Apple Coffee Cake Vanilla Glaze

This apple coffee cake with vanilla glaze brings together the sweet, crisp flavor of Honeycrisp apples and the creamy tang of Greek yogurt for a tender, moist bake that’s perfect for any cozy occasion. With warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes, it creates a deliciously inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, making it an ideal treat for brunch, breakfast, or a coffee gathering.

I first made this after an apple picking day with family, and it quickly became a favorite whenever we wanted something warm and comforting with a hint of nostalgia.

Ingredients

• All—purpose flour: Two cups for the perfect tender crumb
• Baking powder and baking soda: One and a half teaspoons and half a teaspoon for proper rise and fluffiness
• Salt: Half a teaspoon to balance the sweetness
• Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg: One teaspoon and a quarter teaspoon to add cozy, warm spice notes
• Unsalted butter: Half a cup softened to room temperature to create a rich base
• Granulated sugar: One cup to sweeten the batter nicely
• Eggs: Two large to bind the ingredients and add structure
• Pure vanilla extract: One teaspoon to enhance flavor complexity
• Plain whole—milk Greek yogurt: One cup which adds moisture and a subtle tang without weighing the cake down
• Honeycrisp apples: Two cups peeled and chopped, valued for their crisp texture and balanced sweet—tart flavor
• Cinnamon—sugar topping: Made with a quarter cup packed brown sugar for deep caramel flavor
• Ground cinnamon (topping): One teaspoon for spiced sweetness
• Unsalted butter (topping): Two tablespoons melted to bring the topping together
• Powdered sugar (vanilla glaze): One cup for smooth sweetness
• Whole milk (vanilla glaze): Two to three tablespoons to achieve the right drizzling consistency
• Pure vanilla extract (vanilla glaze): Half a teaspoon to tie the glaze flavors to the cake

Instructions

Prepare The Oven And Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for even baking. Butter and flour a 9 by 13—inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake will release easily after baking and helps the edges brown beautifully.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk these thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and leaveners, which creates a uniform rise and deep flavor throughout the cake.

Cream Butter And Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about three to four minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air that lightens the texture of your cake.

Add Eggs And Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract until it melds with the batter smoothly, building the fragrant base for your cake.

Incorporate Yogurt And Dry Ingredients:

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three portions, alternating with the Greek yogurt. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently to combine just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of tender, so be gentle here.

Fold In Apples:

Carefully fold in the chopped Honeycrisp apples with a spatula. Ensure the fruit is evenly distributed but avoid pressing too hard to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Transfer And Smooth:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to form a smooth, level surface for baking.

Prepare Cinnamon—Sugar Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to form damp, clumpy crumbs. This crumbly topping will bake into a deliciously crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Add Topping And Bake:

Sprinkle the cinnamon—sugar mixture evenly over the batter's surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Use a toothpick to test doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached when the cake is ready.

Cool And Glaze:

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes so the topping can set perfectly. While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the cake before serving.

The Honeycrisp apples are my favorite part— their balance of tartness and sweetness holds up beautifully during baking and always brings back memories of happy family orchard outings and cozy mornings filled with laughter and freshly brewed coffee.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to three days or freeze unglazed slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. Always add the glaze fresh after thawing to maintain its silky texture and shine.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap all—purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber without sacrificing tenderness. Use sour cream as an alternative to Greek yogurt for a similarly moist crumb and a slight tang. Substitute Honeycrisp apples with ripe pears to experiment with delicate, floral sweetness and a softer texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced cider for a true coffee cake experience. Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. For an extra crunch, try folding in toasted walnuts or pecans with the apples before baking or drizzle salted caramel sauce instead of the vanilla glaze for a richer finish.

This coffee cake is best served warm with the glaze added just before serving. It makes a cozy centerpiece for brunch or a comforting dessert any time you want a touch of nostalgia.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why is my coffee cake dense rather than fluffy?

Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can compress the crumb; mix just until combined and ensure ingredients reach room temperature for best texture.

→ How can I tell when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked; avoid waiting until it’s fully dry.

→ Can different apple varieties be used?

Yes, firm and tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady work well to provide flavor and texture balance.

→ Is it possible to prepare this cake ahead of time?

You can bake a day in advance; store uncovered at room temperature if serving the same day or tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, glazing just before serving.

→ Can this cake be frozen?

Freeze unglazed, fully cooled pieces double wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and apply glaze before serving for best results.