Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Reduction
- 2 cups apple cider
For the Cinnamon Streusel
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Coffee Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup reduced apple cider
- 1½ cups peeled and finely diced apples
For the Apple Cider Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons reduced apple cider
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the cider reduces to about ¾ cup.
This concentrated cider provides a deeper apple flavor throughout the cake.
Allow it to cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or a 9-inch springform pan.
Line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
Step 3: Make the Streusel
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly.
Refrigerate while preparing the batter.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Set aside.
Step 5: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together:
- Softened butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
Beat for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
This creates a soft, tender cake texture.
Step 6: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Step 7: Add Sour Cream and Apple Cider
Mix in the sour cream and cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
The batter may look slightly loose, which is normal.
Step 8: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Mix on low speed until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples.
Do not overmix.
Step 9: Assemble the Coffee Cake
Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture evenly over the batter.
Add the remaining batter and smooth the top.
Finish with the remaining streusel.
This layered approach creates pockets of cinnamon goodness throughout the cake.
Step 10: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The top should be golden brown and fragrant.
If the cake begins browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 10 minutes.
Step 11: Cool
Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack if desired.
Step 12: Make the Apple Cider Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Reduced apple cider
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and drizzle-ready.
Step 13: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over the slightly warm cake.
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Coffee Cake
Reduce the Cider
Reducing the cider intensifies the apple flavor and prevents excess liquid in the batter.
Use Tart Apples
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples work especially well.
Keep the Streusel Cold
Cold streusel creates larger, crispier crumb clusters.
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Let It Rest
The flavors become even better after the cake has cooled slightly.
Variations
Apple Walnut Coffee Cake
Add 1 cup chopped walnuts to the streusel.
Caramel Apple Coffee Cake
Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake.
Maple Apple Coffee Cake
Replace the glaze with a maple glaze.
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake
Add chopped pecans to the streusel topping.
Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake
Layer sweetened cream cheese between the batter layers.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze individual slices or the whole cake for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
