If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that perfectly blends the flavors of a classic apple pie and the softness of a moist cake, then look no further. The Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe is an absolute gem to add to your baking repertoire. This delicious treat combines tender cake, spiced apple layers, and a crunchy crumble topping, delivering a wonderful mix of textures and aromas that instantly transport you to a warm kitchen filled with happiness. It’s super simple to make, yet the results are nothing short of spectacular—making it ideal for family breakfasts, afternoon teas, or any time you want a slice of pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully straightforward with ingredients you likely have at home, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the fluffy yellow cake mix that acts as the cake’s foundation to the crisp apples and buttery crumble topping, every component contributes something special to the end result.
- Yellow cake mix (425g): Provides a tender, moist cake base that soaks up apple juices beautifully.
- Water (1½ cups / 360ml): Essential for hydrating the cake mix and creating the perfect batter consistency.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup / 80ml): Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down, contributing to a tender crumb.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake batter.
- Apples (6, peeled and sliced): The heart of the dish, adding natural sweetness and a fresh, fruity burst to every bite.
- Brown sugar (3 tbsp / 45g + ½ cup / 100g): Sweetens the apples and creates the delightful crumb topping’s caramel notes.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp / 15ml): Brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup / 95g): The basis of the crumble topping, giving it structure and a satisfying crunch.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cold butter (½ cup / 115g, cubed): Creates the crumbly, buttery topping that adds texture and richness.
How to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan generously. This simple step ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out smoothly without sticking, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and consistent across. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly to create a solid base ready for the apple and crumble layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer
Grab another bowl and toss your peeled, sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This combination not only sweetens but also infuses the apples with a lovely warmth and brightness. Spread this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cake batter, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
Now, it’s time for the crowning glory—the crumbly topping. Mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt together. Then add your cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Scatter this topping generously over the apples, giving the cake an irresistible crunchy finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for anywhere from 35 to 60 minutes. To know when it’s ready, insert a toothpick into the cake part; it should come out clean. The top should be a gorgeous golden brown and crisp, signaling that everything is baked to perfection.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the cake cool completely right in the pan. This cooling step helps the flavors meld and makes slicing neater. For that final touch of elegance, consider dusting the cake with powdered sugar just before serving—a simple step to make your creation look as delightful as it tastes.
How to Serve Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, a dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy touch and a subtle sweetness. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is also heavenly alongside this cake, balancing the warmth of cinnamon and apples with cool creaminess.
Side Dishes
This cake shines best on its own or with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. If you want to make a small brunch or dessert platter, consider serving it with a selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar, which pairs brilliantly with apple-based desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering slices of the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe in glass parfait cups with yogurt or custard for a delightful twist. Alternatively, cut into squares and serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeks when you want a quick slice of happiness.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s warmth and flavors, reheat slices in a microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a warm oven for 10 minutes. This softens the crumble topping and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work really well due to their firmness and tartness, you can experiment with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just make sure they hold their shape during baking for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You could substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free flour for the crumble topping. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture, but it’s a great way to adapt the recipe to your needs.
Can I prepare the cake the night before serving?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature or reheat gently before serving. This actually allows the flavors to deepen and develop wonderfully.
What’s the best way to peel and slice apples quickly?
Using a handheld apple peeler and corer can save a lot of time and effort. If you don’t have one, a sharp paring knife and a steady hand will do just fine—just aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly.
Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple and spice beautifully. Just sprinkle them into the crumble mixture before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of combining the best parts of apple pie and cake, the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. It is straightforward to make, warmly spiced, and packed with layers of flavor and texture. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make many joyful memories over slices shared with loved ones.
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
This Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake is a delightful fusion of classic apple pie flavors and moist yellow cake, topped with a buttery crumble. Perfect for cozy gatherings, this easy-to-make dessert features tender apples coated in cinnamon and brown sugar, layered over a soft cake base and crowned with a crunchy topping.
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 to prevent the cake from sticking and ensure 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 the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until all the apple slices are well coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Make the Crumble Topping: Combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 60 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean and the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. For an elegant touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more complex flavors.
- Make sure the butter for the crumble topping is very cold to achieve the best crumbly texture.
- You can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before slicing to maintain clean slices.
