Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy dessert that blends the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie with the moist, tender crumb of cake, then the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful treat layers soft apples spiced with cinnamon atop a rich vanilla cake base, all crowned with a buttery crumble topping that turns golden in the oven. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and crunchy textures that feel just like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply an indulgent afternoon snack, this recipe brings joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the tender cake base to the spiced apple layer and the crumbly topping that finishes it off with a delightful crunch.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 425g): Provides a reliable, fluffy base that’s both simple and delicious.
- Water (1½ cups, 360ml): Hydrates the cake mix to create a moist batter.
- Vegetable oil (⅓ cup, 80ml): Keeps the cake tender and moist without overpowering flavor.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Apples (6, peeled and sliced): The star of the dish, adding natural sweetness and freshness.
- Brown sugar (3 tbsp, 45g) for apple layer: Sweetens the apples and helps create a lovely glaze.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses the apples with warming spice and depth.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp, 15ml): Brightens up the apple flavor and prevents browning.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup, 95g): Forms the base of the buttery crumble topping.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, 100g) for crumble: Adds sweetness and a slight chewiness to the topping.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances and balances the sweetness throughout the crumbs.
- Cold butter (½ cup, 115g, cubed): Creates the classic crumbly texture that’s key to the topping’s success.
How to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This simple prep step makes such a difference when it’s time to serve your masterpiece.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, blend the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and uniform. The consistency should be free of lumps, which guarantees an even rise and soft texture. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly so every slice has the perfect cake foundation.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer
Grab another bowl and toss the peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Each ingredient works magic here: the sugar caramelizes slightly during baking, cinnamon adds warmth, and lemon juice keeps your apples fresh and vibrant. Spread this apple mixture in an even layer right over your cake batter.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
For the crumble, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mix resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping will bake into a golden, crispy layer that’s utterly irresistible. Sprinkle it generously over the apples.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean and the tops of the crumble and apples have turned a rich golden-brown. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like autumn in full swing.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe to cool completely in the pan—this step helps the layers set perfectly. For that extra touch of elegance and sweetness, dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. Prepare for some serious compliments!
How to Serve Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is the classic way to elevate the cake’s appearance with a delicate snowy touch. Alternatively, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can bring luscious creaminess that complements the apple’s natural tartness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai or rich coffee to balance the sweetness. If you want extra indulgence, serve it alongside a custard or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the cake into individual servings and place each on a small plate with a cinnamon stick garnish or a thin apple slice. You could also serve warm slices on a rustic wooden platter during gatherings for a homey presentation that makes everyone feel instantly welcome.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Jam-packed with moist apples and crumble topping, this cake keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes well. Wrap the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or cut into portions and freeze individually. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for fresh-baked charm any day of the week.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This helps revive the crumble’s crispness and warm the apples without drying out the cake itself.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, you can experiment with sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may reduce the amount of added sugar you’ll want to use for balance.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can adapt the recipe by using a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free flour for the crumble topping. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder or cinnamon, are certified gluten-free to avoid any issues.
Can I prepare the apple mixture and crumble topping ahead of time?
Yes, prepping these components up to a day in advance can save time. Keep them separately covered in the fridge and assemble right before baking to ensure the apples and crumble stay fresh and don’t lose their texture.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil in the cake batter?
You can use melted butter or a light olive oil as alternatives. Butter will add a richer flavor while olive oil can lend a subtle fruity note. Either works well—it’s all about your personal preference!
How long can I keep the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container or covered, the cake will stay fresh for up to two days outside the refrigerator. Beyond that, it’s better to refrigerate to maintain freshness and safety.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe—it captures the soul-warming essence of apple pie while keeping things wonderfully simple and approachable. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite for sharing around the table. Trust me, this one’s a keeper, so get your apples ready and your oven preheated for a slice of comfort you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Print
Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake is a delightful fusion of classic apple pie flavors and moist yellow cake, topped with a crunchy crumble. This easy-to-make dessert layers tender apples spiced with cinnamon and lemon juice over a soft cake base, finished with a buttery crumble topping that bakes to golden perfection. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy treat, this recipe serves 12 and brings the warmth of apple pie into a convenient cake format.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (425g) yellow cake mix
- 1½ cups (360ml) water
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Apple Layer
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 3 tbsp (45g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure the cake bakes evenly.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and homogenous. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out to cover the base completely.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: In another bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until all slices are well coated. Evenly spread this apple mixture over the cake batter in the pan, creating a flavorful layer of fruit.
- Make the Crumble Topping: Combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the apple layer in the pan.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean and the crumble topping is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Optionally, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Make sure the butter for the crumble topping is cold to achieve a good crumbly texture.
- The baking time may vary depending on your oven; start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
