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Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Flavored with Coffee from GF Jules

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Suite of Suites for Sweethearts continues with a review of Free For All Cooking by Jules E. Dowler Shepard and includes one of Jules’ recipes from her new book, her gluten-free Coffee Cake flavored with coffee.

You may know Jules from her all-purpose gluten-free flour mix and other baking mixes; from her other books; from her site, GF Jules; and from her numerous efforts to make gluten-free living better and safer for all.

You may remember that I mentioned Jules the other day in regard to her post on what gluten-free certification for pro truly means, and whether in fact, Post Pebbles cereals can be considered gluten free. (You can read Jules’ post here.)

So let’s take a look at her new cookbook, shall we? Free For All Cooking starts out with heartfelt acknowledgments from Jules. She thanks “all those along the way who have shared their food needs and restrictions with me” and states that their experiences and her ultimate solutions for them inspired much of the content of her book.

She also thanks family and friends, including Dr. Alessio Fasano, and his team at the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment (now located in Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston). To me her gracious acknowledgments set the warm and inviting tone for her book, which incidentally is subtitled, “150 Easy Gluten-Free, Allergy-Friendly Recipes the Whole Family Can Enjoy.”

Following the acknowledgments and the foreword by Dr. Fasano, comes the preface—a brief but eye opening section that further explains Jules’ motivation for writing Free For All Cooking. Did you know that the eight major allergens that must be shown on food labels per the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (which went into effect January 2006) account for 90% of all “allergic” reactions?

Of course, those of us who are gluten free sure wish that manufacturers were required to show all “gluten” sources on the label versus only wheat. An establishment of the requirements for a “gluten free” label could potentially resolve that problem, but years have passed since that was supposed to happen. However, I digress.

The next section of Free For All Cooking is Part I, Essentials of Gluten-Free Cooking. This 26-page section is a gold mine of information with specifics not only on gluten-free cooking, but also guidance on cooking free of other allergens. Jules offers substitutions for dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. This section is also where Jules provide her all-purpose gluten-free flour mix recipe that can be used for the recipes that require flour. Note that this recipe is not identical to Jules’ flour mix that is available for purchase; that flour mix contains Expandex, modified tapioca starch (note that modified in this case does not mean genetically modified). She does state that her retail all-purpose flour mix may be used in all recipes requiring flour, but she did not simply state that as a required ingredient with no other options; which I think is admirable.

Next up is Part II, The Recipes, which are divided into categories. This section comprises 200 of the 236 pages in Free For All Cooking and as stated previously contains 150 recipes. Despite its super allergy-friendly status, I consider Jules’ cookbook to be a mainstream, multi-purpose cookbook. I guess it goes back to the book’s subtitle, “recipes the whole family can enjoy.” So there are classics like:

  • Pancakes
  • Scones
  • Hushpuppies
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Crescent Rolls
  • Crab Cakes
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Eggplant Parmesan
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • White Birthday Cake
  • Best Brownies Ever

(Note that some of Jules’ recipes are made healthier than the original, traditional versions.)

There are many recipes from this book that are on my “to make” list. In fact, there are very few recipes that I don’t want to make. Here are the recipes at the top of my t0-make list:

  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Mango Avocado Salsa
  • Chunky Shrimp Dip
  • Sweet Potato Biscuits
  • Tempura Veggies or Shrimp
Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Flavored with Coffee. Recipe from Jules Shepard's Free for All Cooking cookbook.

Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Flavored with Coffee (made from Free for All Cooking without streusel topping)

And, finally, here’s the recipe I did make, Coffee Cake. Jules’ version actually includes brewed coffee (a coffee cake that includes coffee—now that’s both clever and tasty!), brown sugar, and streusel topping.

