
This perfect gluten free vegan coffee cake recipe will be the star of your next brunch! Dense and moist with a generous crumb topping and plenty of cinnamon.
Around here, Sundays are usually dedicated to cooking, eating, or shopping for things to cook and eat. I had already planned on getting my hands dirty in the kitchen today, but when Twitter informed me that it was National Coffee Cake Day, things got serious.
Dense and moist with a generous crumb topping and loads of cinnamon flavor, this coffee cake needs to be on the table at brunch.
Side note: be sure to have a fresh pot of coffee ready for when the cake comes out of the oven.
Clark and I looked and looked and looked for a good coffee cake recipe online, planning to selfishly make one for ourselves and not the blog, but none of them impressed us and our precious weekend time was ticking away.
So we went off a recipe that my mom had given me for the coffee cake that I loved to eat while I was growing up, and made some tweaks here and there. Hours later, our entire apartment still smells like cinnamon, coffee, and baking [aka: heaven]. And naturally, the coffee cake found it’s way to the blog.
The steps are fairly simple and when all is said and done, the whole cake comes together and is cooling on the counter in about 30 minutes time. Quick, easy, and delicious? You can’t beat that.
The only difficult part of the process is waiting for the cake to bake. Just ask Clark.
The batter is going to be pretty thick and sticky and that’s what you’re looking for. Thick batter = dense and cakey coffee cake.
The best part? After mixing it up, that ooey, gooey, cinnamoney goodness is all over your fingers. Act accordingly.
Perfect Gluten Free Coffee Cake

Dense and moist with a generous crumb topping and loads of cinnamon flavor, this coffee cake needs to be on the table at brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup Wholesome Chow gluten-free flour**
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. raw agave or honey
- 1/2 cup coconut milk beverage (from carton, not from can)
- 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. coconut butter [or solid coconut oil]
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- dash of nutmeg
- dash of salt
Drizzle Glaze
- 2 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- In a small bowl, add coconut milk and apple cider vinegar and stir to combine. Set the mixture aside and allow it to curdle. [It’s not as disgusting as it sounds, promise.] If desired, you can swap this out for 1/2 cup of buttermilk.
- Melt coconut oil until liquid, but not hot. In a small bowl, combine syrup and agave or honey and mix well.
- Combine coconut milk mixture, coconut oil, syrup/agave mixture and stir to combine.
- Lightly coat 3 – 3 1/2″ tart pans or an 8″ x 4″ baking dish and set aside. I like using the small tart pans because it keeps the cake more moist and looks cute as a single serving!
- In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well using a fork.
- Add the liquid ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms.
Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine oat flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and mix together. Add cold the coconut butter into the bowl and use your hands to mix it together. This part takes some finesse – keep smooshing and crumbling, smooshing and crumbling until the texture is right. The butter should be dispersed throughout with big chunks, little chunks, and some leftover granules.
Assembly
- Portion the batter into the tart pans and use the back of a spoon or your hands to spread it out.
- Layer the crumble topping over the cake, dividing evenly between the 3 pans.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Use a fork or toothpick to test the center. If it comes out batter-free, the cake is done!
Drizzle Glaze
- Melt coconut oil over the stovetop and add powdered sugar. Mix to combine, then use a spoon to drizzle over the cakes.
Notes
** I use Wholesome Chow GF flour because I think it is the absolute best. It also already includes xanthan gum. If you are using a GF flour that does not include xanthan, add 1/2 teaspoon to your dry ingredients.
Taylor
January 22, 2020I used this recipe to make cupcakes rather than a cake and they were a huge hit! No one even knew they were vegan and gluten-free until I told them. Already making them for the second time & doubling!
thefitchen
January 23, 2020That’s so cool! I’ve never tried making this recipe as cupcakes – thanks for the feedback! So glad everyone enjoyed. :)
Royvia
September 13, 2019Great post.
★★★★★
thefitchen
September 23, 2019Thanks!
Nee
August 28, 2019This looks amazing and can not wait to try it!!! Could you substitute Almond Milk for the coconut milk?
thefitchen
August 28, 2019You could certainly try that out! I’ve always used coconut milk but almond milk should substitute just fine.
Debbie
November 4, 2018Hi can u just ask ….. did you omit the actual coffee from this recipe by mistake or does this coffee cake recipe contain no coffee?
Thanks
thefitchen
November 5, 2018This coffee cake does not contain any coffee. I believe it’s just called coffee cake because people like to enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee.
Amy Neild
July 31, 2018Is this cake healthy as you stated? I would like to try baking it one day. I will leave feedback on my blog at https://writinghelpessay.net. I hope to be satisfied with the result.
