There’s somethin’ about the crisp air, the rustling leaves, and the scent of cinnamon and apples that just screams fall. And what’s better than bringing that cozy vibe into your kitchen? An Apple Coffee Cake with a luscious Apple Cider Glaze is the perfect treat to do just that.
Why This Cake Is a Must-Bake
Imagine a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake studded with tender apple pieces, topped with a crunchy streusel, and finished off with a sweet-tart apple cider glaze. It’s the kind of cake that fills your home with warmth and invites you to take a moment to savor the season.
The Magic of Apple Cider in Baking
Apple cider isn’t just for sipping. When reduced, it becomes a concentrated syrup that adds a deep, rich apple flavor to baked goods. In this recipe, we use reduced apple cider in both the cake batter and the glaze, ensuring that every bite is infused with that quintessential fall taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
- 1 ¼ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or allspice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ¼ cups peeled and chopped apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
For the Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Cider Glaze
- 1 tablespoon apple cider
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (or more, to achieve desired consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Apple Cider Reduction
Begin by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cider has reduced to about ½ cup. This process intensifies the apple flavor, making it a perfect addition to both the cake and the glaze. Allow the reduced cider to cool to room temperature before using.
Making the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place the streusel in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cake batter.
Preparing the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled reduced apple cider. Add the sour cream and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Assembling the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the chilled streusel topping over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and spread it out gently. Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel over the top.
Bake for 25–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before glazing.
Preparing the Apple Cider Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if necessary; the glaze should be thick but pourable.
Glazing the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the apple cider glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips for Success
- Choosing the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their firmness ensures they hold up well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Reducing the Cider: Be patient when reducing the cider. This process concentrates the flavors, so don’t rush it.
- Chilling the Streusel: Chilling the streusel before baking helps it maintain its texture, resulting in a crisp topping.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations to Try
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice combinations, such as adding cloves or cardamom, to customize the flavor profile.
- Glaze Alternatives: For a different twist, consider using a caramel glaze or a cream cheese frosting instead of the apple cider glaze.
Conclusion
This Cozy Apple Coffee Cake with Apple Cider Glaze is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the moment the cider begins to reduce on the stove to the first bite of the warm, spiced cake, it encapsulates the essence of fall. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, enjoying it with a cup of coffee, or sharing it with loved ones, this cake is sure to become a cherished tradition.
FAQs
What type of apples work best for this coffee cake?
Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, but reduce it on the stove to concentrate the flavor.
How long should I bake the cake?
About 25–32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Do I have to chill the streusel?
Chilling helps it stay crisp during baking.
Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works perfectly.
How thick should the apple cider glaze be?
Thick but pourable, adjust with more powdered sugar if needed.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temp up to 3 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, caramel or cream cheese frosting are great alternatives.
Is this cake suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Mariana is a passionate home cook who creates delicious, easy-to-follow recipes for busy people. From energizing breakfasts to satisfying dinners and indulgent desserts, her dishes are designed to fuel both your body and hustle.
When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s exploring new flavors and dreaming up her next recipe to share with the Foodie Hustle community.