I opted to use coconut palm sugar in place of light brown sugar and skipped the streusel topping, going for just a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar (palm sugar) instead. I also used my Two-Ingredient Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Mix and used almond flour instead of mesquite flour. The cake came out with a nice rich flavor but was just a tad dry. I’m certain that was due to my modifications though as coconut palm sugar is not as moist as light brown sugar. Next time (which may be this weekend for my support group’s tea event!), I’ll use a bit of honey with the coconut palm sugar for some added moisture or simply use the light brown sugar that is called for and be sure to add the streusel topping. I expect that the results will be just like Jules’ original version—in other words, scrumptious.

Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Flavored with Coffee Recipe

Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Flavored with Coffee. Made from Free for All Cooking from Jules Shepard. Without streusel topping.

Yield: 9 to 12 servings

Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Flavored with Coffee

Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Flavored with Coffee

From Jules: “I tend to think any cake is fair game for breakfast, but, if you’re more traditional, you’ll love this crumb-topped classic. Time it just right so you can serve and eat it warm, and your day will be off to a fabulous start—guaranteed.”

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

Cake

Streusel Topping (Double if you really like streusel. Not shown in photo.)

  • 2 tablespoons butter or nondairy alternative, softened
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees (static) or 325 degrees (convection). Oil or spray an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
  2. Mash the banana in a medium-size bowl. Pour coffee over the banana and set aside. Beat the sugar and butter together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and combine well. Mix in the mashed banana and coffee then gradually stir in the remaining ingredients, mixing until thoroughly combined.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the topping ingredients with a fork. Crumble over the cake, then cut through the topping with a butter knife in a crisscross fashion lengthwise, then crossways, feathering the topping in the top of the batter.
  5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly crisp and a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Notes

Reprinted with permission from Jules E. Dowler Shepard and DaCapo Press

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Shirley Braden
Cuisine: American / Category: Breakfast, Dessert
As you might have anticipated from the other posts in the SSS event, I’ll be offering another copy of Free For All Cooking that I purchased as part of the final giveaway package for Suite of Sweets for Sweethearts. That package includes the Cook IT Allergy Free app and the Go Dairy Free book as well. ALL comments on the Suite of Sweets posts will be entered for the final giveaway package, so get as many entries as you can by following the guidelines above!

Full disclosure: The copies of Free For All Cooking were provided free of charge; however, this is not a paid review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Originally published February 22, 2011; updated April 7, 2022.

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Comments

  2. Ricki says

    It sounds absolutely fantastic (except that was the name I had picked out for my next cookbook–now I need to find another!) 😉 Great review, Shirley. Would love this book! 🙂

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hey Ricki–Wow on the name … great minds, huh? Well, you’ve always chosen awesome names, so I’m sure you’ll come up with another one for your next cookbook. 😉 Thanks for entering the giveaway!

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

  3. Zoe says

    Yay for coffee cakes that actually use coffee! For the longest time I got confused whenever I saw a coffee cake that didn’t have it as an ingredient (took me a while to figure out it’s a cake meant to have with coffee, haha). Anyway, mesquite flour is one flour that’s intrigued me deeply for a long time now but I haven’t found it anywhere yet except online. I’d love to try it, though!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hey Zoe–LOL on coffee cakes. Well, I’m making this one for again for our tea event tomorrow and I don’t *think* anyone will be having coffee with it, so it’s good that it contains coffee to make everything legit. 😉 Jules uses mesquite flour often, but I haven’t tried it yet either. We did see a lot of mesquite trees on our epic road trip though! Thanks for entering the giveaway! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Melanie–Thanks for all the entries! Hmmm, wish I’d thought of that biscotti recipe earlier myself. Would have been great for our tea event tomorrow!

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Vicky–It looks like you are new to gfe–welcome! I’m so glad that Jules and her publisher allowed me to share the recipe with all of you. 🙂 Tomorrow, I’m making it with the streusel topping!

      Shirley

      Reply

  11. Christine says

    Yum! I’m always really interested in what substitutions people recommend using for allergen free cooking/baking, so it makes me really happy that she has a whole section devoted to it!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Christine–Always nice to see you! I thought that whole section was really helpful, a great prelude to the actual recipes that were “free for all.” 🙂 Thanks for entering!

