Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, irresistible treat that perfectly balances sweet and spice, look no further than this Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Imagine tender, cinnamon-infused cake bursting with juicy apple slices, topped with a crunchy streusel and finished off with a silky vanilla glaze that ties every bite together. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert or breakfast companion that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for every season and occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are deceptively simple, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the tender crumb, to the fragrant cinnamon and tart apples that add depth and brightness, every element is essential.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup and ½ cup): Offers a rich, creamy base for both the cake and streusel topping, ensuring moisture and flavor.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup and ¾ cup): Deepens flavor with its molasses notes, especially important in the streusel topping.
• Vegetable oil (¼ cup): Keeps the cake moist and soft.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the batter with warm, sweet aroma that elevates the overall taste.
• Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Sour cream (½ cup): Makes the crumb wonderfully tender and adds a subtle tang to balance sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups and 1 cup): The backbone of the cake and the streusel, providing structure and just the right crumb.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise light and fluffy.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon): Gives that classic warm spice essential for any apple dessert.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon and ⅛ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Medium apples, sliced (2): Fresh and slightly tart, they add natural sweetness and moist texture.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The foundation of the smooth vanilla glaze that crowns the cake.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to a drizzle-worthy consistency, adding a touch of creaminess.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Getting this done upfront makes the rest of the process smoother, so you’re ready to bake without delay as the batter comes together.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugars, and Oil

Using a hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until they’re light and fluffy. This step is important because it introduces air into the mixture, helping the cake rise with a wonderfully tender texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla, Eggs, and Sour Cream

Beat in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then fold in the sour cream to add richness and a slight tang that makes the cake incredibly moist and tender.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices throughout your cake, which is key for consistent flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can toughen the cake’s delicate crumb, something we want to avoid at all costs.

Step 6: Fold in the Apple Slices

Gently fold in those thinly sliced apples, which add bursts of juicy freshness in every bite. The apples should be evenly distributed so every slice of cake has its share of tender fruit.

Step 7: Transfer Batter to Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. This is your canvas for the delicious streusel topping that’s about to go on next.

Step 8: Make and Sprinkle the Streusel Topping

Mix the topping ingredients — melted butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt — until crumbly. Then generously sprinkle these buttery crumbs over the batter. This crunchy, caramelized topping will provide a beautiful contrast to the soft cake beneath.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples, making the wait well worth it.

Step 10: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and runny. This glaze adds the perfect sweet finish that melts silky over the warm streusel topping.

Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze Over the Cake

Finally, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top of the cake. Don’t be shy — the glaze is what makes this Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe truly stand out, adding a luscious, vanilla-kissed shine that’s pure indulgence.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish your cake slices with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few thin apple slices. A dash of cinnamon or even a few toasted pecans can complement the streusel beautifully and add some texture.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs brilliantly with a steaming cup of coffee or a chai latte, making it perfect for brunch or afternoon tea. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can also enhance the experience, adding contrast and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe in rustic slices on wooden boards for a cozy, farmhouse look. For a party, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy, shareable treats. You can also layer smaller pieces with vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator where it will last about 4 to 5 days. Just bring the cake back to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this apple coffee cake successfully by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low heat oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This brings back the soft crumb and revitalizes the vanilla glaze’s shine without drying it out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well for balance, sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will add more natural sweetness and softness, so feel free to choose based on your taste preference.

Is there a substitute for sour cream in this Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts. These alternatives will still provide the moisture and slight tang that keep the cake tender.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture light and moist.

How long does this cake stay fresh once glazed?

The glaze may soften the streusel topping after a day, but the cake itself stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely. Just use a larger baking dish or two pans and adjust the baking time accordingly—check for doneness a few minutes earlier or later depending on your oven and the pan size.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, delicious hug. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with warmth and brings people together around the table. I can’t wait for you to bake it, share it, and most importantly, savor every delightful bite!

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