If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that wraps you up in all the warm flavors of fall, this Apple Cider Coffee Cake is your new best friend. Bursting with tender chunks of tart Granny Smith apples and kissed with fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake rises to perfection with a flaky streusel topping that adds the perfect crunch. The magic really happens when you drizzle the silky apple cider glaze over the top, bringing a delightful sweet-tart finish that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a special dessert, this Apple Cider Coffee Cake is a simple yet stunning way to celebrate apple season all year round.

Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Though this Apple Cider Coffee Cake might sound fancy, the ingredients are refreshingly straightforward. Each one plays an important role: the apple cider reduction lends a deep, tangy flavor; the combination of spices provides warmth and complexity; and the streusel adds that signature crumbly top that makes coffee cake so beloved. You’ll find that gathering these simple essentials leads to a show-stopping result you’ll want to make again and again.

Unsalted butter: Melted for streusel and softened for the batter, butter brings richness and tender crumb.
Flour: The base for both the cake and the streusel, giving structure and heartiness.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth with its caramel-like undertones.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cake texture.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pumpkin pie spice: Spice blend creates the perfect fall flavor profile.
Apple cider: Reduced down to intensify its flavor, it infuses the cake and glaze with irresistible apple notes.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure the cake rises beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds tender moisture.
Vanilla extract: Adds floral sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang for balance.
Chopped apples: Crisp Granny Smith apples add fresh, tart pops of flavor.
Powdered sugar: Used to make the luscious apple cider glaze.

How to Make Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start by combining melted butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This streusel mix will chill in the fridge while you move on to the batter, allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to hold its shape during baking — creating that perfect crisp crumb topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Then lower to medium and let it simmer until it reduces to about half a cup. This reduction intensifies the sweet-tart flavor, making it a star ingredient in your Apple Cider Coffee Cake. Once done, set it aside to cool entirely before using it in your batter and glaze.

Step 3: Prep Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Butter an 8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave a generous overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the warming spices. This step ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every bite has just the right lift and aroma.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or using your stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter with both brown and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process encourages air to incorporate, giving your cake a tender, lofty texture. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to keep things evenly mixed!

Step 5: Add Egg, Vanilla, Apple Cider, and Yogurt

Beat in the vanilla extract, followed by the egg. Then, slowly add the cooled reduced apple cider and the Greek yogurt or sour cream. These wet ingredients work together to keep the cake moist and contribute subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples

Gently stir in the sifted flour mixture until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so take care here. Finally, toss in the chopped Granny Smith apples to add bursts of tartness and an appealing fresh texture that cuts through the luscious batter.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan using a spatula. Give the pan a few sharp taps on the counter to release any stubborn air bubbles. Sprinkle half a cup of the chilled streusel evenly over the batter, layering that wonderful crumbly texture on top. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let your Apple Cider Coffee Cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour to set properly. Once cool, whisk together powdered sugar, a bit of apple cider, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cake, allowing it to melt into every nook and cranny, adding the final touch of sweet-tart brilliance.

How to Serve Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a few shards of crystallized ginger can elevate your Apple Cider Coffee Cake visually and flavor-wise. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone on the side create a stunning contrast to the crumbly, spiced cake and add creaminess that feels just right.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with warm beverages like a cinnamon-spiced latte, chai tea, or classic black coffee. For brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple cheese platter for a cozy, inviting spread that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into mini squares and threading toothpicks through for easy handheld serving at parties. Or plate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert that’s still deeply comforting and seasonal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cider Coffee Cake is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain that perfect crumbly texture. You can also refrigerate it up to 4 days if you want to keep it longer, although it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can chill for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. The glaze might need a quick touch-up or remake for that fresh finish.

Reheating

To revive day-old cake, gently warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop it in a low oven (300°F) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps soften the cake and reinvigorate the buttery, spicy flavors without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple juice lacks the spiced, fermented character of apple cider, so the cake won’t have quite the same depth of flavor. However, if you don’t have cider, you can still reduce apple juice to concentrate sweetness, keeping in mind it might be slightly less complex.

What type of apples work best in this cake?

Granny Smith apples are ideal thanks to their firm texture and tartness that balances the cake’s sweetness. Other good options include Honeycrisp or Braeburn, but avoid very soft or overly sweet apples as they might turn mushy during baking.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and swap Greek yogurt or sour cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt. The cake will still taste delicious and maintain a moist texture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a wooden toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If you see wet batter, give it a few more minutes and test again.

Can I skip the glaze?

While the glaze adds a delightful extra layer of flavor and a lovely finishing touch, the cake is still moist and flavorful on its own. If you prefer a less sweet option, feel free to leave it off or dust the top lightly with powdered sugar instead.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Cider Coffee Cake enough for anyone looking to lift their baking game with a cozy autumnal classic that feels homemade and heartwarming. It’s just the right blend of sweet, tart, spicy, and buttery—everything you want in a coffee cake and more. I hope you bake it soon, share it with loved ones, and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine.