Coffee cake of any kind is way up there with my most favorite things to bake. I have such fond memories of coffee cake from childhood and that cinnamon crumb topping is just about the best thing, ever.
Since I know I’m not alone in my love for coffee cake, I make sure I have pretty much every seasonal version you can think of, made paleo, of course!
Since we’re heading toward spring (fast, I hope!) I figured it was the perfect time to break out the carrots and make some incredibly moist, sweetly spiced carrot cake coffee cake. Complete with crumb topping AND a dairy-free “cream cheese” icing!
I followed a similar formula that works for most of my coffee cakes and the recipe did not disappoint! The cake part is dense and moist, without being overly so. It has lots of flavor too since I’m not at all shy with the warm spices.
And, even though it’s on the denser side, the cake still has a tender quality to it that makes it seriously irresistible. But just you wait – the toppings make it even better.
The crumb topping itself can be made dairy-free with coconut oil, OR with ghee, or grass-fed butter if you prefer.
As long as the coconut oil, butter, or ghee is chilled before making the topping and remains chilled prior to baking, you’ll get that delicious crumb that’s seriously addicting!
Coconut oil will “melt” the most – so keep this in mind. Even still, you’ll definitely get a crumb topping (not a melted one) even if you use the coconut oil.
Ah – the icing. Now I DO say the icing is optional in this recipe, simply because I get that it’s an extra couple of steps and the coffee cake is delicious without it. BUT, if you really want to go all out, this paleo “cream cheese” maple cashew icing is really a must!
Since it’s a small batch (because it’s a drizzle rather than a frosting) I made it in my NutriBullet in under a minute and it came out drizzly-smooth and perfect. Plus, you don’t even have to soak the cashews beforehand – just blend and go!
This cake is not only one of my favorites, but my family loves it too. Which is significant, actually, because it’s tough to get a consensus on most of my recipes!
Especially from those picky kiddos. This one, I can happily say, is a winner. Most likely because of the cinnamon crumb topping and icing, but honestly that’s why I love it too.
I hope you’re ready for Spring (duh!) and this incredible paleo carrot cake coffee cake. Get those carrots shredded and grab your ingredients because it’s time to start!
Carrot Cake Coffee Cake {Paleo, GF, DF}
Carrot Cake Coffee Cake {Paleo, GF, DF}
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
- 1/3 cup maple sugar coconut sugar, or a mix
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil refined, solid, or ghee, or grass-fed butter, cold and cut into pieces
Cake:
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/3 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3 large eggs room temp
- 1/4 cup coconut milk full fat or light
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil refined, melted and cooled to almost room temp
- 2/3 cup maple sugar coconut sugar, or a combination (I used 1/3 + 1/3)*
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots squeezed dry with paper towels
Optional “Cream Cheese” Icing
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 3 Tbsp coconut milk I used light
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Prepare the Crumb Topping First:
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and combine using a fork or pastry blender until a coarse crumbly mixture forms. Place in the fridge until ready to use.
For the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8" square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, tapioca, baking soda, salt and spices, set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, lemon juice, sugar, coconut oil and vanilla until very smooth. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet using a spoon or spatula until well combined. Fold in carrots until evenly distributed.
- Transfer batter to the prepared cake pan scraping the sides of the bowl to get it all - the batter will be somewhat thick. Spread it out evenly in the pan, then sprinkle the crumb topping all over evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean, or with a dry crumb. Top will be golden brown, or darker if coconut sugar was used.
- Allow cake to cool on a wire rack about 20 mins, meanwhile, prepare the icing, if using.
For The Icing:
- In a small blender or food processor (I used a Ninja) blend all ingredients until a smooth, drizzly texture forms. Once cake is partially cooled, drizzle all over the top.
- Store remaining icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It will firm when chilled, you can warm it slightly for a drizzly consistency.
Recipe Notes
*Using all coconut sugar will make the cake appear darker in color.
**Nutrition is calculated without the icing.
Nutrition
Shop Products and Ingredients:
Want More Paleo Coffee Cake Recipes? Try One of These!
Classic Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake
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What size cake pan do you use and do you grease the pan first?
Not only what size pan but what temp do you bake this please?
Her Lemon Crumb cake is based on the same ratios and that is a 8×8! I hope that helps!
Yes, I need the to know the answers also!!!
Hi there,
Cake looks great but what temperature did you use to bake cake and what size pan
I’m sure you’ve answered this a million times before but if we have but allergies in the house, what’s the best substitute for almond flour in your baking recipes?
Would love to make this. What temperature is the oven preheated to?
I made this today, it’s scrumptious! Does it freeze well?
See #1 under Instructions for the cake for the temperature to heat the oven and for the size of the pan.
This coffee carrot cake was fantastic. I used brown coconut sugar and left out the icing. Just a fantastic healthy recipe. Everything I’ve made from PaleoRunningMomma has been terrific. Kudos from one Jersey (formally) resident to another. Keep em coming. BTW, your cauliflower risotto is fantastic too.
This was sooo good! Although I don’t know why I’m surprised because I’ve had great luck with all of your recipes! My husband couldn’t believe it was paleo so it’s definitely something I would make to share with non paleo eaters. Next time I’ll use my food processor to shred the carrots because this took me a while to make, but I’ll certainly be making it again!
Can I substitute the arrowroot /tapioca flour w eirhe coconut or extra almond flour?
Hi Michele,
I was looking for a new variant cake. I find it. Thanks for sharing this. I am excited to make it for my brother.
This sounds super! Does the cake (no topping) need to be stored in the fridge?
So yummy! We loved this recipe!
So glad you enjoyed!
I’ve cooked it! It’s something amazing, I really loved it. Thank you for the recipe 🙏🏼
This was soooo amazing !! I added pecans, hemp hearts, and raisins to the batter and also put some on top. Turned out awesome
Do you soak the cashews overnight?
very nice recipe. Thank you for sharing!
This is awesome recipe. Thank you!
Looks great! The recipe is quite simple and easy to prepare, added to the menu for this weekend. hope to enjoy the best Carrot Cake Coffee Cake with my family. Thanks and have a nice day!