If you adore the cozy warmth of fall flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Cider Coffee Cake. This delightful treat perfectly marries the sweet tang of reduced apple cider with the comforting spices pulled straight from grandma’s kitchen. Every bite bursts with tender cake, crisp chopped apples, and a crunchy cinnamon streusel, all crowned with a silky apple cider glaze. The Apple Cider Coffee Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that fills your home with the essence of autumn and your heart with joy.

Apple Cider Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of an Apple Cider Coffee Cake begins with simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings a unique flavor or texture that transforms this cake into a memorable delight, from the luscious melted butter in the streusel to the fresh Granny Smith apples providing a crisp tartness.

Unsalted butter (for streusel and cake): Ensures a rich flavor and perfect crumb texture, plus helps create that golden-brown crust on the streusel.
Flour (for streusel and cake): The backbone of the cake’s structure, making sure it’s tender but sturdy enough to hold all its deliciousness.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar contributes to the cake’s sweetness and caramelization.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice: These spices infuse the cake with that unmistakable warmth and complexity, perfectly complementing the apples and cider.
Apple cider: Reduced down to concentrate its flavor, it’s the star ingredient that makes this coffee cake truly special and seasonal.
Baking powder and baking soda: Together, they provide the perfect lift for a soft and airy cake texture.
Egg and vanilla extract: Bind ingredients together while adding a lovely depth of flavor that rounds out the recipe.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds moistness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Granny Smith apples: Chopped to bring a fresh burst of tartness and tender bite in every forkful.
Powdered sugar and salt (for glaze): Create a luscious apple cider glaze, adding shine and an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel

Start by combining melted unsalted butter with flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This streusel topping brings a crunchy, buttery finish that contrasts the soft cake beneath. Once mixed, pop it in the fridge to chill — this will help keep those delightful crumbs from melting into the batter when baking.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

Place fresh apple cider in a small pot over medium-high heat until boiling, then lower the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to half a cup. This process intensifies the apple flavor, making sure your Apple Cider Coffee Cake will have a beautifully rich, fruity base.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Dry Ingredients

Butter an 8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave a two-inch overhang to easily lift the cake later. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice or allspice in a medium bowl—this ensures even distribution of leavening and spices throughout the batter.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract followed by the egg to create a smooth, luscious base. Mix in the cooled reduced apple cider and Greek yogurt or sour cream for moisture and tang. Finally, gently fold in the flour mixture and then the chopped Granny Smith apples to add tender chunks of fruity brightness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon your batter into the prepared pan and carefully spread it out evenly using a spatula. Give the pan a sharp tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles, which helps ensure an even texture. Sprinkle half a cup of the chilled streusel on top for that irresistible crunch. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before moving on to glazing.

Step 6: Add the Apple Cider Glaze

Whisk together apple cider, vanilla, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and thick yet pourable. Drizzle this glaze generously over your cooled Apple Cider Coffee Cake for an added shimmering layer of sweetness and that unmistakable cider flavor hit. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a truly spectacular cake.

How to Serve Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Garnishes

To enhance the rustic charm of this Apple Cider Coffee Cake, consider sprinkling some extra cinnamon or a quick dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts can also add delightful texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the warm spices. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream — their creaminess balances the tartness of the apples beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or a special occasion, serve the Apple Cider Coffee Cake on a wooden board decorated with edible flowers and fresh apple slices. You can also cut it into small squares and serve as finger food at a fall party or holiday gathering — it’s always a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, store the Apple Cider Coffee Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. Keeping it well wrapped maintains the cake’s moistness and keeps the glaze from hardening too much.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated 325°F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. This reheating revives the cake’s tender crumb and softens the glaze for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple juice will work in a pinch, apple cider has a richer, spiced flavor that really elevates the cake. If your cider is unsweetened, you’ll get a more authentic taste that complements the spices perfectly.

What type of apples are best for Apple Cider Coffee Cake?

Granny Smith apples are my top pick because they provide a lovely tartness and hold their shape well during baking. However, you can also use Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter apple.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

Do I have to reduce the apple cider?

Yes, reducing the cider concentrates the flavor and prevents the batter from becoming too watery. It’s a crucial step that amplifies the apple essence in the cake.

Is this cake suitable for morning breakfast or only dessert?

It’s perfect for both! The combination of spices, apples, and crumbly streusel makes it a cozy breakfast treat, but its richness also makes it wonderful as a dessert or afternoon snack with coffee.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming and irresistibly cozy about an Apple Cider Coffee Cake. It’s the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy moments with the people you love. Whether you’re celebrating autumn or just craving something comforting, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your kitchen smell like a slice of heaven.