      Shirley

      Reply

  14. Nicole says

    I just tried a sample packet of Jules’ all-purpose flour a few weeks ago and it performed beautifully. I’d love to win her cookbook.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Nicole–Welcome to gfe and thanks for your entries! 🙂 Jules’ flour mix is really terrific, isn’t it? 🙂 Thanks for entering the giveaway!

      Shirley

      Reply

  19. Tiare says

    Hi Shirley
    both of my sons and i are supposed to be gluten AND diary free, since I never have time to cook (single mommy) I feel bad I am always buying everything made, I realize that is probably why because I dont have a good cookbook! HA ya so would love to receive the giveaway books thanks for the fun 🙂

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Tiare–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Being a mom, and a single mom at that, is a tough job for sure. Thanks for entering the giveaway. I think Jules’ recipes will help you for sure. Hope you’ll take a look at my gfe recipes, too, while you’re here. 😉

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi dear Nicola–Thanks for stopping by to enter the giveaway. 🙂 In a short time, I’m making this coffee cake per Jules’ original recipe. If I have time, I’m snap a photo. 😉

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply

  21. Arleen says

    Crescent rolls? Red Velvet Cupcakes? Coffee Coffee Cake?? Oh, my!! I would love to win this cookbook. I will be making the Coffee Cake tomorrow, for sure.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hey Jessie–It’s been a VERY long time, dear … so great to see you! 🙂 Sounds like you are in on the coffee cake secret. 😉 Have you every had coffee in savory dishes? That can be amazing, too. I might share one eventually … Thanks for entering the giveaway!

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi there, Gina–Nice to see you again! 🙂 Thanks so much for entering the giveaway. Jules is a great resource for gf/df as well as so many others. Hope you are finding them all in the blogosphere!

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      InTolerantChef–You are not alone in your desire for the streusel topping! 🙂 I will be making Jules’ original version for our tea event today. I might add some walnuts or pecans though, as we don’t have anyone with allergies to those in our group. Thanks for entering the giveaway!

      Shirley

      Reply

      • Karol says

        Hi Shirley, thanks for the welcome back. Yeah, I definitely plan to try that hummus fairly soon. I’ll let you know how it turns out…with my cooking skills, it’s a toss up whether it will come out tasty or awful. I’m still learning lol.

        Reply

  31. Jeanine says

    A coffee cake with coffee…topped with streusel topping (a must in my books), I definitely want to make this cake! Can’t wait to see what other goodies are in that book!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Jeanine–Yes, you’ve spelled out the goodness re: Jules’ coffee cake! 🙂 You are such an accomplished baker, I can’t imagine you having difficulties with muffins. Must be an anomaly. 😉 Thanks for all your entries!

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Bonnie–Welcome to gfe! It’s so nice to meet another Jules’ fan. 🙂 Thanks so much for all your entries. Try Jules’ pizza for sure and you might also want to try my flourless gfe pizza; it’s very popular. 😉 There can’t be enough good gf pizza, right?

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Dorothy–Looks like you’re new here—welcome! 🙂 Hope your finger crossing working the random number generator that chooses the winners. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  42. Suz says

    Having a resident celiac & other family members with other food allergies, this looks like a great addition to our resources.

    Reply

  46. Alisa Fleming says

    I already have Jules’s great book, so no need to enter me, but you did a fabulous job with that coffee cake Shirley! That is actually the second GF coffee cake with coffee in it I have seen this week.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Alisa–You are such a bright light in this blogosphere—thanks for the coffee cake kudos! Jules makes everyone look good. 😉 Interesting on seeing another true coffee cake recipe this week; will need to check that out, too. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hey Stacy–It’s good to see you again! 🙂 Made this recipe again today for my support group’s tea and it was loved. 😉 Thanks for entering the giveaway!

      Shirley

      Reply

  51. Sheri says

    I would LOVE a copy of Jules’ new cookbook! My 6 year old daughter is on a very restrictive diet (GF,CF, egg, soy, peanuts), and I would love to use some more of Jules’ recipes when cooking for her and my entire family.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Sheri–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 You’re right .. this would be a great cookbook for you to have to ensure great, safe recipes for your daughter and your family. Thanks for entering!

