Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe

This Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake is like autumn coziness baked into every slice, blending the spirit of a country pie with the ease of a homey cake. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between soft layers of buttery, vanilla-scented cake, all finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a showstopper for casual coffee breaks and special occasions alike. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or as a cool treat with whipped cream, every bite tastes like a comforting hug from someone who knows their way around homemade desserts. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake is thoughtfully chosen for the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Simple pantry staples transform into something magical when combined just right, so be sure to use quality ingredients for that truly irresistible result. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one really matters:

• All-purpose flour: The essential base that builds the cake’s tender crumb and provides structure.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly and helps create that lovely golden color as it bakes.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and keeps the cake moist (don’t skip the softening step).
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together, contributing to the cake’s tenderness and rise.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift for a beautiful, airy texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and depth—classic partners for apples.
• Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and highlight all the flavors.
• Milk: Adds moisture and ensures a soft crumb; whole milk works best for richness.
• Apples (4 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced): The star of the show! Choose crisp, tart apples for the best contrast with the sweet cake.
• Packed brown sugar: Melts into the apples, intensifying their caramel flavor and creating a luscious filling.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and brings sweet, aromatic notes to every bite.
• Lemon juice: Keeps apples bright and lively, adding a hint of tartness that cuts through richness.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle spice and depth, perfectly complementing the cinnamon and apples.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): A final flourish that makes each slice look as dreamy as it tastes.

How to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples—this ensures they bake up soft and perfectly layered within the cake. Toss them in a bowl with the packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Give everything a gentle stir so the apples are well coated and the flavors start to meld. Let them sit while you work on the batter; this little rest helps draw out their juices for extra flavor in the filling.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated sugar. Mix for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This step is where the magic starts, so don’t rush—incorporating air now helps keep the cake tender. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. You want the batter to look creamy and smooth, with no streaks of egg.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure everything is evenly combined, as this prevents any surprises in your finished Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake—no one wants a bitter bite of baking powder!

Step 4: Create the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture in stages, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour, gently mixing after each addition. Take care not to overmix or the cake can turn dense. The result should be a thick, smooth batter ready for assembly.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of your batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it evenly into the corners. Carefully layer the prepared apples (and their syrupy juices) over the batter. Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading gently to cover the apples; don’t worry if a few peek through, as they’ll caramelize beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden, the kitchen smells heavenly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cake cool slightly in its pan, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling, which sets the crumb and makes slicing much easier.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once cool, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. This snowy topping adds the perfect touch of sweetness and a dash of elegance. Now it’s ready to slice and serve to your very lucky guests!

How to Serve Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake

Garnishes

Turn every slice into a little celebration by dusting over a layer of powdered sugar right before serving. For a touch of color, sprinkle on some finely grated lemon zest or a light drizzle of caramel sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream will make this Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake positively irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dessert holds its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a tangy fruit salad, or a simple bowl of mixed berries. For an afternoon treat, serve alongside a mug of hot cinnamon tea or rich coffee—the spices in the cake will shine all the more. For a heartier spread, add a wedge alongside your next brunch buffet.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake into individual portions by baking it in muffin tins or ramekins for a personal twist. Try layering cake slices in parfait glasses with extra apples and cream for a trifle-style dessert. For a rustic look, serve right from the pan, or for special occasions, plate with artistic swirls of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake keeps exceptionally well. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, so sneaking a slice the next day is highly encouraged!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months; just be sure to label it so you don’t lose track of this treasure!

Reheating

To enjoy Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or reheat larger portions in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. Warm cake plus chilled whipped cream or ice cream is an unbeatable combination.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) adds wonderful depth to the filling. Feel free to experiment with your favorites depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth filling, but if you like a bit of rustic chew, you can leave some of the skin on. Just be sure to core them thoroughly for the best texture.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend designed for baking. Check your blend includes xanthan gum for extra binding, and the rest of the instructions can remain exactly the same.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?

No worries—you can use two 8-inch square pans, a deep round dish, or even a high-sided pie pan. Just be sure to check for doneness a little earlier or later, depending on the thickness of your cake.

Is it okay to reduce the sugar in Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake?

You can cut down on the granulated sugar a bit, especially if your apples are naturally sweet. Don’t eliminate all the sugar, as it helps with structure and color, but a reduction of 1/4 cup will still yield a delicious result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers pure comfort and old-fashioned joy, this Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake is an absolute winner. Every bite is a celebration of cozy flavors, golden apples, and the simple pleasure of baking something wonderful for the people you love. Give it a try—and get ready for requests for seconds!

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