Growing up, autumn was always a time for warm kitchens, cinnamon-scented air, and apple desserts made with love. There was nothing quite like coming home from a chilly walk to the sight of golden apples being peeled at the kitchen table and the promise of something sweet baking in the oven. Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake captures that essence—blending the nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the tender crumb of a homemade cake. It’s a dessert that wraps you up like your favorite sweater and brings a smile with every bite.
This recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of seasonality and simplicity. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just indulging your family on a Sunday afternoon, the apple pie cake is a dessert that feels like home. It’s the kind of bake that doesn’t require perfection but always delivers comfort. That’s why it has a special place in kitchens across generations.
With layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, soft yellow cake, and a crumbly topping, this cake feels both rustic and refined. And it’s no surprise that Jamie Oliver—champion of hearty, fuss-free cooking—brings this one to the table with flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless to Make: Starts with a yellow cake mix, making this perfect for busy days.
- All the Comforts of Fall: Spiced apple filling gives off cozy, warm vibes all year long.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a mid-week dessert surprise.
- Customizable: Great for adding nuts, dried fruits, or different apple varieties.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist and flavorful for days—just as good the next day (if not better!).
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For the Cake Layer
- 1 box (425g) yellow cake mix
- 1½ cups water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Apple Filling
- 6 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
How to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake
This recipe is as soothing to make as it is to eat. You’ll layer, sprinkle, and bake your way to a dessert that tastes like you’ve been working for hours—but really haven’t.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk by hand until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
Toss your sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Scatter this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cake batter—don’t press them down; they’ll sink in a little during baking.
Step 4: Mix the Crumble Topping
Combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Add in the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the apples.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 40–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for maybe a little apple stickiness).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Slice and serve as is, or warm it slightly and top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of apples: A combination of tart and sweet apples gives more dimension to the flavor.
- Let it cool before slicing: The cake firms up as it cools, making for cleaner slices.
- Add-ins for extra flair: Toss in some chopped pecans or raisins with the apple layer for added texture.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
This cake keeps beautifully and may even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for casual brunches, school lunches, or holiday feasts.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cake batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely. A homemade yellow cake batter will work wonderfully.
What are the best apples to use?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites, but any firm, baking-friendly variety works.
Is this recipe good for freezing?
Yes! Freeze individual slices or the whole cake after it cools. Wrap well and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Strawberry Mango Cake: A Summery Slice of Joy
- Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares: A Sweet Slice of Spring Nostalgia
- Rhubarb Crumble Bars
- Neapolitan Cookies
Conclusion
There’s a reason Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake stands out—it’s the kind of bake that feels like a warm hug from someone who really knows what they’re doing in the kitchen. It’s unfussy, deeply flavorful, and the ultimate marriage of pie and cake. Whether it’s for your next gathering or just a cozy evening in, this dessert will never let you down.
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Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake
Description
Growing up, autumn was always a time for warm kitchens, cinnamon-scented air, and apple desserts made with love. There was nothing quite like coming home from a chilly walk to the sight of golden apples being peeled at the kitchen table and the promise of something sweet baking in the oven. Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake captures that essence—blending the nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the tender crumb of a homemade cake. It’s a dessert that wraps you up like your favorite sweater and brings a smile with every bite.
This recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of seasonality and simplicity. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just indulging your family on a Sunday afternoon, the apple pie cake is a dessert that feels like home. It’s the kind of bake that doesn’t require perfection but always delivers comfort. That’s why it has a special place in kitchens across generations.
With layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, soft yellow cake, and a crumbly topping, this cake feels both rustic and refined. And it’s no surprise that Jamie Oliver—champion of hearty, fuss-free cooking—brings this one to the table with flair.
Ingredients
- 1 box (425g) yellow cake mix
- 1½ cups water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- For the Apple Filling
- 6 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk by hand until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
Toss your sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Scatter this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cake batter—don’t press them down; they’ll sink in a little during baking.
Step 4: Mix the Crumble Topping
Combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Add in the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the apples.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 40–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for maybe a little apple stickiness).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Slice and serve as is, or warm it slightly and top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
This cake keeps beautifully and may even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for casual brunches, school lunches, or holiday feasts.