Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Enjoy apple season with this Apple Cider Coffee Cake! This delightful cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a treat any time of the year. With its moist texture and rich apple flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any occasion. The addition of an apple cider glaze elevates this cake, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires common ingredients, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, cozy flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
• Versatile Usage: Enjoy it as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert—this coffee cake fits all occasions!
• Homemade Glaze: The apple cider glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.
• Perfect for Sharing: Slice it up and share with friends and family; it’s sure to be a hit at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Apple Cider Coffee Cake, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and help you achieve great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×9 inch)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining dry and wet ingredients efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter for a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Enjoy apple season with this Apple Coffee Cake with Apple Cider Glaze! This coffee cake is packed with over a cup of chopped apples, topped with a buttery cinnamony streusel, and finished with a simple apple cider glaze!

For the Streusel Topping

• 3 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cake Batter

• 1 ¼ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger (pumpkin pie spice or allspice)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 ¼ cups chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith)

For the Apple Cider Glaze

• 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon apple cider
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (or more as needed for desired consistency)
• 1 pinch of salt

How to Make Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring 1 ¼ cups of apple cider to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until it reduces down to ½ cup. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together room temperature butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract; mix well.

Step 6: Mix in Yogurt and Apples

Stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream followed by the reduced apple cider. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chopped apples gently.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it. Add remaining batter on top followed by remaining streusel mixture.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While baking, whisk together powdered sugar with reduced apple cider and vanilla until smooth.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze

Once baked, let cool slightly before drizzling with apple cider glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature!

This Apple Cider Coffee Cake will surely become a favorite in your household! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Apple Cider Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples – Serve with thinly sliced fresh apples drizzled with a bit of lemon juice for a refreshing contrast.
• Berries – Pair the cake with strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color and flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream – Top slices of coffee cake with light and fluffy whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
• Flavored Whipped Cream – Consider infusing the whipped cream with vanilla or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

As a Breakfast Item

• With Coffee or Tea – Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite morning beverage to kickstart your day.
• Yogurt Parfait – Complement the cake with a yogurt parfait layered with granola and fruit for a wholesome breakfast.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Perfecting your Apple Cider Coffee Cake enhances both flavor and texture. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success.

• Bold Use of Fresh Ingredients – Always use fresh apples and quality apple cider to maximize flavor.
• Bold Reduce Apple Cider – Simmer your apple cider down to half its volume for a concentrated flavor in both the cake and glaze.
• Bold Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Bold Don’t Overmix Batter – Mix until just combined to keep the coffee cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to toughness.
• Bold Testing Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when ready.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Coffee Cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance.
2. Bold Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese which complement the sweetness of the cake.
3. Bold Chai Latte – The spiced flavors of chai enhance the autumnal notes of the coffee cake beautifully.
4. Bold Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits provides hearty nourishment alongside the cake.
5. Bold Pumpkin Soup – A creamy pumpkin soup adds warmth and complements fall flavors nicely.
6. Bold Granola Bars – Chewy granola bars provide a crunchy contrast while keeping breakfast simple and satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an Apple Cider Coffee Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using Too Much Flour: Over-measuring flour can lead to a dense cake. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Neglecting Apple Preparation: Not chopping apples uniformly can result in uneven baking. Aim for similar-sized pieces for consistent texture and flavor throughout the cake.
• Skipping the Streusel: A missing streusel topping means missing out on flavor and texture. Don’t skip this important step; it adds delicious crunch!
• Not Reducing the Cider: Failing to reduce apple cider can lead to excess moisture. Take the time to simmer it down to concentrate the flavor before adding it to your batter.
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep an eye on baking times. Use a toothpick test—insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean, it’s done. Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Apple Cider Coffee Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Coffee Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat slices for about 20-30 seconds on high, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm until the desired warmth is reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Apple Cider Coffee Cake special?

Apple Cider Coffee Cake is special due to its moist texture from fresh apples and apple cider, combined with a sweet cinnamon streusel topping that elevates its flavors.

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can use any variety you enjoy, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, depending on your taste preference.

How do I make my coffee cake more flavorful?

To enhance flavors in your Apple Cider Coffee Cake, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter or spices like clove or allspice along with cinnamon.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a vegan version of this coffee cake.

How should I serve Apple Cider Coffee Cake?

Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Coffee Cake is not only perfect for fall but also versatile enough to enjoy year-round. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or other spices according to your taste!