If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cool afternoon, you just found it with this Apple Cider Coffee Cake. This delightful cake perfectly balances the sweet and tangy flavors of reduced apple cider and crisp apples, all wrapped up in tender, spiced cake layers. The crunchy streusel topping adds a buttery, cinnamon-kissed contrast that elevates the experience, and a smooth apple cider glaze on top brings everything together in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy coffee break, the Apple Cider Coffee Cake will quickly become a favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.

Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Anyone can whip up this Apple Cider Coffee Cake with just a handful of simple ingredients that play crucial roles in creating its exceptional flavor and texture. Each component, from the warm spices to the fresh apples and the luscious butter, contributes to a tender crumb and a beautifully balanced sweetness that sings throughout every bite.

Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and ensures the streusel topping is perfectly crumbly.

Flour (for cake and streusel): The foundation that creates the cake’s tender structure and the topping’s crumbly texture.
Brown and granulated sugars: Sweeten with a caramel-like depth, essential for the moist cake and crunchy topping.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pumpkin pie spice: Warm spices that infuse the batter and streusel with cozy autumnal flavors.
Apple cider: Reduced to intensify the flavor, it imparts a uniquely tangy sweetness throughout the cake and glaze.

Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners work together to give the cake a light, fluffy rise.
Egg and vanilla extract: Bind ingredients and add depth to the flavor profile.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds moistness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.

Chopped apples: Preferably Granny Smith for their tart crunch that complements the cake’s sweetness.
Powdered sugar and a pinch of salt: For the luscious apple cider glaze to finish the cake with a delicate sweetness and balance.

How to Make Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel

Start by combining melted butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mixing these creates the famous crumbly topping we all adore. Place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the cake batter; this helps the streusel hold its shape and bake up with the perfect crispness.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour apple cider into a small pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Then lower the heat and simmer until reduced to half a cup. This step intensifies the cider’s sweet and tangy flavor, which is the star ingredient in both the cake and the glaze, giving the dessert its signature appeal.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. Sifting ensures even distribution and prevents lumps, so your coffee cake bakes evenly with consistent bursts of warm spice.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer or by hand, beat room temperature butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that make the cake tender. Scrape down the bowl, then add vanilla and the egg, mixing until fully incorporated for maximum flavor infusion and smooth texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the reduced apple cider followed by Greek yogurt or sour cream to the creamed butter mixture. Then fold in the sifted dry ingredients gently until just combined. Stir in chopped apples to add a fresh, tart crunch that complements the sweet and spicy cake perfectly.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Butter and line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a two-inch overhang for easy removal. Spoon the batter evenly into the pan, then tap it sharply on the countertop to remove air bubbles. Top with half a cup of the chilled streusel, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour before glazing.

Step 7: Add the Apple Cider Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to create a luscious glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled cake, letting it soak in slightly to add moisture and a burst of apple flavor that ties the whole Apple Cider Coffee Cake experience together.

How to Serve Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Garnishes

For a beautiful and tasty presentation, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top after glazing. You can also add a handful of toasted walnuts, pecans, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an inviting final touch that enhances texture and look.

Side Dishes

Apple Cider Coffee Cake pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced chai tea or your favorite coffee blend. For a heartier option, serve alongside creamy vanilla yogurt or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to create a comforting combo that’s perfect for any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this coffee cake into individual servings by baking in muffin tins lined with parchment cups, perfect for grab-and-go treats. Another fun idea is layering slices between thin spreads of cream cheese frosting for an elegant dessert that’s sure to impress guests at brunch or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Cider Coffee Cake fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, refrigeration will help extend freshness up to five days. Just be sure the cake is completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick and convenient treat anytime.

Reheating

Warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to revive that freshly baked feel. If glazed, avoid overheating to keep the delicate icing from melting away.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple cider instead of reducing it?

Using fresh cider without reducing will result in a more liquid batter and less intense apple flavor. The reduction concentrates the sweetness and depth of the cider, which is essential for the rich taste of the Apple Cider Coffee Cake.

What type of apples work best in this coffee cake?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, which provide a nice contrast to the sweet batter and help maintain texture without turning mushy during baking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and replace the Greek yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Use a flax or chia egg in place of the chicken egg for a vegan version.

How long does this cake stay moist after baking?

If stored properly in an airtight container, the Apple Cider Coffee Cake stays moist and delicious for up to five days. The combination of yogurt and butter helps maintain its tender crumb.

Is it okay to use other spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! Pumpkin pie spice is just a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, so feel free to customize the blend or individually adjust spices to your liking for a unique twist on the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this warm, inviting recipe for Apple Cider Coffee Cake in your collection, it’s time to bring those cozy autumn aromas and flavors into your kitchen. There is something truly special about the way the sweet and tangy apple cider enhances this classic dessert, making it a delightful companion for mornings or any time you want a comforting treat. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how it fills your home with irresistible smells and fills your heart with simple joy.

Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Cider Coffee Cake is a moist, spiced treat featuring a tender crumb, chopped apples, and a sweet cinnamon streusel topping. Finished with a tangy apple cider glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert during the fall season or whenever you crave warm, autumnal flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until crumbly. Place the streusel mixture in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the batter.
Reduce the Apple Cider: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1 ¼ cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the cider reduces to about ½ cup. This concentrates the flavor. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Pan and Dry Ingredients: Butter and line an 8-inch round or square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides for easy cake removal. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger or pumpkin pie spice.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract followed by the egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and mix until combined. Then stir in the cooled reduced apple cider, followed by the Greek yogurt or sour cream. Mix gently until incorporated.

Combine with Dry Ingredients and Apples: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined—avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
Assemble and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or offset spatula. Tap the pan sharply on the counter a few times to release air bubbles. Remove the chilled streusel from the fridge and sprinkle ½ cup evenly on top of the batter. Bake for 25-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before glazing to ensure the glaze does not melt into the cake.

Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if too thin or more cider if too thick.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into slices and serve. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!

Notes

Reducing the apple cider intensifies the flavor and prevents excess liquid in the batter.

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet cake.
Make sure the butter is at room temperature for proper creaming with the sugars.
Do not overmix batter to keep the cake tender.

Let the cake cool fully before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a warm treat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 26 g
Sodium: 150 mg

Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g

Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g

Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: apple cider coffee cake, apple streusel cake, fall dessert, autumn baking, spiced coffee cake, apple cinnamon cake