For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, finding delicious and satisfying desserts can sometimes be a challenge. However, this Keto Cinnamon Coffee Cake recipe offers the perfect solution. It combines the comforting flavors of traditional coffee cake with keto-friendly ingredients, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and guilt-free treat. This recipe uses coconut flour instead of almond flour, making it suitable for those with nut allergies, and it's sweetened with sugar-free alternatives to keep the carb count low. The addition of a cinnamon streusel swirl and a rich cream cheese frosting elevates this cake to a truly indulgent experience.
Why You'll Love This Keto Coffee Cake
This keto coffee cake is more than just a low-carb dessert; it’s a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet cravings without compromising your dietary goals. Here’s why you'll absolutely love it:
- Perfect Texture: The combination of coconut flour and sour cream creates a perfectly moist, soft, and fluffy cake.
- No Almond Flour: Ideal for those allergic to almonds or who prefer not to use almond flour, this recipe utilizes coconut flour for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, texture.
- Sweetened the Right Way: Sugar-free sweeteners are used to avoid sugar crashes, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence.
- Cinnamon Streusel: The crunchy, cinnamon-sugary streusel mixed into the cake adds an irresistible texture and flavor to every bite.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic coffee cake isn’t complete without frosting, and this recipe features a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting that is silky, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet.
- Super Low-Carb: With only 2 net carbs per slice (including the frosting), this cake fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Kid-Friendly: The absence of coffee in the cake itself makes it a hit with kids, though you can add a touch of instant espresso if you're a coffee lover.
- Customizable: Whether you're a fan of a classic traditional coffee cake or you’re looking for a creative twist on keto baking, this recipe has you covered.
- Nutrient-Dense: More nutrient dense than most comparable treats, but I would still classify it as a dessert.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
This keto coffee cake is made with simple low-carb ingredients that work together to create a fluffy, moist cake topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel and rich cream cheese frosting. Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you appreciate the science behind this delightful dessert.
- Coconut Flour: The star flour in this recipe, coconut flour is naturally low in carbs and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for keto baking.
- Granulated Sugar-Free Sweetener: A keto-friendly sweetener, such as an erythritol/monk fruit blend or allulose, provides sweetness without the sugar.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise, ensuring it turns out light and fluffy.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient adds moisture and richness to the cake, contributing to its tender texture. You can replace the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or heavy cream. Both substitutes will maintain the creamy texture and provide the richness that sour cream brings to the batter. Greek yogurt, in particular, works well for a slightly tangy flavor, while heavy cream gives a neutral richness.
- Eggs: Essential in keto baking, eggs provide structure and help bind the batter together. If you don't have eggs or have an allergy to eggs you could substitute 1 tbsp. of flax meal + 2.5 tbsp. of water for each egg. Mix the water and the flax meal in a bowl and allow to thicken before adding into the batter. You could also make "gelatin eggs". To do this, combine ¼ cup of water with 1 tbsp. of gelatin for each egg. Place the water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in gelatin using a whisk. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir and add to baking ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor while also keeping the cake moist. I prefer butter in this recipe, it just tastes better, but if you would rather use coconut oil the recipe will turn out similarly.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star of the streusel layer, providing warmth and classic coffee cake flavor.
- Salted Butter: Softened butter adds smoothness and flavor to the frosting, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Applesauce: A different fruit puree may work comparably but I have not tested this.
- Granulated Erythritol: You can substitute your preferred low carb or regular sweetener. Adjust sweetness to taste. Using a granulated sweetener would be the easiest swap.
- Golden Granulated Erythritol: Golden erythritol is supposed to be comparable in flavor to brown sugar. In this recipe you could use all golden or all regular granulated erythritol if that is what you have on hand instead of using both. It would be similar to using all brown sugar or all white sugar in a recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this keto coffee cake is surprisingly easy, and the results are worth every step! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delectable low-carb treat.
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Start by whisking together the dry ingredients-coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt-in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, add the wet ingredients: sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture, structure, and flavor.
- Finally, mix in the melted butter, which gives the batter a smooth consistency.
- Combine all ingredients for the cake in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape the sides with a spatula and make sure everything is incorporated into the batter. Alternately, you can also just whisk ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
2. Make the Cinnamon Streusel
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, sweetener, and coconut flour.
- Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. This creates the irresistible streusel texture that makes each bite so delicious.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two mini 5 ½ x 3-inch loaf pans with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Divide the batter between two mini loaf pans. Start by spreading half of the batter into each pan.
- Sprinkle on half of the cinnamon streusel, then layer the rest of the batter on top.
- When adding the crumb topping, grab pieces with your hand and crumble it across the top of the cake. Press down lightly to help the crumb adhere to the cake.
4. Bake the Cake
- Bake the cakes in a preheated oven until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This ensures the cake stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
- Place cake in the oven and allow to cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove cake from the oven and add the crumb topping. You won't want to spread it evenly, just dollop and crumble pieces on to the top to get a classic crumb cake look. Lightly press down on the crumb to help it adhere to the cake.
- Place the cake bake in the oven for another 15 minutes or until the crumb browns.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the fridge.
- Whisk together the ingredients for the icing in a small bowl.
- To drizzle the icing on the cake, make the icing while the cake is cooking. Transfer to a Ziploc bag and place in the fridge. Once the cake has cooled, cut the corner off of the icing bag and squeeze.
6. Frost and Serve
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of each loaf.
- If desired, dust with a little extra cinnamon for a finishing touch.
- Slice and Serve: Cut each loaf into 6 thick slices. This Keto Cinnamon Coffee Cake is so good it could fool even the avid carb eaters.
- The cake needs to cool complete before cutting. You can set it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to accelerate this process.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Coffee Cake
To ensure your keto coffee cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
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- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Make sure the cakes cool completely before frosting them. Frosting the cake while it’s warm will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off.
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, stick with full-fat sour cream, cream cheese, and butter.
- Cut Thick Slices: Don’t skimp on the size of your slices-each one should be thick and satisfying!
- Don’t Overbake: The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs. Remember that the coffeecake will continue to bake a bit as it cools, so if the center is just a bit jiggly, it’s probably done.
- Make It Ahead: This easy keto coffee cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting the cake while it’s warm will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off.
- When adding the crumb topping, grab pieces with your hand and crumble it across the top of the cake. Press down lightly to help the crumb adhere to the cake.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this keto coffee cake recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and customize it to suit your preferences.
- Make It Muffins: As mentioned earlier, turn this keto sour cream coffee cake into coffee cake muffins by using a muffin tin.
- Add Coffee Flavor: If you love the taste of coffee, add about 2 teaspoons of instant espresso to the cake batter.
- Spice It Up: For a warmer, spicier flavor, add more cinnamon, some nutmeg, or cardamom to the crumb topping and/or cake.
- Almond Flour: I do not recommend substituting this ingredient.
- Coconut Flour: Coconut flour plays an important role in balancing the moisture, I would not recommend substituting this ingredient.
- Golden Granulated Erythritol: Golden erythritol is supposed to be comparable in flavor to brown sugar. In this recipe you could use all golden or all regular granulated erythritol if that is what you have on hand instead of using both. It would be similar to using all brown sugar or all white sugar in a recipe.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This keto cinnamon coffee cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for later. Here are some serving and storage suggestions:
- Serving: Serve the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a classic pairing. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This coffee cake is best when cooled to room temperature and can be rewarmed or enjoyed cold with a hot coffee!
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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