If you love the comforting flavors of fall desserts with a fresh twist, then the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. This delightful cake perfectly balances tender yellow cake base with spiced, juicy apple slices and a buttery crumble topping that brings that beloved apple pie essence in a wonderfully simple and approachable way. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both homey and impressive, ideal for family gatherings or cozy weekend baking when you want to fill your kitchen with the sweet, inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is easy, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the luscious texture and classic flavors of this cake. From the yellow cake mix that forms a soft backbone to the crisp apples and crumbly topping, everything comes together beautifully without fuss.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 425g): The perfect base that keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a golden color.
- Water (1½ cups, 360ml): Essential to hydrate the cake mix and help create a fluffy batter.
- Vegetable oil (⅓ cup, 80ml): Adds moisture and richness to the cake texture.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Apples (6, peeled and sliced): The star ingredient, giving fresh tartness and sweetness that make the pie cake irresistible.
- Brown sugar (3 tbsp, 45g + ½ cup, 100g): Brings deep caramel notes that enhance both the apple layer and the crumble topping.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): A warming spice that perfectly complements the apples and sugar.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp, 15ml): Adds bright acidity to keep the apples fresh and vibrant.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup, 95g): The base for the crumb topping, providing structure and texture.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cold butter (½ cup, 115g, cubed): Creates that irresistible, crispy crumble topping when worked into the flour mixture.
How to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help your cake bake evenly. This simple prep step will pay off with a perfect release and crisp edges.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Base
In a large bowl, whisk together yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until you get a smooth, homogeneous batter. This combination creates a tender yet sturdy base that will carry the apples and crumble beautifully. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan for an even bake.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping
In another bowl, toss your peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The brown sugar melts into the fruit while baking, and the cinnamon brings that signature warm spice note. Lemon juice brightens the apples, preventing them from browning and enhancing their natural flavor.
Step 4: Create the Crumble Topping
Mix all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Then add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a golden, crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and tender apples.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cake batter, then sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples. Place the pan in your oven and bake for 35 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean and the crumble is beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up. For an elegant final touch, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving—pure perfection!
How to Serve Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cake, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon spice.
Side Dishes
This apple pie cake is wonderfully versatile and can be served alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a more festive occasion, pair it with a creamy custard or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add extra decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dessert into a showstopper by serving it in individual ramekins for personal portions, ideal for dinner parties. Or, slice into squares and serve on rustic wooden boards with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming, rustic display your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, it’s best kept refrigerated to maintain freshness. Keeping it well-covered prevents the crumble from drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for when you want an effortless dessert ready to thaw.
Reheating
To reheat, allow the cake to come to room temperature first, then warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to revive that lovely crisp topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the crumble can lose its delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance sweetness, you can mix in sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala for a more mellow flavor. Just be sure the apples are firm to hold their shape during baking.
Is it necessary to use a boxed yellow cake mix?
While the recipe calls for a yellow cake mix for convenience and consistency, you can substitute a homemade yellow cake batter if you prefer. The boxed mix simplifies preparation without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To adapt the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe to gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free flour blend. This allows everyone to enjoy the deliciousness without compromise.
What if I don’t have a pastry blender for the crumble?
No worries! You can use your fingertips or two forks to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. The key is to keep the butter cold and work quickly to achieve the crumbly texture essential for that perfect topping.
Can this cake be made ahead for a party?
Definitely. You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in the oven to refresh the crumb topping.
Final Thoughts
The Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe is truly a charming dessert that captures the spirit of classic apple pie in a wonderfully simple cake form. Its tender crumb, juicy spiced apples, and crisp topping combine to make a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
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Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake is a delightful fusion of classic apple pie and moist yellow cake, topped with a buttery crumble. This easy-to-make dessert features tender baked apples coated with cinnamon and brown sugar, layered over a rich cake batter, then finished with a crisp, buttery topping. Ideal for autumn gatherings or year-round treats, it combines comforting flavors with a wonderful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (425g) yellow cake mix
- 1½ cups (360ml) water
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Apple Topping
- 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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture until smooth and homogenous, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In another bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Make Crumble Topping: Mix together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the apples in the pan.
- Bake the Cake: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 35–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean and the top is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. For an elegant finish, dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Choose firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the butter is cold for the crumble topping to achieve a crisp texture.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven; start checking around 35 minutes.
- This cake can be served warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
