Best Healthy Coffee Cake

You need this healthy almond flour coffee cake recipe with a cinnamon swirl in the middle and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth streusel on top — the best gluten-free breakfast, snack, and dessert.

The best almond flour coffee cake

This is seriously the best healthy coffee cake you’ll ever eat. The texture is light, fluffy, and super moist because we use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Plus, there is a beautiful and sweet cinnamon sugar swirl in the middle and an incredible buttery streusel on top.

This recipe has been on my blog for over three years, and you guys love it! That’s why I decided to update the pictures and content so you have more pictures and information – don’t worry, the recipe is the same!

I made this for book club with my friends, and they couldn’t get enough of it. They couldn’t believe how light and moist it was, let alone that it was made with healthier and gluten-free ingredients. Next time I will have to bake two batches.

Safe to say, this cinnamon roll coffee cake is truly delightful and will be your new favorite recipe. It is straightforward to bake, and you do not need to be an expert baker to make it.

Why you’ll love this gluten-free recipe:

• Delicious flavors: This coffee cake offers a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors with hints of cinnamon, making it a flavorful treat.
• Healthier choice: This coffee cake is healthy because there are no refined sugars, dairy, or gluten. It’s sweetened naturally with maple syrup and coconut sugar.
• Gluten-free option: This coffee cake is made with almond flour, which means it is 100% gluten-free.
• Easy to make: This recipe is so easy to prepare that any level baker can make it!
• Enjoy it any time of day: Enjoy this almond flour coffee cake as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Made ahead: This gluten-free coffee cake recipe lasts up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. Great for a sweet meal prep!

Ingredients and substitutions

Every ingredient in this gluten-free coffee cake is a healthier version of any store-bought alternative. Below is a list of all of the ingredients you’ll need for a healthy cinnamon swirl coffee cake:

• Eggs: You’ll need three eggs for this recipe to help bind and provide structure to the coffee cake.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: The apple sauce adds moisture and contributes to the light and fluffy texture of the coffee cake. If needed, substitute the apple sauce with mashed bananas or Greek yogurt.
• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and flavor to the coffee cake and makes it refined sugar-free! You can use honey instead if needed.
• Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the coffee cake. You can substitute coconut sugar for light or dark brown sugar if needed.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the coffee cake.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb in the coffee cake in place of butter. If needed, you can use butter or vegan butter.
• Almond flour: Almond flour is gluten-free and makes this healthy coffee cake so moist. Do not substitute the almond flour with all-purpose or coconut flour!
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides warm and aromatic notes to the coffee cake.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Baking powder and baking soda act as a leavening agent, helping the coffee cake to rise.

Kitchen tools needed

Homemade gluten-free coffee cake is made using simple kitchen utensils! Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

• 8×8 Baking Tin
• Parchment paper
• One large mixing bowl
• One small mixing bowl
• Stirring utensil
• Microwave safe bowl
• Measuring cups: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make healthy cinnamon coffee cake

This healthy coffee cake recipe is super easy to make. This recipe makes nine fluffy, buttery, and light pieces of almond flour coffee cake. Here are easy step-by-step instructions with pictures so any level baker can make this simple recipe.

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch or 8-inch round baking tin. Line it with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the applesauce, maple syrup, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Mix well.

Step 3:

In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda, ensuring there are no clumps.

Step 4:

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, gently whisking until a batter forms.

Step 5:

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking tin. It will look like too little, don’t worry, the coffee cake rises!

Step 6:

Mix the ingredients for the cinnamon swirl layer in a small bowl until it forms a sandy mixture. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter in the pan.

Step 7:

Top with the remaining coffee cake batter. Again, the batter may look like there is too little, but don’t worry because the coffee cake rises!

Step 8:

In a separate bowl, combine the crumb topping ingredients until it resembles a sandy texture. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter.