Emily
February 2, 2018If you double it, would you put it in a 8×8 pan? If not, what is the best vessel? Thanks!
thefitchen
February 6, 2018You could certainly try an 8×8 pan, but I would worry about the center not cooking through. I’d recommend using smaller loaf pans instead.
Lanie
January 7, 2018mine just came out of the oven! i made it paleo by subbing coconut sugar for brown sugar and a 3:2:1 ratio of almond, tapioca, and coconut flour for the gluten free flour, and used almond milk. it smells absolutely delicious and baked in 13 minutes, although the batter was a lot thinner than the one pictured. i also halved the recipe ;)
Ashley
December 14, 2017I made this for a holiday dessert exchange at work. The flavor was good but the texture was very thick and gummy kind of like bread pudding. It looked nothing like the picture and I followed the recipe completely. No substitutions. Any clue what I may have done wrong?
★★★
thefitchen
February 6, 2018Hmmm… that’s so strange. What brand of flour did you use? Did you use canned coconut milk instead of coconut milk beverage?
Kathy
February 21, 2017This looks delicious! Can you please tell me how many servings this makes and can it be cooked in 1 dish (and any changes needed if it can).
Thanks!!
Kathy
February 21, 2017Ha! I re-read the recipe and found the answers! :)
Lisa
December 13, 2016This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it. Do you think it would work to make it, freeze it, and then defrost for Christmas morning? We are traveling with food allergies, so it would be easiest to make this ahead of time in our safe kitchen. Thank you!
thefitchen
December 19, 2016Hi Lisa – I haven’t ever tried freezing it, but I would assume that would be just fine! Good job thinking ahead. ;)
Sra Lu
October 11, 2016Wow just made it and was so delicious!!! Thanks you so much, next time i would like to make these in donut form, how much do you think the cooking time should be?
thefitchen
October 12, 2016So glad you liked the coffee cake! Donuts are an awesome idea –– I would start out with 8-10 minutes and check them frequently with a toothpick.
Kimball
March 17, 2016Excellent recipe – too many times I take one from a blog and it doesn’t deliver – this delivers! Looked exactly the same – I used my own blend of flour and it was still fabulous. Thank you for giving me a great recipe when I want a treat – my only side note is that with my flour blend it took almost triple the time to cook – just an FYI. Great job. I look forward to more.
Nan
April 8, 2015I wondered about adding xanthan gum too….and when I looked at the GF flour mix your recipe uses, it already has xanthan gum in it, so I’d recommend if you are using a GF flour mix that does not have xanthan gum, you should add some. typically 1/2 to 1 tsp per cup of GF flour. For a coffee cake, I’d go with the lower amount.
thefitchen
April 9, 2015Hi Nan –
Thanks for bringing that up… that’s a good tip. I’ll add it to the notes for this recipe so that others are aware. That’s one of the things I like about the mix that I used, it’s already included! :)
Steve
February 27, 2015I am a dad with a daughter who just discovered a gluten intolerance. in addition, my son has Eosinophilic Esophagitis and we’ve been avoiding eggs and dairy for years. Finding recipes for vegan/gluten free has become a new challenge!
I just stumbled on this recipe this morning and decided to go for it. Kids are still sleeping (snow day here today), and when they wake, I hope they enjoy this special treat. Its in the oven now! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas!
★★★★
abbie
February 7, 2015Sorry, I didn’t read through all of the comments, how many does this serve? Looks divine! Trying tomorrow.
★★★★
Natalie
February 2, 2015I would love to know what blend of gf flour you used? It sounds like you didn’t use oat flour in the cake itself, right? It looks amazing!
thefitchen
February 2, 2015Natalie –
Correct, the oat flour is for the topping. I used Wholesome Chow’s All Purpose Baking Mix and I swear by the stuff. I just order it off Amazon and keep it stocked. So far, it’s the best I’ve found!
Natalie
February 4, 2015Great to know! Thank you!
gen
February 22, 2014This looks great! I’ll be making it tonight. Don’t know if you know this but usually 1 teaspoon of xanthum gum per cup of oat flour will keep any cake or muffin from going crumbly. Just make sure to mix it evenly with the dry ingredients first.
thefitchen
February 24, 2014Thanks for the tip! Will have to try that next time we’re baking. :D
Jackie
January 19, 2014Any substitute for the sugar? Trying to stay away for now… thanks!
thefitchen
January 19, 2014I haven’t tried to substitute, but if I were to try it, I would weigh the amount of brown sugar and sub in an equal weight of maple syrup or honey. Let me know how it works!
