This Paleo Pumpkin Coffee Cake has it all! Moist cake with sweet fall spices topped with an addicting crumb topping and maple icing! Fancy enough to serve to brunch guests but so delicious that you’ll want to have some to snack on all season long!
It’s time to kickoff the start of pumpkin season (since you know I’m VERY pro-pumpkin-spice!). We have a ridiculously delicious coffee cake here today that you simply NEED to make ASAP.
And have I mentioned that coffee cake is hands-down my favorite thing to bake? Probably. In fact I think I might have mentioned it when I posted this banana nut coffee cake just a week or two ago.
But, well, facts. I flipping love coffee cake every step of the way. It’s easy to prepare but has a BIG payoff. From the moist cake to the sweet crumb topping to the drizzle or glaze.
I just love it to pieces – always have and always will. Don’t dare me to start reciting song lyrics. I’ll spare you for now, save them for next time 🙂
That being said, SURPRISE! I made you this Paleo, gluten-free pumpkin coffee cake and it’s going to rock your world!
Ingredients in this Paleo coffee cake recipe:
There are three delicious layers in this easy grain free coffee cake:
- Pumpkin cake
- Pecan crumb streusel topping
- Maple glaze
The cake batter itself is very simple. I used a mix of pumpkin puree with blanched almond flour and tapioca flour, plus pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon to get the flavors right. Add the basics to bring it all together – eggs, baking powder, and ghee. Since the pumpkin really moistens the cake, just 2 Tbsp of ghee are needed to give it that perfectly moist consistency. Finally, chopped pecans are folded in for the most delectable texture.
It’s sweetened with both coconut sugar and maple syrup which creates the perfect maple brown sugar flavor.
But the best part, perhaps, is the topping! I added pecans and used coconut sugar, which for me is really like a Paleo version of brown sugar. It’s perfect in this recipe!
And as for the maple glaze drizzle…it’s divine. Combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, dairy-free milk, and spices. It’s that easy!
Is there a healthy substitute for powdered sugar?
Yes! In fact, I made the glaze for this coffee cake recipe using homemade powdered sugar. And the best part- it’s totally Paleo!
Making powdered sugar with maple or coconut sugar is not only easy, but a total game changer when it comes to Paleo desserts!
I have been making a maple sugar glaze for my desserts for awhile now (Glazed Apple Bundt Cake, anyone?!). Since pure maple syrup is Paleo-friendly, and maple sugar is just maple syrup in granulated form, it’s a great substitute for refined sugars.
All you have to do to make your own Paleo powdered sugar is blend it in a high-speed blender or food processor (I use my NutriBullet) until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.
Tips for making homemade powdered sugar:
- Measure the powdered sugar after blending to ensure that you’re using the right amount. Baking is a science!
- You could also make powdered sugar from coconut sugar or turbinado sugar, or use organic powdered sugar if you prefer.
- Sift your powdered sugar before use – since homemade powdered sugar isn’t combined with cornstarch like refined powdered sugar, you may need to loosen it up a bit by sifting to get it completely clump-free.
How to make Paleo Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Start with the crumb topping. Add the almond flour, coconut sugar, ghee, and cinnamon to a bowl. Cut the ghee in using a pastry blender or fork to combine until crumbly. Stir in the pecans and salt, then cover and chill in the fridge while you make the cake.
- To make the cake: Whisk together the wet ingredients and sugar in a bowl. Combine the dry ingredients in another bowl, then stir the mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold in the chopped pecans, then pour the batter into a prepared cake pan. Top it with the refrigerated streusel topping and bake at 350.
- Finally, make the maple glaze. Stir together the glaze ingredients in a bowl with a fork until smooth. When your cake is finished and has cooled for at least 30 minutes, drizzle the glaze overtop with a spoon. The glaze will harden while the cake cools.
Tip: Line your cake pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut the parchment so that the sides are hanging over the edges of the pan – you can pull the cake right out using the parchment. I mean, who doesn’t love mess-free baking?!
How do you know when coffee cake is done?
After 30-35 minutes of baking, the cake should be set and the crumble topping should be golden brown.
Insert a tool such as a cake tester, toothpick, or fork into the center of the cake. If your testing tool comes out clean, with no raw batter sticking to it, the cake is done baking.
If not, put it back in the oven for another 5 minutes or until your tester comes out clean.
How do you keep coffee cake fresh?
I recommend loosely wrapping or covering your cooled Paleo pumpkin coffee cake and storing it at room temperature for 24-48 hours.
