Apple Coffee Cake Vanilla Glaze

This apple coffee cake with vanilla glaze captures the warmth of fresh apples and cozy spices in every bite. Packed with juicy Honeycrisp apples, a tender cinnamon-sugar topping, and a light vanilla glaze, it's just the right treat for brunch, breakfast, or any coffee gathering.

I remember the first time I made this, the house smelled so inviting that my family kept sneaking bites straight from the pan. It quickly became a requested recipe for special mornings.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Two cups all-purpose flour for a tender yet sturdy crumb sift to avoid lumps
• Baking powder and baking soda: One and a half teaspoons baking powder and half a teaspoon baking soda to give lift and lightness
• Salt: Half a teaspoon salt balances sweetness perfectly
• Spices: One teaspoon ground cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg for warm spice notes choose fresh, high quality spices for best aroma
• Unsalted butter: Half a cup unsalted butter, softened for easy creaming, essential for rich texture
• Granulated sugar: One cup granulated sugar to provide sweetness without overpowering
• Eggs: Two large eggs add structure and moisture room temperature eggs blend better
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon pure vanilla extract for aromatic depth
• Greek yogurt: One cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt contributes moisture and slight tang, enhancing moisture retention
• Honeycrisp apples: Two cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped for sweetness and texture Honeycrisp apples stay firm and juicy during baking
• Cinnamon-sugar topping: A quarter cup brown sugar packed mixes with one teaspoon ground cinnamon and two tablespoons melted unsalted butter to create those delightful crumbly pockets on top
• Vanilla glaze: One cup powdered sugar whisked with two to three tablespoons whole milk and half a teaspoon pure vanilla extract to a smooth pourable consistency

Instructions

Prep The Oven And Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit which ensures even cooking. Butter and flour a nine by thirteen-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for clean removal and easy serving.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is uniform. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices through the batter.

Cream Butter And Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about three to four minutes. This step aerates the batter lighting up the texture.

Add Eggs And Vanilla:

Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined for depth of flavor.

Incorporate Yogurt And Dry Ingredients:

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the Greek yogurt in between, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently after each addition just until combined. Overmixing will toughen the cake.

Fold In Apples:

Gently fold the chopped Honeycrisp apples into the batter to ensure they are evenly dispersed without breaking them down, which helps keep distinct chunks and moisture pockets.

Transfer And Smooth:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.

Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes damp and crumbly.

Add Topping And Bake:

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the batter in the pan. Bake for thirty-five to forty minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool And Glaze:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least twenty minutes. While it cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the vanilla glaze liberally over the cooled cake just before serving for a glossy sweet finish.

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the cinnamon-sugar topping which creates soft pockets of sweet crunch, a perfect contrast to the tender cake beneath. Baking this cake always brings back memories of crisp fall afternoons spent at the orchard with family, making it more than just a dessert but a sweet tradition.

Storage Tips

Store this cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crumb moist and topping crisp. For longer storage, refrigerate wrapped in plastic wrap or a reusable container for up to three days. This cake also freezes well if unglazed. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and thaw completely before glazing.

Ingredient Substitutions

White whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor with added fiber while keeping texture tender. Sour cream makes a great substitution for Greek yogurt bringing similar moisture and tang. If Honeycrisp apples are not available, swap in crisp firm pears for a subtly sweet and tender variation.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy warm with a cup of strong coffee or hot apple cider to enhance the spice notes. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns this into a cozy dessert. For an extra twist, toss in toasted pecans or walnuts with the apples for added crunch and richness.

This apple coffee cake with vanilla glaze embodies the warmth of a homemade weekday treat or a charming holiday centerpiece. It’s easy to pull together yet delivers on flavor and texture, making it a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Why is my coffee cake dense rather than fluffy?

Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can compress the crumb. Mix only until combined and ensure ingredients are at room temperature for an airy texture.

→ How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is baked perfectly. Avoid waiting until it’s completely dry.

→ Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake a day ahead and store uncovered at room temperature if serving within the same day, or refrigerate tightly covered for up to 3 days. Glaze before serving.

→ What apple varieties work best here?

Firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady maintain texture and add balanced flavor after baking.

→ Is freezing the cake possible?

Freeze unglazed cooled pieces double wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and add glaze before serving.