This sugar free, low carb espresso coffee cake has rich coffee flavors, a buttery crumb topping and an espresso glaze drizzle, making a very tasty breakfast or snack. It's gluten free, keto, and nut free as well!

Sugar Free Espresso Coffee Cake

Traditional coffee cake doesn't have any coffee actually in the cake. It's meant to be a cake served with coffee. But if you ask me, having cake with a little caffeine kick and served with my coffee is even better!

You won't even need an espresso maker to make this tasty espresso coffee cake. The secret ingredient is instant espresso powder!

The buttery crumb topping is what I've used from my Italian Cream Cake recipe and it is has just the right butter flavor to match the deep rich espresso cinnamon coffee cake. The espresso drizzle is completely optional but when you want to impress some friends, add it for sure!

Coconut is Not a Tree Nut

I'd like to clear up this constant question get asked almost daily about whether coconut is a nut. While the US Food & drug Administration (FDA) claims that coconut is a tree nut becomes it comes from a tree, it is in fact a FRUIT.

People who have tree nut allergies may be allergic to coconut as well, but being allergic to coconut is not the same as having a tree nut allergy.

My own son was diagnosed with a Peanut and Tree Nut allergy at the age of 2. He has safely eaten coconut all these years without issue and he is now 14. Coconut is a fruit, called a drupe. It's like a peach with a pit. 

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says it well: "Coconut is not a botanical nut: it is classified as a fruit, even though the FDA recognizes coconut as a tree nut. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut. If you are allergic to tree nuts, talk to your allergist before adding coconut to your diet."

Can I Swap the liquid Allulose with Granular?

If you don't have liquid Allulose or can't purchase it where you live, using Allulose in granular form to replace the amount I used in the cake will work just fine.

Can I leave out the Espresso?

I would not recommend leaving out the espresso as the instant espresso powder gives such a good deep flavor to this coffee cake.

But if you really don't like espresso or don't want to purchase it, yes you could leave it out.

Can I Swap Coconut Flour with Almond?

I know there are many of you who hate coconut flour. It's taken me a long time to learn how to work with coconut flour. I've had a love hate relationship with it forever. I think we are finally beloved friends!

Although my youngest has a tree nut and peanut allergy, he also really hates the taste of coconut.

Disguising it, hiding it, whatever I can do I do, but I must use it as I am so limited on making low carb recipes without it.

Unfortunately, swapping coconut with almond flour is very difficult to do. They can't be evenly swapped as coconut flour is more absorbent and requires more eggs and liquids. ¼ cup Coconut flour is equal to about 1 cup almond flour and you will need to reduce liquids and eggs when swapping almond flour in recipes that use coconut flour.

Can I Make this Dairy Free?

Yes it will be very easy to make this espresso coffee cake dairy free. All you need to do is swap out the butter used in the recipe for coconut oil.

How to Make Sugar Free Espresso Coffee Cake

Ingredients

You need eggs, low carb sweetener, butter, coconut flour, instant espresso powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

Directions to Make Coffee Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place parchment into a 7 by 3 loaf pan.

Place the egg whites and cream of tartar into your stand mixer bowl and add the whisk attachment.

Whisk until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the Allulose, Swerve and butter together until they’re creamy.

Gently mix in the egg yolks.

Add coconut flour, instant espresso, baking soda, cinnamon and salt to the mixture.

Beat until combined.Fold the egg whites into the batter very gently, working in batches. Set aside.

Directions to Make Butter Crumb

Place the butter crumb ingredients into a food processor and pulse until crumbs form or small bowl and use a fork through to mix together until it resembles large crumbs.

Spoon half of the batter into the loaf pan and scatter half of the butter crumb on top.

Spread the remaining batter over the top and smooth the top down. Scatter the rest of the butter crumb on top.

Bake for 30 minutes until toothpick in center comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.

How to Store Espresso Coffee Cake

Store, wrapped in parchment or an airtight container, for up to five days. Cake will soften over time, but can be lightly toasted to freshen. Can be sliced, wrapped and frozen for up to a month.

Low Carb Espresso Coffee Cake