If you still have some of this unbelievably tasty cake left over (which I’d be willing to bet against!), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
It’s that time – time to bake! You will no doubt fall in love with this pumpkin coffee cake even before you take it out of the oven. Grab your ingredients, and get ready for your house to smell like everything we love about fall – let’s go!
Pumpkin Coffee Cake {Paleo, Gluten-Free}
Pumpkin Coffee Cake {Paleo, Gluten-Free}
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup coconut sugar
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp ghee melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp fine grain sea salt
- 2/3 cup pecans chopped
Topping:
- 2/3 cup blanched almond flour
- 6 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 5 Tbsp ghee solid
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup powdered maple sugar
- 1 tbsp dairy free milk
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Large pinch pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
Topping:
-
Make the topping first. Combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, ghee, and pumpkin spice in a bowl. Use a fork or pastry blender to cut the ghee into the mixture until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans and salt, then place in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter.
Cake batter:
-
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line an 8” square baking pan with parchment paper on the bottom and up the sides for easy removal.
-
In a large bowl whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, coconut sugar, maple syrup, ghee, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, tapioca, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and salt. Stir the dry mixture into the wet until fully combined, then fold in the chopped pecans.
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Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the topping all over the cake batter, then bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out with a few crumbs.
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Cool the cake in the pan for 30 minutes on a wire rack, then remove using the parchment paper overhand and continue to cool on the wire rack.
Icing:
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While the cake cools, stir together the powdered maple sugar*, milk, vanilla and pumpkin spice. Drizzle all over the cake using a spoon. The icing will harden as the cake continues to cool.
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Serve slightly warm or room temperature. Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for the first 24 hours, then covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Notes:
*Making powdered sugar from maple sugar is surprisingly easy. Simply blend your maple sugar in a NutriBullet (what I use), high speed blender, or food processor until you have a powdery consistency. You’ll want to measure the sugar after blending to make sure you’re adding the right amount. If you prefer, you can use organic powdered sugar
Nutrition
Shop Products and Ingredients:
Want More Fall Baking Recipes? Try One of These!
Paleo Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips {Nut Free}
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Blondies
Apple Cinnamon Cookies {Paleo, Vegan}
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I love pumpkin cakes! Looks so delicious and perfect for Fall!
Our daughter is coming to visit next week and this is a perfect, easy dessert recipe to make. Thank you for this and for all you do in creating such yummy recipes. You are one of my favorite sites.
Any egg free option here??
I buy an egg replacer and it works just fine. Bobs red mill makes a good one
Solid, classic, tasty, easy recipe that will actually taste good. Also uses common ingredients.
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I made it today and it was excellent! I realized after I put it in the oven that I forgot to put the 2 TBSP of maple syrup into the batter (doh!), but it still turned out great. Thanks for a great recipe!!
I cannot wait to make this? Is there a way to make the powdered maple sugar?
Ah yes, you just put it in a blender and blend until powdery, but I will update the recipe with a note on how to do this!
This was a hit in my household! Even better the next day refrigerated.
Is there any way to sub the tapioca flour?
I made this last weekend and oh my it is fabulous. There is just the right amount of pumpkin and fall seasonings. I also love the soft texture along with the crispness of the toppings. I will definitely be making this again soon.
Do you think I can leave the pecans out, or sub them for another nut? Husband is allergic (I love them though!). Would be a shame to need to label “mom only” ?
I have been living all your pumpkin recipes and I celebrated first day of fall with this one! So good
Hey There – Curious if you think swapping out the 2 cups of almond flour in the cake batter for 1 cup almond flour and 1 cup Cassava flour would work? Love me some almond flour but sometimes it’s just a little too dense. Let me know!
Made this over the weekend and it’s DELICIOUS! Mine tool longer to bake (I used a glass dish) but this one will be a weekly bake… thank you!
I thought this would be dense, but it was just right. Everyone loved it, even those who don’t normally eat Paleo.
Is there any substitute for Ghee? I can have butter but can’t do ghee. Will coconut oil work?
Ghee is clarified butter- so replacing it with butter will work fine unless you’re highly sensitive to dairy/lactose.
I used the Mykonos dairy free butter and it worked well
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Absolutely delicious! This has been a treat we make super often in our home.
Our non-paleo family and friends love it too! I’ve started to skip the topping and just put icing on top to simplify it a bit and it’s still as delicious!
Solid, classic, tasty, easy recipe that will actually taste good. Also uses common ingredients.
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Can I use coconut oil instead of ghee? I have a sensitivity to dairy.