      Shirley

      Reply

  56. Linda says

    Shirley, no need to enter me in the giveaway. Thanks for linking to my review. The cake looks tasty–I haven’t tried that one. Coffee is a common ingredient in chocolate cake which I have used many times, but not always. You usually can’t taste it, but it gives the cake a little kick. A thorough review as always!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Linda–My pleasure to link to your review! I think we need more than one opinion and we all offer different perspectives. I made this cake for our group’s tea today. I still ended up making a slight mod because I accidentally melted the butter trying to soften it. So I mixed melted butter, palm sugar, and cinnamon. It was too runny so I added chopped pecans. I dolloped this on the top. When the cake baked the “topping” sank to the bottom and made a wonderful sticky bun-type base. 😉

      Coffee in chocolate cake sounds good by me! 🙂

      Thanks, dear!
      Shirley

      Reply

  58. Ann says

    Just last week I sat across the table envious of my boyfriend as he devoured a huge portion of moist, blueberry coffee cake. I can’t wait to try this recipe! Thanks so much!!

    Reply

  62. Linda S. says

    I love ALL of Jules books and recipes. I have yet to try to make her English muffins and crescent rolls. I think I’ll try the crescent rolls tomorrow. And maybe make her pizza for dinner? 🙂

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Linda–Welcome to gfe! Wow on all the reviews you are sharing on Jules’ cookbooks and recipes. 🙂 I know she’ll be thrilled. Thanks so much for entering!

      Shirley

      Reply

  63. Linda S. says

    I just ‘liked’ her beautiful new bread that just came out of her oven like 20 minutes ago. Jules is a genius gluten-free baker! 🙂

    Reply

  64. Linda S. says

    I just saw her Challah on the back of the Free For All cover – that looks amazing! I might have to try that one tomorrow, too! With Jules’ flour and her fantastic recipes and advice, there’s no ‘giving up’ anything. It’s so wonderful!

    Reply

  65. Julie T. says

    I follow Jules on Facebook! I get her blog and love her recipes.. I think I have every book, e-cookbook ,,, Kindle version of her book, though not the paperback! Would love to add it!!

    Ohh! I will make this coffeecake one day, last night, I made Jule’s recipe for sugar cut- out cookies, for my son’s activity last night. He loves them!!

    Reply

  66. Wendy says

    I follow Jules on Facebook! I love her recipes and her GF flour which has made it possible for me to make many of my old recipes again. My family even likes it!

    Reply

  70. Dawn says

    My son turned 11 yesterday. I made Jule’s “Chocolate Birthday Cake”, and everyone loved it! The best part was I could eat b-day cake with my family! Thank you!!!

    Reply

  73. Kim - Cook It Allergy Free says

    What a great review of Jule’s book, Shirley!! And I will totally be trying that coffee cake. I love how you pour the coffee over the banana. I can only imagine what a unique flavor that gives this cake. And you are right! imagine a coffee cake that ACTUALLY has coffee in it! LOL I love it! That never made sense to me that most coffee cakes do not even have that as an ingredient!
    x0
    k

    Reply

  75. Diane-thewholegang says

    I think Jules is a super person. I wish I could use her mix as it would make baking easier for me. I think she and I are going to jump on board the baking for hunger with a gluten free twist. Her cookbook looks good too.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Diane–I agree … Jules is a super person. Love her positive energy! I’m interested in helping in the baking for hunger project in my neck of the woods. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  78. Missy says

    I ”LIKED” u on facebook! im just beginning to look at the site but so far see a bunch of recipes i want to try……and the flour also! :O) thanks!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hey Missy–Welcome! 🙂 Thanks so much for entering the giveaway and the Facebook connection. Glad you are seeing things of interest on Jules’ site!

