Coffee & Walnut Loaf Cake

A healthier gluten free coffee and walnut loaf cake made with bananas, almond flour and oats. It’s rich, moist, packed with coffee flavour and glazed with a little coconut butter. 

If you know me, you’ll know I never drink coffee, always tea. But coffee in a cake? I’m all in!

This gluten free coffee walnut loaf cake is THE cake to go with your morning coffee or nice cup of tea. It’s such a classic recipe you guys. A healthier spin on coffee and walnut cake with full on banana bread vibes. The benefit of a loaf cake means everything is mixed in a bowl, baked in a loaf tin and topped with a little coconut butter instead of a sugary glaze. 

It is absolutely delicious. The sponge is moist, rich in coffee flavour and packed with chopped walnuts which give it a lovely crunch in every bite. Such a yummy recipe to whip up on the weekend to share with friends and family, or make for yourself! Plus it’s gluten free, easy to make and filled with wholesome ingredients which just makes this loaf even more superior than any other dessert around.

Ingredients you’ll need:

I love that gluten free coffee and walnut loaf cake recipe is made with simple nutritious ingredients you probably already have on hand.

• Almond meal OR almond flour – both are interchangeable in this recipe. This keeps the loaf gluten free while adding healthy fats so no oil is needed. Do not sub another flour here.
• Oats: we add 1 cup of quick oats for a little tint of chewy texture. Plus they are a great source of fibre. Use certified gluten free if needed.
• Bananas: spotty ripe bananas are best
• Coconut sugar: you can also use brown sugar or granulated monk fruit sweetener. 
• Eggs: you’ll need 2 large eggs to bind everything together.
• Instant coffee: for that key coffee flavour
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• Walnuts: I used raw. But if you really want to get fancy you can toast the walnuts before using them in the recipe.
• Coconut butter: optional but i love to use this as a sugar free glaze.

How to make the best coffee and walnut loaf cake:

Start by preheating your oven to 350F/ 180C. Meanwhile, boil a kettle and mix hot water with the instant coffee. Chop the walnuts into small pieces.

Wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, eggs, brewed coffee and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Dry ingredients: Add in the almond meal, oats, baking powder, salt and mix until well combined. Fold in the walnuts last.

Bake: Place in the oven and bake in the oven for 1 hour or until cooked through (I stick a toothpick in and when it comes out clean – it is ready!)

Once cool, drizzle with melted coconut butter then slice and enjoy.

How to store 

• Counter: this coffee walnut cake will keep well in an airtight container on the counter for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: for maximum freshness I recommend storing it in the fridge for up to 6 – 7 days.
• Freezer: this loaf freezes well! Cut into slices and place in snap lock bags or freezer friendly bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Tips and how to customise this loaf

• Swap the bananas for apple puree, pumpkin puree or even sweet potato puree if preferred.
• Make sure you cook the cake at a low temperature to ensure it cooks right through. If you notice the top is starting to brown early, lower the oven temperature by 20 C/ 32 F.
• You can use decaffeinated coffee if prefered.
• Instead of rolled oats you can try using rolled quinoa flakes or substitute 1 cup all purpose gluten free flour or wholewheat flour.
• Replace the instant coffee with chicory powder or roasted dandelion for a caffeine free version.

Walnuts Nutrition Benefits

Walnuts are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, which have been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They have more omega-3 ALA than any other tree nut, providing 2.5 grams per one ounce (28g) serving. Omega-3 ALA plays a role in  heart health, brain health, and reducing inflammation throughout the body. One 28g (once) serving of walnuts also provides:

• 4 grams of protein
• 2 grams of dietary fiber
• 45 mg of magnesium

More wholesome bread recipes to try:

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Spice Bread

Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread

Buckwheat Banana Bread (Gluten-Free)

If you try this coffee and walnut loaf cake recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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