This is the best coffee cake I’ve had! It’s not the least bit dry and crumbly and of course it’s pumpkin! It didn’t last long in our house, so I’m glad it’s not super complicated to make. Thank you!
This recipe is amazing. I have made it twice now. Each time for different friends. Everyone loved it just as much as me. Perfectly moist. Not too sweet. Right amount of spices and very easy to prepare.
I tried this cupcake on last Halloween and it was too good.
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Best coffee cake I’ve had! Well enjoyed by my study group!
For those who cannot eat coconut or almonds- I replaced cassava for the blanched almond flour in the cake. Used monk fruit in place of coconut sugar. For the topping, I replaced the almond flour with tigernut flour and used monk fruit in place of coconut sugar. For the drizzle I used flax milk and powdered golden monk fruit. This was so delicious and my kids loved it! I Will be making it often. Thank you.
I also used palm shortening in place of the ghee. ?
I used palm shortening. Turned out great!
I swapped the Ghee for coconut oil and my family LOVED it. They said it was the best coffee cake they’ve ever had! My parents couldn’t believe it was made with healthy ingredients! The whole pan lasted only a few hours! HIGHLY recommend.
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Im new to paleo cooking and after making this incredible delight Im hooked! This dish has my entire family begging for more. Thanks for an amazing recipe!
Seriously one of the best recipes I’ve ever made!!! So deliciously moist, perfect sweetness, with just the right crunch on top! Perfect!!!! I did substitute arrowroot for tapioca flour and ended up using regular powdered sugar in the icing.
Hi. I’m sorry but I must be missing something here( I had to look back to the ingredients many times)or may be I’m just thick but why is it called ” coffee cake” where there isn’t any drop of coffee in the ingredients at all??
Coffee cake in american english is cake you eat with your coffee. It does not have coffee in it
What can I sub tapioca flour with?
After 35 minutes mine was watery on top and completely uncooked In the middle 🙁
Do you have any suggestions for making this recipe without almond flour? I have a nut allergy that would make that kind problematic.
Can I use coconut oil instead of ghee?
And this looks absolutely amazing I can’t wait to try it
This is a perfect recipe. Really excellent and well-written. I made mine in a ceramic pie dish and it worked just fine. This makes your house smell so wonderful any time of year!
Such a great article
It took a very long time to make! And with all,of the sugar in it it still didn’t really have much taste 🙁 also I measured exactly and the crumble layer was very thick. Too much.
Sorry but I wouldn’t recommend it.
However I do love your website and make many of your recipes.
This is the best coffee cake ever. We make it often! I only do the pecans in the crumb topping, not in the cake batter itself. Always gets rave reviews!
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Wow, this is so delicious and amazing. I can’t believe it’s paleo ingredients. My boyfriend was shocked. I subbed the ghee for vegan buttery sticks because it’s what I had. Also subbed arrowroot for the tapioca flour. It came out PERFECT. It’s taking all I have not to eat half of this in one sitting. The texture is unreal. Normally when using almond flour you can kind of tell you’ve used an alternative flour. Not in this recipe! It’s like you’re eating a pumpkin coffee cake from a fancy bakery. So delish!
Came across this recipe on a whim for Christmas morning. OMG!!! Make this NOW!! This is by far the best tasting paleo coffee cake recipe I’ve ever had and the family gave it rave reviews. I’ll definitely check out more recipes from Paleo Running Mama!
Great I will follow the recipes you shared to make a delicious pumpkin coffee cake.
I just made this for my almond flour hating husband and he loved it 🙂 Thank you yet again for another amazing paleo recipe!!! I send your recipes to everyone and they are always a hit
This is so good . I don’t even add the topping (less sugar for me). One time I drizzled an icing made of conf sugar and oat milk. Today just made the bread but added chopped dates too. It’s a terrific paleo recipe- so hard to come by ! Thank you
What pan size do you recommend?
Absolutely love this coffee cake! I made it for Christmas morning, 2021 and just again recently. It does not disappoint and always gets rave reviews without being too “pumpkin-y”
I questioned the 1 TBS of pumpkin pie spice, but since it was my first time making this, I followed the recipe. I even came here to make sure it wasn’t a mistake or typo in the recipe. Well, it turned out way to pumpkin spicy for me. I can’t eat it. If I make it again, I will only add 1/2 to 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice for the batter. Maybe it depends on the potency of your spices, but I used the Simply Organic brand and it was way to potent and IMO ruined it for me. I think I will try it again in the future, but with less pumpkin pie spice and see how it turns out.
I can’t find where it says what size pan to use. 8 X 8 square? 9 X 13? It would make a huge difference in the cooking time.