Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Enjoy the delightful flavors of fall with this Apple Cider Coffee Cake! This recipe brings together the warm essence of spices, the sweetness of apples, and a luscious apple cider glaze that makes it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With its moist texture and rich flavors, this coffee cake is ideal for cozy gatherings or a simple treat any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet apples and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake suits any occasion.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can achieve great results.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The inclusion of Greek yogurt ensures a moist cake that stays fresh longer.
• Beautiful Presentation: The apple cider glaze adds a shiny finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools is essential for making your Apple Cider Coffee Cake. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results in baking.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, ensuring a light texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Apple Cider Coffee Cake:

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 1/2 cup, see instructions below)
• 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 1/2 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). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Mix until crumbly and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Pour in 1 ¼ cups of apple cider.
2. Allow it to simmer until reduced to about half a cup. Stir occasionally.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl:
1. Beat room temperature butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy.
2. Add egg and mix well followed by vanilla extract and Greek yogurt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Pour in reduced apple cider.
2. Fold in chopped apples gently until just combined.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan:
1. Spread evenly.
2. Top with streusel mixture.

Step 8: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Once baked:
1. Allow the cake to cool on a rack for about 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
2. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with remaining apple cider and vanilla until smooth then drizzle over cooled cake.

Now you have a delicious Apple Cider Coffee Cake that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your creation!

How to Serve Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Serving Apple Cider Coffee Cake can elevate any occasion, whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering. This delightful treat pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments to enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples – Fresh apple slices add a refreshing crunch that complements the cake’s sweetness.
• Berries – A mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provides a burst of flavor and vibrant colors.

Alongside Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream – Serve a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top for an indulgent touch.
• Cinnamon Whipped Cream – Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.

Pairing with Coffee or Tea

• Coffee – A hot cup of coffee enhances the rich flavors of the cake, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• Herbal Tea – A warm herbal tea, like chamomile or chai, offers a soothing contrast to the spiced cake.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Coffee Cake

To achieve the best results with your Apple Cider Coffee Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Reduce Cider – Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor. Simmer it until you have about half a cup for the best taste.
• Boldly Use Fresh Apples – Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith for a tart and juicy addition that enhances the cake’s texture.
• Boldly Measure Ingredients Accurately – Precision in measuring ingredients ensures consistent results every time you bake.
• Boldly Incorporate Streusel Topping – The buttery streusel adds texture and flavor; don’t skip this step for that perfect crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Apple Cider Coffee Cake makes for a versatile dessert that pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits to create a creamy and crunchy contrast.
2. Granola Bars – Crunchy granola bars make for an easy snack alongside your cake, adding extra fiber.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cake, providing savory notes.
4. Fruit Salad – A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and lightness, making your meal feel complete.
5. Chia Pudding – A bowl of chia pudding topped with nuts or berries brings additional texture and health benefits.
6. Savory Muffins – Pairing with savory muffins, such as cheese or herb muffins, creates a delightful sweet-and-savory combo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes in your Apple Cider Coffee Cake will ensure the best outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the apple cider reduction: Not reducing the apple cider can result in a cake that is too moist and lacks flavor depth. Always reduce it to 1/2 cup for optimal taste.
• Using old or stale ingredients: Outdated flour or baking powder can affect the rise and texture of your cake. Check expiration dates and use fresh ingredients.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Not measuring apples correctly: Adding too many or too few apples can throw off the balance of flavors. Use a precise measurement of 1 ¼ cups of chopped apples.
• Ignoring the streusel topping: A lackluster streusel can make your cake less appealing. Ensure you mix the streusel ingredients well for that perfect buttery crunch.
• Forgetting about cooling time: Cutting into your coffee cake before it cools may result in a messy slice. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store covered in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Coffee Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Cider Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Apple Cider Coffee Cake:

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt or sour cream?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or plant-based yogurt as alternatives if you prefer dairy-free options.

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for sweetness.

How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is done!

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze Apple Cider Coffee Cake slices, making them easy to enjoy later.

How long does this coffee cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, this delicious treat stays fresh for up to five days in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Coffee Cake is not only perfect for fall but also versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Its rich flavor and delightful texture make it an ideal treat any time of day. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or using different spices!