A few days ago on my gfe Facebook page, I gave you a preview of an upcoming March Muffin Madness contribution. These beautiful gluten-free Coffee Cake Muffins with Streusel Topping and Powdered Sugar Drizzle.
These muffins are gluten-free with a dairy-free option and are the delicious creation of Sarah Nielsen of Celiac in the City (CITC). Sarah is the one who has celiac disease and “The City” in her case is Milwaukee (MKE).
Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze
Enjoy learning more about Sarah and her Coffee Cake Muffins (see the whole line-up of bloggers, blogs, and muffin recipes on gfe here).
I’m not sure when I first crossed paths with Sarah. I know she’s been commenting here on gfe for about 3 years now and that’s when I started visiting her blog and we started chatting.
From the very beginning what has always struck me about Sarah is her enthusiasm and energy. She is supremely positive and very passionate about helping the gluten-free community, especially in the Milwaukee area, and that has never wavered.
Sarah is always organizing gluten-free dining events for local gluten-free residents. She takes great pride in helping others navigate all that’s involved in living gluten free.
Sarah Nielsen of Celiac in the City
In fact, when I asked Sarah to tell me what she wanted me to share with you all, the following is what she said. Note that she thought she was talking only to me but I know she won’t mind me sharing her thoughts.
“I’m making all kinds of new GF friends after being on the news last year and being featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. They shared awesome recipes too … for Potato Leek Soup aka “Mashed Potato Soup” as I called it to trick my nephew into eating it the first time, and those Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits? YUM! And the world of Pinterest has exploded with my Lasagna-Style Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe.
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash: Lasagna Style from Celiac in the City
But mostly, I’m proud of the gluten-free community I’ve helped build in MKE. Each month (for FOUR years!!) I organize a GF Get Together event where we dine out and everyone at the table is gluten-free, so we feel a little more “normal” together. From pizza dinners and our annual holiday cookie exchange to our enchilada buffet anniversary party at Cocina DeLeon where they close shop and turn their take-and-bake-from-scratch enchilada store into a “restaurant” for us.”
I hope Sarah will forgive me for sharing our private conversation, but do you see the enthusiasm, energy, commitment, and pride that she exhibits? There can’t be enough “Sarah’s” in the gluten-free community! I’m tickled pink that I’ll be meeting Sarah in person at the Gluten-Free Living Conference in Orlando next month!
But as Sarah told me when I asked her for info for my introduction, “You don’t have to write too much, people just want to make the muffins!” You can read more about Sarah on her About Me page, but let’s take her advice and get to her gluten-free Coffee Cake Muffins, shall we?
Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Muffins
The much-beloved coffee cake goes "individual" in these delightful gluten-free Coffee Cake Muffins from Sarah of Celiac in the City.
Ingredients
Batter
- 2 cups gluten-free flour mix (see Sarah's notes; I used my mix)
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (see notes for dairy-free options)
- ⅓ cup oil of choice
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I use my [homemade vanilla])
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon guar gum or xanthan gum (optional, see notes)
Streusel Topping
- ¼ cup pecans
- ¼ gluten-free flour mix (see notes)
- 1/8 cup (2 tbsp) coconut sugar or granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter (see notes for dairy-free options)
Glaze (optional)
- ¼ - ½ cup powdered sugar
- Several tablespoons water or milk
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line muffin pan with liners and set aside.
- For the streusel topping, add all ingredients to food processor and pulse until combined, but small pieces remain. (Don’t turn it into a paste.)
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour mix, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and guar gum. Add Greek yogurt, oil, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla and stir until well combined.
- Fill liners ⅔ with batter, then top each muffin with a spoonful of topping. There will be enough topping to generously cover the tops of the muffins. Press down lightly on the topping to ensure even coating when they rise while baking.
- Bake for 18-21 minutes. Allow to cool a few minutes before removing from pan, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze if you choose to use it. (You should!) In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and cinnamon, and add a few drops of vanilla. Slowly add a small amount of water/milk at a time to get the consistency of a good glaze. Drizzle glaze over muffin tops. Enjoy!
Notes
These muffins are perfect warm out of the oven, but give them a little time to cool before adding the glaze. For the next morning, you can just warm them slightly to enjoy them warm, coffeehouse style.
Be sure to check the flour mix you are using---some GF flour mixes have baking soda, baking powder, or xanthan/guar gum included already. If your mix already has those ingredients, you do not need to add them again to the recipe.
The guar gum is not required if you cannot tolerate gums. I have made these muffins with and without gums and have been happy with both results.
Baking time may vary depending on the size of muffin liners you use and how full you fill them. I like to use these larger flower liners, which make 12 larger muffins and take a bit longer to bake.
For those who eat dairy free, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute for the streusel topping or coconut oil will work as well. For the Greek yogurt, you could substitute dairy-free yogurt, either plain or vanilla.
