Every bite of Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake feels like the warm hug of autumn you’ve been craving. It takes everything we love about a classic apple pie—the tender layers of spiced fruit, that perfect balance of sweet and tart—and transforms it into a soft, buttery cake studded with juicy apple slices. As you slice into it, you’ll see those lovely layers peeking through, and the gentle crackle of demerara sugar on top gives it that irresistible little crunch. Whether you’re curled up with a cozy blanket on a crisp fall evening or entertaining friends around the kitchen table, this cake brings everyone together with its homey charm and nostalgic flavors.
Baking this apple pie cake is one of those kitchen adventures that feels both comforting and a bit magical. The preparation time is just 25 minutes, and after a 50-minute bake and a short 10-minute rest, you’ll have a fragrant dessert that’s ready to impress. This intermediate-level recipe calls for a mix of warm spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—along with a zing of lemon zest and a hint of vanilla. I remember the first time I made it, swapping out Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp and watching my kids’ eyes widen at the first taste. It’s the perfect project for a weekend morning: put on your favorite playlist, measure out the ingredients, and let the comforting scent fill your home. Don’t forget to share your own twists or memories when you try it—you might discover a new family favorite!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN JAMIE OLIVER APPLE PIE CAKE
Before we dive into baking, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of each ingredient. Every component here plays a crucial role, from providing structure and moisture to layering in spice and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious newbie, understanding what goes into this cake helps you connect with the recipe and gives you the confidence to make it your own.
- Apples
The star of our cake, apples bring both sweetness and that classic tart bite. When thinly sliced and layered, they soften into tender pockets of flavor, releasing juices that mingle with the batter for a moist, fruity crumb.
- Plain flour
This all-purpose flour forms the backbone of the cake, providing structure and stability. Its neutral taste lets the spices and apple flavors shine while supporting the tender crumb.
- Baking powder
A gentle leavening agent, baking powder ensures our cake rises to the occasion. It creates air pockets that make each slice light and fluffy without compromising on density.
- Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon infuses the cake with a warming, aromatic depth. It’s the secret behind that quintessential apple-pie-spice profile and pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Ground nutmeg
Nutmeg adds a subtle, earthy warmth that complements the cinnamon. A small pinch goes a long way, lending complexity and an inviting, homey character.
- Unsalted butter
Softened to easy creaminess, butter contributes richness and moisture. It also helps trap air when creamed with sugar, leading to a lighter, tender texture.
- Caster sugar
Fine-grained caster sugar dissolves quickly, sweetening the batter evenly and helping achieve that delicate crumb we all crave in a sponge-like cake.
- Eggs
Eggs bind everything together, add moisture, and contribute to the cake’s rise. Beating them in one at a time ensures a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Vanilla extract
A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the apples and spices while adding a gentle, floral note.
- Lemon zest
Bright, citrusy bursts from the lemon zest cut through the sweetness and warm spices, giving the cake a refreshing lift and a nuanced edge.
- Ground almonds
Almond flour enriches the crumb with a subtle nuttiness and extra moisture. It adds body to the cake and plays nicely with both fruit and spice.
- Milk
Milk smooths and lightens the batter, ensuring it spreads easily and bakes up with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Demerara sugar
Sprinkled on top for that signature crunch, demerara sugar caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a sweet, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb.
HOW TO MAKE JAMIE OLIVER APPLE PIE CAKE
Ready to roll up your sleeves and bake something truly special? Follow these steps closely, and you’ll create a stunning apple-pie-inspired cake that’s as rewarding to assemble as it is to taste.
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F, ensuring the oven reaches the correct temperature before you start baking so the cake cooks evenly from the very first minute.
2. Grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin with baking parchment, making sure the sides and bottom are fully covered to prevent sticking and achieve a clean release.
3. In a mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to distribute the leavening and spices evenly and remove any lumps. Set this dry mix aside.
4. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture—this process incorporates air, making for a lighter cake.
5. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth, emulsified batter and prevent curdling.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ground almonds, mixing until just combined so you keep the air you’ve beaten into the batter.
7. Slowly incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Gently fold everything together until no streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a uniform base.
