Makes: *6 Servings*
Per Serving: *13g Protein | 170 Cal*

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Sometimes you just want to enjoy your morning coffee with something sweet, I get it. But if you are health-conscious like me, you know that those moments are usually reserved for weekends or vacations. That’s why I created this Healthy Coffee Cake Recipe– it’s made with protein and a limited amount of sweetener so you can start your day with a balanced treat!

Why Start Your Day with Protein?

Starting your day with a protein-rich meal can have numerous health benefits:

Sustained Energy: The carbohydrates provide a slow and steady release of energy throughout the morning!
Keeps You Full Longer: A protein-packed breakfast can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the temptation to snack.
Supports Muscle Health: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, especially if you lead an active lifestyle.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels: A protein-rich breakfast can help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing the spikes and crashes that can lead to mid-morning fatigue and cravings.

By incorporating this healthy coffee cake recipe into your morning routine, you’re not just treating yourself to a delicious way to start your day, but you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Why You'll Love This Healthy Coffee Cake Recipe

This isn’t just any ordinary coffee cake; classic coffee cake is often sugary sweet, more cake than a filling breakfast. This healthier version of the classic quick bread is packed with protein to keep you fueled and ready to tackle whatever comes your way, while not overly loaded with sugar that’ll cause an energy crash after eating. Plus, it’s super easy to make and oh-so-tasty. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a midday snack, this coffee cake will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to whip up this delicious, healthy coffee cake recipe:

Dry Ingredients:

1 scoop casein protein (30g)
1 scoop cinnamon whey protein (30g)
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour (gluten-free works here too)
1/4 cup (30g) almond flour
2 tablespoons sweetener of choice - you can use sugar or monk fruit or swerve
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 cup chopped walnuts

Wet Ingredients:

1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup fat-free milk or plant milk (like almond milk)
1 large egg

Streusel Mixture:

1 tablespoon butter
1/8 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons oats - you may use gluten free oats if you prefer! (pro-tip: use 2 tablespoons from a maple brown sugar instant oatmeal packet)
2 tablespoons granulated sweetener

Let's Get Baking!

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients: casein protein, whey protein, all-purpose flour, almond flour, sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon powder, salt, and chopped walnuts. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add your wet ingredients: unsweetened applesauce, milk, and egg to the bowl with your flour mixture. Stir until you get a thick batter. Be careful not to overmix—just mix enough to combine everything nicely.
Pour and Rest: Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and let it sit for 10 minutes. This little resting period allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Make the Streusel Mixture: While your cake batter is resting, it’s time to make the topping. Warm 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave until it’s soft, not melted (about 15 seconds). In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with oats, chopped walnuts, and sweetener. Mix thoroughly until you have a crumbly texture.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of your batter. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy: Let your healthy coffee cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious, protein-packed treat!

Best Substitutes

Protein Powder: If you don't have cinnamon protein protein, any flavored or unflavored protein powder will work. Just be aware it might change the taste slightly.
Sweetener: Use any sugar substitute of your choice, whether it’s a low-calorie option like stevia or erythritol, or other sweeteners like honey, coconut sugar, or maple syrup.
Milk: Any milk will do! Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used instead of fat-free milk.
Egg: For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).

FAQs

Yes, you can! Substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg, choose your favorite vegan protein powder, use a plant-based milk and a vegan butter alternative for the crumble.
To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.
Absolutely! Make this cake into coffee cake muffins by spooning the batter into a muffin tin lined with parchment paper or cupcake liners and sprinkle a bit of the streusel mixture on each muffin before baking. Note: The bake time may be different for muffins, so keep a close eye on them so they don't overbake.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Healthy Coffee Cake

Customize Your Sweetener: You can use any sweetener or sugar substitute you like—stevia, monk fruit, coconut sugar, or even a bit of honey or maple syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners.
Add-ins Galore: Feel free to toss in some chocolate chips, dried fruit, fresh fruit like chopped apples or fresh blueberries for an apple or blueberry coffee cake, or even a swirl of nut butter to make this cake your own. You could even mix up a quick Greek yogurt glaze or melt some chocolate chips with coconut oil for a chocolate glaze to make it extra special. You could also add a little cinnamon to the crumble topping for a cinnamon streusel coffee cake.
Storage: This coffee cake keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for a grab-and-go breakfast option.

There you have it—a delicious, healthy coffee cake that’s sure to become one of your favorite recipes and will keep you full and fueled all morning long. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just looking for a way to incorporate coffee cake into your healthy lifestyle, this recipe, packed with wholesome ingredients, is sure to be a winner.