My mom has been making this every fall since I was a kid and the smell alone makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a cozy blanket. This Apple Cider Coffee Cake has the most incredible crumb topping that gets crunchy and sweet, while the cake stays tender and packed with apple cider flavor. I brought it to a brunch last October and three different people asked if I'd start a bakery.
The apple cider glaze drizzled on top takes it from good to absolutely unforgettable. It's one of those fall breakfast ideas that works just as well for dessert, and I've been known to eat it straight from the pan with my morning coffee more times than I care to admit.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Apple Cider Coffee Cake is the perfect answer when you need fall coffee cake that actually tastes like fall. This apple cider donut cake recipe transforms the flavors of apple cider donuts into an easy-to-make sheet cake with cinnamon apple cake recipe vibes. My sister made this apple cinnamon coffee cake for Thanksgiving morning and it was gone before the turkey even went in the oven.
The spiced apple cider reduction in the batter creates moisture and intense flavor, while the apple cider coffee cake with streusel topping adds that irresistible crunch. Plus, it's one of those easy apple dessert recipes that looks fancy but uses simple pantry ingredients.
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What You'll Need
Just straightforward ingredients create this apple cider coffee cake recipe that rivals any bakery version. I always stock up on apple cider in fall specifically for apple cider baking recipes like this one.
For the Cake
- 2 cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons apple cider
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Extras
Add diced fresh apples to make it more like apple pie filling coffee cake, or swap in pumpkin spice for a pumpkin spice coffee cake twist. My mom likes to add chopped pecans to the streusel for extra crunch in this apple cider bread style cake.
The full instructions are right in the recipe card.
How to Make Apple Cider Coffee Cake
Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until it reduces down to about ½ cup. This concentrates the apple flavor and is the secret to the best apple cider recipes desserts. Let it cool while you prep everything else.
Make the Streusel
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumb topping is what makes apple coffee cake recipes easy but impressive. Set aside in the fridge while you make the batter.
Mix the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the reduced apple cider, sour cream, and vanilla. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. Don't overmix or your cake will be tough.
Can I make this as muffins instead?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin, top with streusel, and bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes. These apple cider coffee cake muffins are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Bake and Glaze
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping all over the surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for at least 15 minutes. While it's cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla to make the apple cake glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Top Tip
The secret to perfect apple cider coffee cake is actually reducing that apple cider.
Don't skip this step or you'll end up with a soggy cake that tastes watered down.
The reduction concentrates all those apple flavors into something almost caramel-like.
Also, make sure your butter for the streusel is actually cold.
If it's too soft, the topping will melt into the cake instead of staying on top and getting crispy.
My husband made this mistake once and we ended up with a greasy mess instead of that perfect crunchy layer.
Keep it cold and you'll be fine.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap the apple cider for apple juice in a pinch, though the flavor won't be quite as deep. You can make this as an apple cider bundt cake by using a bundt pan and increasing the baking time to 45 to 50 minutes. For apple cider donut cake allrecipes style, shape the batter into a ring in a round pan. Add a layer of spiced apple filling in the middle for cakes with apples that's extra decadent. This also works as apple cider dessert recipes if you serve it warm with vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover apple cider coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. The streusel will soften slightly over time but it's still delicious. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This doughnut cake freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Apple Cider Coffee Cake
This works perfectly with hot coffee, apple cider, or chai lattes for a cozy fall breakfast. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a complete brunch spread. It's also great as easy apple cider cake donuts recipe style for dessert with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. My family loves it with a side of yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast.
FAQs About Apple Cider Coffee Cake
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes! Any apple cider works, just make sure it's actual cider and not apple juice. Fresh pressed cider from the farmers market makes it even better.
Do I have to reduce the apple cider?
Yes, this step is essential for the right texture and concentrated flavor. Skipping it will make the cake too wet and the apple flavor will be barely noticeable.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake it the night before, let it cool completely, and store covered at room temperature. Add the glaze in the morning right before serving for the freshest look.
What's the difference between coffee cake and regular cake?
Coffee cake typically has a crumb topping and is meant to be eaten with coffee. It's less sweet than regular cake and often includes sour cream for extra moisture, making it perfect for gateaux cake style breakfast treats.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you loved this apple cider coffee cake, you'll want to try my Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake for another fall breakfast favorite. Or check out my Apple Crumb Cake for a similar vibe with fresh apples. For more apple cake with glaze ideas, my Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is always a crowd-pleaser. You'll find all of these and more apple cider cake recipe variations in my DESSERT category.
Made it your way? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes; I'd love to see your twist on it!
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Pairing
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