9. Arrange half of the apple slices over the batter in a single layer, gently pressing them so they nestle into the cake without sinking completely.
10. Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer, smoothing the top so it covers the fruit evenly.
11. Arrange the remaining apple slices on top in an attractive pattern, pressing them slightly into the surface to ensure they bake in.
12. Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the top to create that signature sweet crunch.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown with a slight crackle.
14. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully release the springform and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, optionally adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR JAMIE OLIVER APPLE PIE CAKE
When it comes to serving this cozy apple pie cake, you have countless ways to elevate every slice. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or simply indulging in a solo treat, these ideas will help you present the cake in memorable, mouthwatering fashion. Consider the textures, temperatures, and flavor contrasts that make every bite sing.
- Warm with whipped cream
Serve the cake slightly warm and top each slice with a generous dollop of lightly whipped cream. The contrast between the still-tender cake and the cool, airy cream adds a dreamy, café-style finish.
- A la mode
Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. As the ice cream melts over the warm cake, it creates a silky, buttery sauce that soaks into the sponge, making every crumb extra luscious.
- Drizzled caramel
Whip up a quick homemade caramel sauce and drizzle it in a zigzag pattern over the slices. The deep, buttery sweetness of the caramel plays beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cake.
- Nutty crunch topping
For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over each slice just before serving. The nutty crunch complements the soft cake and gives an extra dimension of flavor and mouthfeel.
HOW TO STORE JAMIE OLIVER APPLE PIE CAKE
Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness, moisture, and spice-infused aroma of your apple pie cake. Whether you plan to enjoy leftovers over the next few days or want to prepare ahead, follow these tips to keep every slice tasting as delightful as the first.
- Room-temperature, airtight
Once completely cooled, place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with cling film. Store at room temperature for up to two days. This method maintains the delicate crumb and ensures the topping stays crisp.
- Refrigeration
To extend the cake’s life to three days, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. Before serving, allow it to come to room temperature or gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness.
- Freezing whole or in slices
For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake (whole or pre-sliced) in a layer of parchment paper followed by a double layer of plastic wrap. Place in a freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
- Reviving your cake
If the crumb dries out slightly, warm individual slices in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 5–7 minutes, loosely wrapped in foil. This will soften the texture and bring back those comforting aromas of spice and baked apple.
CONCLUSION
Baking Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake is more than just following a recipe—it’s about capturing the cozy spirit of fall and sharing it with loved ones. From the soft layers of spiced cake to the tender apple slices and that sweet, crunchy demerara topping, every element works together to create a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting. You’ve learned how to combine flour, spices, and rich butter into a light, fragrant batter, neatly layer those cored apple rounds, and transform simple ingredients into something truly special. With a prep time of just 25 minutes, a 50-minute bake, and a brief rest, you’ll have a show-stopping cake that’s perfect for afternoon tea, dinner parties, or a weekend treat. The mix of cinnamon and nutmeg brings a warming depth, while lemon zest adds a bright counterpoint, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later, whether you tuck it into your recipe binder or pin it on your kitchen corkboard. You’ll find an FAQ below to answer any lingering questions about ingredient swaps, troubleshooting bake times, or adapting the recipe to different apple varieties. If you give this cake a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, share your tweaks, or let me know if you ran into any issues. Your feedback not only helps me refine future recipes but also builds a community of passionate home bakers who can learn from each other’s experiences. Happy baking, and may every slice bring warmth and joy to your table!
Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake
Description
Layers of buttery cake and cinnamon-dusted apple slices create a moist, aromatic treat with a sweet crunch of demerara sugar and warm spices in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
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Grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin with baking parchment.
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In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
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In another bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ground almonds.
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Slowly incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until well combined.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly.
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Arrange half of the apple slices over the batter.
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Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer.
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Arrange the remaining apple slices on top, pressing them slightly into the batter.
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Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top for a crunchy finish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Note
- The combination of spices adds a warming depth, perfect for a cozy dessert.
- Swap the type of apples for a variation in sweetness and tartness, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- For added texture, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Adjust the amount of demerara sugar to your liking for more or less sweetness.
