This apple cinnamon coffee cake is a better-for-you autumn treat! It’s gluten free, lower in sugar, and sure to please everyone.

Healthier apple cinnamon coffee cake - Daisybeet

I love apple based baked goods in the fall when apples are in season. There is nothing cozier than the smell of warm apples and cinnamon in the oven! Apple pie, apple crisp, apple cobbler…I’ll take them all!

This apple cinnamon coffee cake is a twist on classic coffee cake. The two are similar in their quick bread “cake” base and delicious streusel topping. But, this version is a little more unique!

Healthier apple cinnamon coffee cake - Daisybeet

First, there is lemon zest in the cake batter, which adds such a delicious and light flavor. Also, you’ll layer sliced apples underneath the cinnamon streusel topping. The apples get so soft and sweet when they bake! I used Mac apples from Yes! Apples – they came straight from the orchards in New York. This variety is perfectly sweet and tart, and great for baking.

Healthier apple cinnamon coffee cake - Daisybeet

What makes this apple cinnamon coffee cake healthier?

  • No butter. We replaced butter with applesauce and non-fat plain Greek style yogurt in this recipe. This significantly cuts back on the saturated fat content in this treat.
  • Gluten free. This recipe is perfectly safe for those with a gluten allergy or intolerance! Almond flour stands in for regular white flour. It provides more protein, healthy fats, and fiber than refined white flour. The healthy fats and fiber in almond flour prevent the sugars in your treat from being absorbed too quickly into the blood, so it is better for blood sugar levels.
  • Lower added sugar. This recipe calls for 3/4 cup of total added sugars: 1/2 cup of maple syrup in the cake, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar in the streusel topping. This is much less than the sugar content in traditional coffee cake recipes!
Layered apples - Daisybeet

How to make apple cinnamon coffee cake

  • Prepare cake batter and pour into a baking pan.
  • Thinly slice apples and layer them on top of the cake batter.
  • Prepare the streusel topping and sprinkle over the apples.
  • Bake for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
Healthier apple cinnamon coffee cake - Daisybeet

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Healthier Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake (Gluten Free)

  • Author: Alex Aldeborgh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x
  • Category: dessert, breakfast
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Description

This apple cinnamon coffee cake is a better-for-you autumn treat! It’s gluten free, lower in sugar, and sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek style yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 Yes! Apples Mac apples, thinly sliced

Streusel topping

  • 3 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil, solid
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8″x8″ baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, yogurt, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and lemon zest until well combined with no lumps.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry, and mix together. 
  5. Pour cake batter into the prepared baking dish. 
  6. Layer apple slices evenly over the cake batter. 
  7. Use a fork to mash together all the streusel topping ingredients in a bowl. Mixture should be crumbly.
  8. Use your hands to sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple slices.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes – 1 hour, until cake is not jiggy when moved, and a toothpick comes out clean in the center. Edges will be nicely browned to a deep caramel color. 
  10. Let cool completely before slicing into 16 squares. 

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. 

Keywords: apple cinnamon coffee cake, healthy coffee cake, apple cinnamon, gluten free baking, gluten free, almond flour

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Thank you Yes! Apples for sponsoring this blog post! I’m grateful to partner with brands I love to cook with, and all opinions are my own.