If you adore the comforting flavors of apple pie but crave something with a twist, the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dessert combines the moist, buttery texture of yellow cake with the warm, spiced sweetness of apples and a crumbly topping that adds the perfect crunch. Imagine sinking your fork into tender apples layered over a soft cake base crowned by a buttery crumble—this recipe truly brings the best of both worlds. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings but also an inviting treat for any cozy afternoon tea or festive occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, yet each plays a vital role in making the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe shine. The yellow cake mix creates the soft foundation, while fresh apples infuse natural sweetness and moisture. Spices and sugars enhance the flavor, and the crumble topping brings texture and richness for an irresistible finish.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 425g): Provides a quick and reliable base with a tender crumb that complements the apples perfectly.
- Water (1½ cups, 360ml): Hydrates the cake mix, ensuring a moist, fluffy texture.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup, 80ml): Adds moisture and softness, keeping the cake delightfully tender.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Apples (6, peeled and sliced): Fresh, juicy apples deliver natural sweetness and a lovely, tender bite after baking.
- Brown sugar (3 tbsp, 45g + ½ cup, 100g): Two different uses—one for coating the apples to enhance caramelization, the other in the crumble for a rich, sweet topping.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses the apples with warm, fragrant spice that’s essential to the classic apple pie flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp, 15ml): Brightens the apple mixture, balancing sweetness and preventing browning.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup, 95g): Creates the base of the crumble topping for that irresistible crunch.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness in the crumble mixture.
- Cold butter (½ cup, 115g, cubed): Cut into the flour mixture to produce a crisp, buttery crumble topping.
How to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. This step is crucial because the greasing prevents the cake from sticking while allowing it to bake evenly. Preparing your pan right will mean your cake comes out perfect every time.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat these together until you have a smooth, uniform batter with no lumps. Pour this batter evenly into your prepared pan to create a solid foundation for the apple layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer
Grab a separate bowl and toss your peeled, sliced apples with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This mixture will coat each apple slice, infusing them with sweetness and spice while keeping their bright flavor balanced by a hint of citrus. Spread this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cake batter.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, then use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the topping looks like coarse crumbs. This crumble topping will create a golden, crisp layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and tender apples. Sprinkle this crumble gently and evenly over the apples.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean and the crumble topping is golden and crisp. This baking stage allows all the flavors to meld together while the cake cooks through and the topping crisps up delightfully.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove your cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Cooling helps the layers set nicely, making it easier to cut neat slices. If you want to add an elegant final touch, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving—it adds a delicate sweetness and a charming presentation.
How to Serve Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this dessert is that it’s satisfying on its own, but you can offer a little extra pizzazz with simple garnishes. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices and buttery crumble perfectly. Alternatively, a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a luscious finish that’s pure indulgence.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat, making it ideal for casual get-togethers. For a more festive approach, serve it alongside steamed custard or a smooth vanilla crème anglaise to create a richer dessert experience that will impress your guests every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving it straight from the pan, you could cut the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe into individual squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a stunning presentation. Another fun idea is to serve slices inside baked apples for a playful twist that merges two classic desserts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it covered prevents the crumble from drying out and helps maintain the cake’s moist texture and vibrant apple flavor.
Freezing
The Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat anytime you like, with frozen slices lasting up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap a slice and warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method refreshes the crumble topping and preserves the moistness of the cake. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully for balance, you can use any apple variety you have on hand. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will give a softer, sweeter bite, while firmer, tarter ones hold their shape better during baking.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe, substitute the yellow cake mix and all-purpose flour with gluten-free equivalents. There are great gluten-free cake mixes and flours available that will provide a similar texture without compromising flavor.
How long does the cake keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, this cake is best enjoyed within two days when kept at room temperature. Refrigerating it can extend freshness up to five days, but be cautious as the crumble topping may lose some of its crispness.
Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping adds a wonderful nutty crunch. Just mix them with the flour and sugar before cutting in the butter for an even more textured and flavorful finish.
What’s the best way to slice this cake?
Use a sharp knife and cut into squares or rectangles after the cake has completely cooled. To get clean slices, wipe the knife between cuts to prevent crumbs from sticking and tearing the layers.
Final Thoughts
The Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels both homey and special, effortless yet impressive. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, this cake delivers comfort, sweetness, and that perfect crumble crunch in every bite. Give it a go—you’ll soon discover why this recipe is quickly becoming a personal favorite and a guaranteed winner at any gathering.
Print
Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake is a delightful fusion of classic apple pie flavors and moist yellow cake. This recipe layers a smooth cake batter with cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crumble topping, baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that captures the warmth and comfort of homemade apple pie in cake form, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (425g) yellow cake mix
- 1½ cups (360ml) water
- â…“ 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 with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and to promote even baking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and homogenous. Pour this batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, ensuring all slices are nicely coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. 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 apples layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake portion; it should come out clean. The top should be golden and crisp when done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing and serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweetness of the cake and crumble.
- Make sure the butter is cold for the crumble topping, which ensures a crumbly texture.
- Letting the cake cool completely helps the layers to set, making it easier to slice.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- For added flavor, you may sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts over the apple layer before adding the crumble topping.
