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.