 

Success in gluten-free baking typically hinges on accurate preparation. Here’s how you arrange yourself for flawless performance:

  1. With your oven rack in the middle, preheat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the parchment paper in your 8×8-inch pan so that there is some overhang.
  3. Measure everything exactly; baking gluten-free is a scientific endeavor!
  4. Make sure every refrigerated item has come to room temperature.

Making the Streusel

Your gluten free coffee cake gains both taste and texture from the ideal sugar. Here’s how to master it:

  1. Whisk in a medium bowl your cinnamon, gluten-free flour, and brown sugar.
  2. Add the cubes of chilled butter and knead them with your fingertips.
  3. Till the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, keep mixing.
  4. Refrigerate it while you prepare the cake batter.

Pro tip: Don’t overwork the sprinkles; a variable size of crumbs produces the ideal texture!

Getting the cake batter mixed

Here’s where meticulousness truly pays off:

  1. Whisk in a big bowl the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Combine your melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk in another bowl.
  3. Combine the dry and wet components.
  4. Mix until barely blended—about 30 seconds with an electric mixer.

Remember: Over-mixing is the enemy of tender gluten free coffee cake. Stop as soon as the batter comes together!

Baking Instructions

Now comes the interesting part:

  1. You should gently smooth the surface of your batter on the prepared pan.
  2. Remove the streuels from the refrigerator and evenly distribute them over the batter. 
  3. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
  4. Let cool in the pan for ten minutes; then, using parchment paper, pull out

Perfect Gluten Free Coffee Cake: Pro Advice 

Years of research into gluten-free baking have yielded these groundbreaking ideas:

  • Temperature is important. At room temperature, ingredients mix more naturally and produce a better texture.
  • Don’t overlook the parchment paper; it’s your protection from stuck cake.
  • Check your cake at 25 minutes; gluten-free baked products can swing from excellent to dry fast.
  • Before storage, let the cake cool fully; still, feel free to enjoy it just slightly warm
  • Keep your streusel cool; if it is too heated, it will sink into the batter.

Make-Ahead Advice and Storage Notes

With correct preservation, your coffee cake will remain fresh and tasty.

Store your gluten free coffee cake in an airtight container for up to three days to extend its freshness, or wrap individual slices properly and freeze for up to three months.

Variations and Substitutions

Use these tried-and-true adjustments to create your version of this recipe:

Dairy-Free Adaptation:

  • Substitute plant-based butter sticks for butter.
  • Replace milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
  • Make sure your gluten-free flour blend comes dairy-free.

Seasonal Twists:

  • In spring, add fresh berries and lemon zest;
  • in summer, toss chopped peaches.
  • Fall: Double the cinnamon and add nutmeg.
  • In winter, toss little chocolate chips into the streusel.

Easy Gluten Free Coffee Cake Recipe | Ready in 30 Minutes

Recipe by noglutenrecipeCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

9

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

235

kcal

A moist, tender gluten free coffee cake topped with cinnamon streusel that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Ingredients

  • For That Amazing Cake
  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs, room temp

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • 1 cup milk (any kind works!)

  • For The Irresistible Streusel
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed

  • ⅓ cup gluten-free flour

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ cup cold butter, cubed

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Line 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper
  • Let all refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature
  • Step 2: Make Streusel
  • Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl
  • Cut in cold butter until crumbly
  • Refrigerate until needed
  • Step 3: Make Batter
  • Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl
  • Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed
  • Pour into prepared pan
  • Step 4: Bake
  • Top batter with streusel
  • Bake 25-30 minutes
  • Test with a toothpick for doneness
  • Cool 10 minutes before serving

Notes

  • * Use room temperature ingredients for best results
    * Don’t overmix the batter
    * Check doneness at 25 minutes
    * Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Calories: 285 per serving

Pair this coffee cake with a warm drink or serve it alongside our gluten-free chicken nuggets for a complete brunch spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten free coffee cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is a make-ahead choice. Store it in an airtight jar at room temperature; bake it up to three days before your occasion; it will taste exactly as fresh as day one.

Why did my gluten free coffee cake turn out dry?

The most common culprit is overbaking. Since gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently than regular flour, even an extra 2-3 minutes in the oven can affect the texture. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark.

Can I freeze this gluten free coffee cake?

You’ll be delighted to know this gluten free coffee cake freezes beautifully! Individually wrap each slice in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Is this gluten free coffee cake dairy-free?

The original recipe contains dairy, but don’t let that stop you! Swap in your favorite plant-based butter and milk. Many readers have reported excellent results using almond milk and Earth Balance buttery sticks.

How do I know when my gluten free coffee cake is done?

Stick a toothpick into the center; it’s ready if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The cake should also spring back slightly when gently pressed with your finger.

Time to Get Baking!

You’re now equipped with everything needed to create a spectacular gluten free coffee cake that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Remember, the joy of baking isn’t just in the eating – it’s in the process, the aroma filling your kitchen, and the satisfaction of creating something truly special.

Why not make this weekend extra special with a freshly baked coffee cake? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to experience just how amazing gluten-free baking can be. Don’t forget to snap a photo before that first slice disappears!

Share your baking success! Tag us on social media with #GlutenFreeCoffeeCake or drop a comment below with your experience and any creative twists you added to make this recipe your own.

Happy baking, and enjoy every crumb of your homemade gluten free coffee cake!


Looking for more gluten-free delights? Check out these recipes:


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