I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
Here to make healthy living feel thoughtful and approachable - one recipe, ritual, or gathering at a time.
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Soft, tender, and layered with warm cinnamon flavor, this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a cozy weekend favorite you’ll want to make on repeat. With a crunchy, coconut sugar streusel and a perfectly moist crumb, it pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or an after-dinner glass of wine. Keep reading for all the tips, tricks, and ingredients that make this recipe one you’ll come back to again and again – including how to make it dairy-free or bake it into muffins.
This gluten-free cinnamon streusel coffee cake is the kind of feel-good recipe that instantly makes your kitchen smell like home. It’s dairy-free optional and refined yet simple in flavor, thanks to coconut sugar, almond flour, and warm spices. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a satisfying midday pick-me-up, this cake checks every box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cinnamon Streusel
3/4 cup gluten free flour
2/3 cup coconut sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnaon
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
5 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (sub with melted grass-fed butter)
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper or grease with coconut or avocado oil spray.
Make the Streusel : In a small mixing bowl, combine all streusel ingredients until the texture resembles wet sand. Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the cake batter.
Mix the Batter : Add applesauce, melted butter, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to your large mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer with the beater attachments, mix until combined. Follow by adding the gluten free flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, nutmeg, and sea salt. Mix until combined (start on slow speed and increase). You can also combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add one cup at a time. Your batter is ready with everything is well mixed and smooth.
Assemble : Pour half the batter into the prepared baking pan, then layer with half the streusel. Add remaining batter, spread evenly, and top with the rest of the streusel.
Bake : 35 – 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 – 20 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
Don’t skip chilling the streusel. This step helps keep the crumb structure firm.
Use high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
Test with a toothpick around the 35-minute mark; bake longer if needed, depending on your oven.
This recipe can also be made as muffins! Simply divide the batter evenly into a greased or lined muffin tin, top with streusel, and bake at 350°F for 18 – 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Storage & Reheating Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 – 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave for 10 – 15 seconds. You can also enjoy it chilled!
This cake also freezes well. Slice, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Yes! Simply use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative in place of butter.
Can I use another sweetener besides coconut sugar?
Maple sugar (for refined sugar free) or light brown sugar would work well here too.
What if I don’t have almond flour?
You can try substituting oat flour, though the texture may be slightly more dense.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9 x 13 pan and adjust baking time to 45 – 55 minutes.
Can I make this as muffins?
Absolutely. This recipe works beautifully as muffins. Just portion into a (greased or lined) standard 12-cup muffin tin, sprinkle with streusel, and bake at 350°F for 18 – 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
This cinnamon streusel coffee cake is the perfect balance of indulgent and nourishment (plus it’s great for fueling a workout), made for slow mornings or sweet evening treats. If you make this, I’d love to see how it turns out. Don’t forget to tag me!
A gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake with a tender crumb and rich streusel topping. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy coffee companion. Easily modified to be dairy-free and can also be baked into muffins!
Ingredients
Cinnamon Streusel
3/4 cup gluten-free flour
2/3 cup coconut sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
5 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (sub with melted grass-fed butter)
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or grease with coconut or avocado oil spray.
Make the Streusel : In a small mixing bowl, combine all streusel ingredients until the texture resembles wet sand. Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the cake batter.
Mix the Batter : Add applesauce, melted butter (or butter infused olive oil / dairy-free butter), eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer with beater attachments, mix until combined. Add gluten-free flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, nutmeg, and sea salt. Mix until just combined, starting on a low speed and gradually increasing to medium. Alternatively, you can combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add one cup at a time to the wet mixture.
Assemble : Pour half the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with half the chilled streusel mixture. Add the remaining batter on top, smooth it out, and finish with the rest of the streusel.
Bake : Bake for 35 – 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 – 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Test with a toothpick or butter knife before removing from the oven
Easily adaptable to dairy-free
For muffins : bake at 350°F for 18 – 22 minutes
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 – 45 minutes
Category:Breakfast, Brunch
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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