Sandy
January 11, 2014Hi! Wondering if using 1 cup oat flour vs half and half of oat and brown rice will change the outcome?
thefitchen
January 15, 2014We’ve never tried it using only oat, but it should turn out just fine! If the batter looks more dry than what’s shown in the photos, add a hint more coconut milk. Report back with your results!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
December 23, 2013LOL! I look like Clark when I am hungry! ;)
thefitchen
December 26, 2013The stuff can never come out of the oven fast enough!
[email protected] Fit Running Mama
December 18, 2013Was going to make this for a brunch on sunday
Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk– will it have the same effect or do you need canned coconut milk for this recipe and if so full fat or light?? Thanks!
thefitchen
December 19, 2013Almond milk works just fine, I know from experience! This recipe uses the carton type of coconut milk – the kind you might pour in with cereal.
Isabel Marant Sneakers
October 17, 2013Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and also the
rest of the website is also very good.
Amanda
August 24, 2013Hi,
This is absolutely delicious! I was wondering if you have a healthier substitute for the brown sugar? Would maple syrup work? I am dying to make this!
thefitchen
August 24, 2013Hmmm… this isn’t an easy substitute! Maple syrup would likely make the batter too runny. Sucanat might be a better substitute and it does have a healthier nutritional profile. Whatever you use, it definitely needs to be a solid! Let us know how it works out. :)
Olivia
July 29, 2013Do you think it would still work if I substituted Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Baking Flour instead of oat/brown rice flour?
Thanks! :)
thefitchen
July 30, 2013That would work just fine! Great question :) Enjoy!
Tricia
July 22, 2013Wondering if I could use something beside coconut oil, coconut milk, and coconut butter???
thefitchen
July 22, 2013Great question! You could substitute olive oil for coconut oil; almond, oat, hemp, or regular milk for coconut milk; and regular butter for coconut butter. Though these ingredients are what keep the recipe “dairy-free”. If that isn’t a problem for you then give it a try! It should come out just fine :).
Karen
July 5, 2013Hi! So I surfed the world over looking for a coffee cake for breakfast. I finally settle on yours… find the darned print button… and then? Your entire post wants to print. Any chance you’ll make the print button actually print the recipe? Sure, page 7 has your hunk all on his own page…. but ummm, I really just needed the recipe on one page. I’m going to try doubling this recipe for my family (ie, my own hunk and the kids) and see how it goes! It may need some tweaks though… but, Thanks for posting it!
thefitchen
July 7, 2013Sorry about that…we’re working on upgrading to a more printer-friendly format!
Karen
July 12, 2013That would be great cause even with my odd changes, this recipe rocks! I totally messed with everything (flours, sugars, coconutty stuff..) and it was still great! All enjoyed it and it worked fine doubled. Thanks for posting it :) I actually made another one at the same time, and this one won hands-down. Thought you should know ;) lol
eve
June 22, 2013This looks amazing, I haven’t had coffee cake for years ! What kind of oats did you use to make the flour? Instant, rolled, or old fashion?
Thanks
thefitchen
June 22, 2013We use gluten-free rolled oats. Hope you love it, it’s delicious!
eve
June 22, 2013Obsessed! I literally just took my first bite and had to tell you how satisfied I am, this recipe is delicious! I made the flour from scratch as well and everything came out perfect! This is tge first gluten free recipe I have ever tried. Thank you so much for making this easy for me and others converting to gluten free.
thefitchen
June 23, 2013Wow, Eve! Thank you for the super-nice feedback. We’re so glad that you enjoyed it and had so much success with you first gluten-free recipe. Stay tuned for lots more!
Cristina
May 30, 2013Holy Yum, Batman! I was a little hesitant to make this recipe, because it doesn’t have any flax or Chia in it, I thought maybe something was forgotten when the recipe was written, but I followed it as written, adding extra cinnamon and some vanilla, and it was delish!
thefitchen
June 2, 2013So glad you liked it and it turned out delicious! Thanks for the feedback!
Jamie
May 15, 2013I just tried your recipe, it smells delicious but the consistency of both the batter and topping was a little runny. I tried adding more oatmeal flour to the topping and even added whole oats but it sank instead of staying on top. I bet it will taste divine though!
thefitchen
May 16, 2013Hmm… that doesn’t sound right at all! Wonder what the problem was. How was the final result? Sorry there were difficulties. :( We’ve made it several times and it’s turned out perfect!
Jamie
May 16, 2013It tasted delicious! I used 1/2 cup Arrowhead Oatmeal flour and 1/2 cup of Arrowhead brown rice flour, maybe I’ll futz around with the amounts and see of the consistency gets better. I’m not sure what happened with the “topping”. My apartment usually gets pretty hot, so that might also have contributed to it. I’ll keep working on it, it tastes too good! Thanks!
Kelsey
April 7, 2013Delish!
Clark&Jordan
April 15, 2013Thanks, Kelsey!