      Shirley

      Reply

  85. Gypsi says

    I read Jules’ blog and follow her on facebook. Her fruit cobbler recipe is just like I remember fruit cobbler tasting when my Mom used to make it! Her flour blend is better than any I’ve used in GF years.

    This was a great review and I can’t wait to buy on a copy of this new cookbook (though I would love to win one).

    I’m going to share this on facebook; thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Gypsi–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 It’s so nice to meet another Jules’ fan and hear such a great testimonial on her recipe and product. Thanks for entering and sharing the giveaway with others!

      Shirley

      Reply

  86. Megan says

    Great review. Can’t wait to try the recipe and get the book. I’ve been considering trying Jules flour, but haven’t yet. Sounds like it would make life easier.

    Reply

  87. Trish says

    Hey, I LOVE Jule’s flour! It’s the BEST one I have found after trying a bunch, including making my own. I love the coffee cake recipe! YUMMY!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Trish–What a great testimonial for Jules’ flour mix … I know she’ll appreciate it. Coffee cake is a good thing for sure. 😉 Thanks for entering! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  88. amy says

    This coffee cake sounds delicious!!! I love her flour! I just made her yellow cake/chocolate icing & tried an experimental cinnamon cake last week & my family ATE IT UP! 🙂 So glad I found this flour & a few of her recipes…they have been a life saver!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Amy–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Another great testimonial for Jules’ flour and her recipes … thanks so much for sharing and entering the giveaway!

      Shirley

      Reply

  89. Maggie says

    Great review Shirley. I love Jules. She’s so approachable and positive. And I love the cover of her book. Thanks for sharing Shirley. You’re the go-to girl for everything gluten-free 🙂

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hey Maggie–Thanks so much! You’ve captured Jules beautifully—“approachable and positive.” Thanks for entering the giveaway, dear, and your sweet words directed to me as always (you spoil me!). 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  90. Wendy says

    6 years ago I found out that my 18 month old extremely sick son had a completely manageable disease, celiac disease. Jules flour made cooking normal again. Thanks for the impact she made on our lives. Thanks for spotlighting her work.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Wendy–Welcome! I love how you emphasize the positive in your wording–“a completely manageable disease.” Another great testimonial to Jules; I’m so happy to share her new cookbook by doing my review. Thanks for entering, Wendy.

      Shirley

      Reply

  91. Kathy Legere says

    I will make this coffeecake real soon, maybe this afternoon! :-). All the recipes listed in Free For All Cooking sound awesome! I have most of Jules other cookbooks/ebooks and use her recipes often. Thanks Jules for all your efforts and dedication to gluten free and allergy free cooking. I share your website and recipes with many people.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hey Jennifer–Good to see you again! Everyone is talking about GS cookies right now … so nice that Jules has recipes for them. 🙂 Thanks for entering the giveaway!

      Shirley

      Reply

  99. Melanie Binkley says

    I am new to all this are we supposed to post to enter every day or does just once do the trick? Thanks in advance.

    Reply

  100. Hannah says

    Hi,

    I’m new to gfe and this looks to be a great resource! I’m a college student who loves cooking & baking so I could always use something that comes “easily.” Maybe I’ll make coffee cake next week on spring break…

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Hannah–Welcome! So glad you’ve found gfe and now Jules’ cookbooks, blog, etc. Ahhh, spring break … that sounds nice and definitely like perfect baking time. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Erin–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Unfortunately this giveaway ended last night, but stay tuned for the final giveaway in this series, which will include a copy of Jules’ Free For All Cooking as well.

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Laurie–Thanks for stopping by gfe–welcome! This giveaway has ended, but please stay tuned for the final giveaway that also includes a copy of Jules’ great cookbook. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Monique–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Unfortunately, this giveaway has ended. But stay tuned … the final series giveaway, which also includes Jules’ new cookbook, is opening for entries soon. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  107. Kristin says

    Thanks so much Shirley! I can’t wait for a new stream of recipes to tinker with (I can’t help myself!) Within the family we’ve got gluten, dairy, soy, nuts & shellfish issues so I’m always looking for new ideas 🙂

    Reply

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