Coffee cake is a classic treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s a staple in many households, often enjoyed during breakfast or as an afternoon snack. But have you ever thought of adding a twist to this beloved dessert? What if we told you that you could elevate the humble coffee cake by adding the delicious flavour of apple cider?
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup sour cream
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This step is crucial to ensure that your cake doesn’t stick to the pan. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra assurance.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These dry ingredients will form the base of your cake. The spices, in particular, will give your cake a warm, comforting flavour that pairs perfectly with the apple cider.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, more tender cake. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This method helps to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the sour cream until well incorporated. The sour cream adds a subtle tanginess to the cake and contributes to its moist texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. The batter should be thick and creamy.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Be sure not to open the oven door too early, as this can cause the cake to fall.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more apple cider; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let the cake cool before glazing, as the glaze can melt and become runny if the cake is too hot.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. The glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish to the cake and makes it look even more enticing.
- Slice and serve the delicious apple cider coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Tips and Variations
For an extra burst of flavour, add 1/2 cup of chopped apples or raisins to the batter before baking. The apples or raisins will add a nice texture and a burst of sweetness to the cake.
If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice or even apple sauce for a slightly different flavour. Just keep in mind that the flavour might not be as robust as when using apple cider.
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can add more cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger flavour, or omit the cloves if you’re not a fan. You can also experiment with other spices like allspice or cardamom.
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