Name: Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup sour cream; 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, then this Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a moist, tender cake bursting with fresh apple pieces and spices, layered with cinnamon sugar, and topped off with a silky, sweet vanilla glaze that brings everything together perfectly. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over morning coffee or indulging in a comforting dessert, this recipe is a delightful way to savor the flavors of apple and vanilla in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a single slice of carrot cake on a white plate, showing three layers: the bottom and middle layers are moist, orange-brown cake with visible pieces of carrot and nuts, while the middle layer also has visible light creamy filling. The top layer is covered with a thick smooth white cream frosting, decorated with a swirl of the same frosting and small crunchy nut pieces sprinkled on top. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the soft butter adding richness to the cinnamon infusing warm spice, making this dish as comforting as it is delicious.

1½ cups flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base of the cake’s texture.
½ cup sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping with browning and moisture retention.
1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cake its lovely rise and airy crumb.
½ tsp baking soda: Works with the sour cream for the perfect lift and tenderness.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 tsp cinnamon: Brings that delicious warm spice that pairs so well with apples.
½ cup butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
½ cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
1 apple, chopped: Provides fresh bursts of sweet, juicy flavor right in the cake.

For the Vanilla Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
1 tbsp milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
½ tsp vanilla: Adds fragrant warmth and depth to the glaze.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly, creating the perfect base for your delicious creation.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, take the softened butter and sugar and beat them together until light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it traps air, helping your cake rise to a tender, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to combine well, then mix in the sour cream. The eggs add structure and moisture, while the sour cream introduces a subtle tang and richness essential to the cake’s moist crumb.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the aromatic cinnamon. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing, which could lead to toughness. Finally, fold in the chopped apple pieces, which will lend their juicy sweetness to every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is when the cinnamon and apple flavors meld beautifully, creating a tender, aromatic cake.

Step 6: Cool and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

Allow your cake to cool completely before drizzling it with the simple yet irresistible vanilla glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Its creamy sweetness complements the cake’s spice and enhances the apple’s natural flavor, adding an irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

A round carrot cake sliced in the center shows a moist, dark orange-brown inside with visible carrot pieces and nuts. The cake is covered in thick white cream cheese frosting that drips slightly down the sides. The top is decorated with crumbled golden-brown nut pieces all around and three whole nut halves in the center. The cake sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. A woman's hand holds a silver fork near the cake. The image has a soft, natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a little cinnamon or crushed walnuts on top of the glaze. Adding thin apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation while complementing the cake’s flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea, making it ideal for a cozy morning or afternoon snack. For a more filling breakfast, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness with light freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe to a festive next level by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. You can also cut the cake into small squares for a charming tea party or brunch display that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your cake will stay moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last a little longer, you can also keep it in the fridge where it will stay good for about 5 days. Make sure the glaze is fully set before covering.

Freezing

This Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for a fresh-baked taste anytime.

Reheating

To revive the cake’s tenderness and bring back its fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or gently warm in a 300 °F oven for 10 minutes. You can add a little extra drizzle of the vanilla glaze or a pat of butter for extra melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?

Absolutely! Apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji all work wonderfully. Just remember, tart apples will add a tangier contrast while sweeter varieties will enhance the overall sweetness of the cake.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but the cake will still be moist and tasty.

Can I add a streusel topping to the Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe?

Yes! Adding a crumbly streusel topping made of brown sugar, butter, and flour before baking adds a delightful crunch and extra cinnamon flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and glaze.

How thick should I chop the apples for this cake?

Chop the apples into small, roughly ½-inch pieces so that they bake evenly and distribute throughout the cake without sinking to the bottom.

Can I make the vanilla glaze ahead of time?

Definitely, you can prepare the vanilla glaze a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before drizzling over the cake for that perfect smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Apple Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe that makes every bite feel like a cozy moment wrapped in warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s a recipe that brings smiles and comfort to the table with ease. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to for breakfast or dessert!