For the gluten-free flour mix, I've used Pamela's, Mama's Almond Flour Blend, and Cup4Cup, as well as a mixture of my own.
Originally published March 13, 2014; updated February 20, 2023.
Tracey says
Yum. Do you think this can be made with xylitol?
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
I’ll be honest, Tracey — I haven’t experimented with xylitol at all. I did put a call out on Instagram to other GF/baking friends asking if they have used it, and the one response I got said just to be careful, it does have a “flushing” effect for some folks. TMI? 😉 BUT, I did find some posts from Elana’s Pantry using xylitol, so maybe check that out: http://www.elanaspantry.com/ingredients/xylitol/ In this recipe, the maple syrup does add some liquid, so you’d have to play around with adding the xylitol and maybe a bit of liquid. But I bet you could use it for the topping with no problem. Let me know how it goes!
Ruth M. Henshaw says
Another yummy looking muffin. Guess it’s back to the kitchen again. Can’t wait!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Hasn’t this been THE best month here on gfe, Ruth? My baking to-do list is overflowing with muffin madness! 🙂
susan reed says
You have kept me busy in the kitchen this month
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Right?! Me too. Shirley is my go-to for recipes these days!
Teufelchen says
I am pretty sure my sis would love them, I just have to substitute the GF flour mix by something else, otherwise I can’t have one.
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Meaning you need regular all-purpose non-GF flour, or a grain free subsitute?
Teufelchen says
I will need a grain free substitute, I thought about a mixture of tapioca and almond flour or something similar, I guess I will need a couple of tries until I get the right mixture. But they read so worth it.
Brenda says
Coffee Cake Muffins look absolutely awesome!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Thanks, Brenda. (they taste just as good!) 🙂
Kristen says
Wow — those look so good!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Kristen — they ARE! Make them. Soon. Gobble them up with some coffee or tea!
Bev maiers says
These look yummy. Like the use of Greek yogurt.
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
I’ve been using Greek yogurt more lately with baking, my mama is actually the one who started with it and now I’ve taken to it too. (and it makes the best sour cream substitute)
Jamie S says
I love these muffins, I don’t worry about my husband taking an extra big piece!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
I love them too! I had to put some in the freezer to avoid eating them ALL. 😉
Molly (Sprue Story) says
As a kid I didn’t like coffee cake (?) but now that I’m all “grown up” those look amazing! I’m part of the Celiac Meetup Group in NYC and agree that it’s really nice to be able to feel “normal” amongst my gluten-free peers for a while (though we do seem to always come back to talking about gluten…funny how that works!).
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Molly — I was the same way. Not sure what I was thinking! GF groups are the best. Sanity savers for me some months. And after we’ve caught up on life, we always talk about new products, recipes, and this roller coaster GF ride too. 🙂
julie says
love coffee cake, I just printed this recipe for the weekend! and I love those liners, just bought them for my daughters birthday!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Let me know how they turn out for you, Julie! My mom gives me fun liners for pretty much every holiday/season… and I’m thrilled to finally be pulling out the ones for spring!
Amy W says
Going to try these today! Yummy!!!
mysweetiepiepie says
These look so, so yummy!
Tessa says
Love this idea! I would will be making my own flour combo and making it vegan, can’t wait!
Vickie says
I will have to try these. I’m sure my kids will enjoy them. Would love to see a nutrition list (but I can figure it out), we have a diabetic in our house and we have to count carbs.
Charlotte Moore says
Have you tried Jules GF flour? I do not have good luck with what I have tried to make. Maybe it is just me?
Ronalyn Hurley says
I’ve always loved coffee cake but haven’t had it in years. I’d much rather have it as muffins plus I’m now gluten free. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Margaret says
This looks like another great recipe! I can’t wait to try this for a Birthday party at work on the 15th. No one can tell if it is gluten-free unless they know I brought it. Thank you and your visiting cooks for all the great recipes.
Sharon Petrini says
What gf flour blend do you use? (love those muffin cup liners!)
Victoria J Mroczkowski says
Has anyone tried to print this. Every time I do my browser shuts down. Also, can i use xanthan gum instead of guar?
Shirley says
Hi Victoria–I just printed it without a problem, but will be anxious to hear if others have had issues. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll let Sarah answer your substitution question.
Thanks again,
Shirley
Shirley says
Hi Victoria—Yes, Sarah said that xanthan gum can be used instead. I’ve updated the recipe to indicate that. 🙂
Shirley
Lindsay Ham says
Not only do these look and sound delicious, the wrappers are adorable. Coffee Cake reminds me of my childhood when I’d have breakfast at my best friends house. Her mom would always make the most delicious coffee cake for us. MMMMM MMMMMMM!
Jeanne F Peterson says
These are in my oven!!!!!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
And…. did you love them?
Laurel says
I am honest to gosh SWOONING over these and with only 1 egg to replace I can see them becoming a too frequent treat. Sunday morning pancakes? Bah! Humbug! We want GF Coffee Cake Muffins.