Step 9:

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Allow the coffee cake to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Almond flour coffee cake baking tips:

1. Baking with almond flour: Almond flour tends to have a slightly denser texture than all-purpose flour, so don’t be alarmed if the final cake has a slightly different texture compared to traditional coffee cakes made with all-purpose flour. The almond flour coffee cake is super moist and will melt in your mouth.
2. Remove all clumps from the dry ingredients: This is my #1 tip. Make sure to whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure there are no clumps of almond flour, as they can affect the cake’s texture.
3. Don’t worry if the batter appears smaller than expected when pouring it into the baking tin; the cake will rise significantly during baking. The almond flour and leavening agents in the recipe will create a light and fluffy texture and help it expand and fill the tin as it bakes.
4. Grease and line the baking tin: Grease the tin thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking to the sides. Additionally, lining it with parchment paper will make removing the cake from the tin easier after baking.
5. Aim for a sandy texture when preparing the crumb topping. If the mixture appears too dry, add a bit more melted coconut oil to achieve the desired texture.
6. Make ahead of time: Store any leftover healthy coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Almond flour vs. all-purpose flour:

At a high level, all-purpose flour is a versatile wheat-based flour, while almond flour is a gluten-free, sweeter, nut-based made from ground almonds. Almond flour is higher in protein, natural fats, and fiber compared to all-purpose flour. The choice between the two depends on dietary needs, recipe requirements, and desired flavor and texture outcomes.

Why this coffee cake is healthy:

The term “healthy” is all relative, but I consider this coffee cake recipe to be healthy for many reasons:

1. No refined sugars: This healthy coffee cake is sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, so it is refined-sugar-free.
2. High in fiber and protein: Almond flour is high in fiber and protein, providing a more nutritious option compared to traditional all-purpose flour.
3. No butter: Instead of using butter, this recipe calls for coconut oil, which is a healthier fat alternative.
4. Healthy fats: Almond flour and coconut oil provide healthy fats that can be beneficial for the body.
5. Gluten-free: This coffee cake is made with almond flour, which is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.
6. Dairy-free: This coffee cake recipe is dairy-free, as it uses unsweetened applesauce and melted coconut oil instead of dairy-based ingredients like milk or butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this coffee cake taste like?

This coffee cake has a rich cinnamon flavor with hints of sweetness from the maple syrup and coconut sugar. It tastes like a classic coffee cake but is healthier and gluten-free.

Is almond flour gluten-free?

Yes, almond flour is gluten-free as it is made from ground almonds, which do not contain gluten. It is suitable for those following a gluten-free diet or gluten sensitivities.

Is this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is made with almond flour, which is gluten-free, low-carb, and higher in protein.

What’s the best substitute for apple sauce in baking?

One of the best substitutes for apple sauce in baking is mashed bananas, as they provide moisture and natural sweetness. Another option is Greek yogurt, which adds moisture and richness to baked goods.

Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?

You can use melted butter instead of coconut oil. I recommend using unsalted butter and let it cool slightly before adding to the batter.

Is almond flour a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour?

Almond flour cannot be substituted 1:1 with all-purpose flour in most recipes due to its different properties. Almond flour lacks gluten, which affects the structure and binding properties of baked goods. It is best to look for specific almond flour-based recipes or follow established almond flour conversion guidelines for successful substitutions. For example, we use three eggs in this coffee cake recipe to help it rise since it is gluten-free.

Is there coffee in a coffee cake?

Despite its name, traditional coffee cake recipes do not typically contain coffee as an ingredient. Coffee cake is called so because it is often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee to complement the beverage. The term “coffee cake” refers to the type of cake, usually a sweet and crumbly cake, that pairs well with coffee rather than indicating the presence of coffee as an ingredient in the cake itself.

Can you freeze the coffee cake?

This almond flour coffee cake can be frozen for up to three months. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, or gently heat individual slices in the microwave or oven.

How do I store leftovers:

I recommend enjoying healthy coffee cake within 2 – 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to prevent the cake from drying out.

If you loved this recipe, try these next!

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
• Healthy Lemon Pound Cake
• Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread
• Almond Flour Banana Muffins
• Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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