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Hi Laurel! I have a dear friend who does egg-free for her little guy — would love to hear what you use for replacer. (for muffins and just in general egg-free baking!)
PattiG says
Thank you for sharing this recipe. Will be making these for Sunday morning. My Dads favorite cake.
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
So happy to be part of this fun-filled month! Let us know how they turn out for you.
S Kako says
Yum!
Cheryl Harris says
Sarah, these are beautiful and adorable!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Awww, thanks Cheryl! They did turn out so pretty. (thanks to my mama for those liners!)
Mary Tokar says
Yum! I will have to try these soon!
Donna says
Yum – I can’t wait to try!
Laureen says
These look INCREDIBLE!
Sharon says
It’s gonna take me all year to make all of these amazing muffin recipes! Ok maybe not a whole year….we really do love muffins around here. I love coffee cake and these sound awesome! Love you photos too!!
Susan says
Mmmm … must stop licking screen …
Seriously, these muffins look fantastic! I love coffee cake and I know that I will be making this soon! (I just need to wipe the computer screen first!)
patricia says
I can already hear a cup of coffee calling me to go along with one of these muffins.
Donna B says
These look fantastic! I can’t wait to try them!
Venessa F. says
Yum! I love coffee cake!!
Christa says
These look so good and remind me of the coffee cake my Grandmother and Great-Aunt used to love so much. 🙂 Good times.
Nancy says
These look delish! I have been looking for arecipe like this. So you think the muffins will still taste wonderful without the nuts? I am nut free.
Thanks!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Hi Nancy! You could sub more GF flour mix in the topping and skip the nuts, meaning use all flour, no nuts. You may have to play with it a little, but that would work just fine!
Katie says
:0 !!!!!
Coffee cake is another favourite of mine from my childhood..these are a must try! Can’t believe how awesome the recipes are everyday, I love this!
Christy says
These look great! I am also wondering if I can substitute xanthan gum for the guar gum.
Shirley says
Hi Christy—Sarah is not available to reply right now, but she said that xanthan gum could be used instead. I’ve updated the recipe to indicate that. 🙂
Shirley
Megan Hart says
This one might go to the top of my list… looks yummy!
Susan says
These will be perfect when the family is here this weekend!!! May even make extra to freeze for during the week!! So grateful for all these great recipes!!!
Michelle Cantwell says
YAY!!! 😀 I have been missing coffee cake SO much since going gluten free and on a paleo diet!! I cannot wait to try these..thank you!!
Lori Ebner says
Wow, I can’t wait. I’ve just gotten all the ingredients in. Good eaten in a little while.
Karol says
Oh man, I’ve really missed coffee cake. These look sooooo good.
Heather says
My family has just gone GF within the past week. My 5 year old daughter was diagnosed on Thursday. We are still getting the hang of things. So glad I found this blog. Thank you for the information and the good eats!
Karla Bradley says
Going to tries these this weekend. My husband will love them, me too!
Kinsey says
these look amazing
Heather says
These look delicious!
Amanda says
I love finding allergy friendly bloggers in my home state 🙂 Thanks so much for the oh-so-yummy recipe!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
On Wisconsin!!! 🙂
Carina says
These sound and look absolutely mouth-watering!
Vicky says
These look so pretty! What a gorgeous recipe!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
Wowzers, those look amazing!
Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂
Hope your week is great! Can’t wait to see what you link up this week!
Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com
Erin says
These look amazing! Can’t wait to try them!
Betsy says
These look simply divine! Perfect for Easter Sunday brunch!!
Wendy says
Thank you for adding options. These are going to be on my mind until I make them. I haven’t baked for months…these recipes are definitely encouraging me to do so again!
Tracy Mann says
Ho my! This looks sooooo good! And thanks for the suggestions on gf flours to use! I need to find somewhere that carries more options.
Jennifer C says
These look great!
Bri says
These look absolutely AMAZING!!!
Ilissa says
These look seriously fabulous!
Sarah says
These look delish!
Lori Lewis says
WOW! Don’t these look delightful?! Especially in those pretty muffin papers! I can’t wait to make these with my 100% organic maple syrup – YUM! (Might have to hide them from the kids!) Thanks for the recipe!
Lindsey says
Oh gosh I LOVE coffee cake. YUM.
Connie Sue! says
Oooh My Goodiness – Can’t Wait to go read more about Sarah – I just Adore her already from what you’ve written here! I Really want to know More about her and the Wonderful sense of Community that she has fostered there … “Success is Best when it’s Duplicatable.” Would Love to meet her and do the same spirit here if I doesn’t already exist in the Twin Cities / Western Wisconsin area. Thank You for sharing!
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Hi Connie Sue!
Aren’t you sweet? Thank you for the kinds words! I’m happy to talk all things gluten-free community any time! You can email me at [email protected]. Look forward to chatting with you!