There’s nothing quite like the sweet, warm aroma of a freshly baked cake wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn day. Today, I’m excited to share Jamie Oliver’s Delightful Apple Pie Cake, which beautifully blends the best aspects of a classic apple pie and a moist cake. This recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for cozy family gatherings or festive celebrations. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, the Apple Pie Cake promises to be a delightful addition to your fall dessert repertoire. Imagine slicing into that golden-brown exterior to reveal layers of tender, spiced apples nestled in a buttery crumb! Are you ready to create a heartwarming dessert that will impress your loved ones? Let’s get started!
Why Is This Apple Pie Cake a Must-Try?
Warm, Inviting Aroma: As your cake bakes, the comforting scent of cinnamon and spiced apples will fill your home, creating an irresistible invitation for family and friends.
Easy Preparation: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you’ll enjoy this delectable treat in no time—perfect for those busy fall days!
Versatile Serving Options: Delight in this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a cozy afternoon snack, alongside a cup of your favorite tea.
Crowd Favorite: This Apple Pie Cake is destined to become the star of any gathering; it pairs wonderfully with holiday feasts and casual get-togethers alike.
Make-Ahead Capability: Prep it a day in advance; simply warm it up before serving, letting you focus on enjoying the moment with your guests.
For more delightful fall treats, don’t miss out on my Churro Cheesecake Wow or the festive Strawberry Pancakes Indulge recipes!
Apple Pie Cake Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Apple Pie Cake!
For the Cake Batter
- Sliced Apples – Firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the apple filling, enhancing the overall taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake batter; feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your preference.
- Butter (softened) – Forms the base of the cake batter, providing a rich and buttery texture; you can use either salted or unsalted butter.
- Eggs – Binds all the ingredients together, contributing to the cake’s structure and richness.
- Flour – Provides the essential structure of the cake; consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – These spices elevate the flavor profile with warmth and an aromatic quality.
- Milk – Keeps the cake moist; any non-dairy milk can be substituted easily.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the apple flavor and helps prevent browning during preparation.
This collection of ingredients will ensure that your Apple Pie Cake turns out deliciously! Get ready to indulge in every flavorful bite.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Jamie Oliver’s Delightful Apple Pie Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This preheating step is essential to ensure your Apple Pie Cake bakes evenly and achieves that beautiful golden-brown crust you’re aiming for. While your oven warms up, gather all the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, including a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Stir these ingredients gently until the apples are well coated and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This process allows the apples to start releasing their juices, contributing to the scrumptious filling of your Apple Pie Cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, achieving a pale color. Properly creaming the butter and sugar will ensure a tender crumb in your cake, enhancing the overall texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to beat the mixture until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and creamy batter. This step is crucial for binding the ingredients and contributing to the richness of your Apple Pie Cake.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake—aim for a smooth batter with a few lumps.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Grease your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour half of the cake batter into the dish and spread it evenly. Next, layer the apple mixture over the batter before pouring the remaining batter on top, ensuring that apples are tucked in well. This layering helps create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place your assembled Apple Pie Cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes; you’re looking for a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean. This is a good indicator that your cake is ready and perfectly cooked.
Step 8: Cool and Transfer
Once finished baking, remove the apple pie cake from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool will enhance the flavors, making your cake even more delightful to savor!
Make Ahead Options
These Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cakes are a home cook’s dream for meal prep! You can prepare the apple filling and cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating them separately in airtight containers. To maintain the quality, ensure the apple mixture is well-coated with lemon juice to prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, simply layer the prepped ingredients in a greased baking dish and follow the baking instructions as detailed. This allows you to enjoy delicious, home-baked cake while saving precious time on busy weeknights. Your family will love having this delightful dessert ready with minimal effort!
Apple Pie Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make this Apple Pie Cake uniquely yours with these delicious twists!
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Almond Extract: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to add a nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
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Different Apples: Experiment with various apple types, like Fuji or Gala, for a mix of sweetness and tartness that suits your taste.
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Nuts Galore: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for delightful crunch and added heartiness.
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Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the apple mixture for an aromatic twist.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
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Vegan Delight: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and the milk with almond or oat milk for a compassionate version that still delivers on flavor.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top the finished cake with a warm caramel sauce for an indulgent touch that takes it to a new level of deliciousness.
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Serving Style: For a modern twist, serve this cake as individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—perfect for those cozy gatherings!
If you’re in the mood for more rotation on classic flavors, why not try my Strawberry Shortcake Sushi or whip up some Strawberry Pancakes Indulge? Your taste buds will thank you!
Expert Tips for the Best Apple Pie Cake
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Choose Apples Wisely: Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in your Apple Pie Cake.
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Avoid Over-Mixing: Ensure you don’t over-mix after adding flour; this keeps your cake light and fluffy instead of dense.
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Use Kitchen Scale: Weigh your ingredients for accurate measurements, which can help you avoid a heavy cake.
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Oven Temperature Check: Since ovens vary, check for doneness a few minutes early to ensure you don’t overbake the cake.
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Layering Tips: For even flavor distribution, make sure to layer apples well in the cake; this creates a delightful contrast in every slice.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Delightful Apple Pie Cake
Imagine a warm, comforting dessert paired perfectly with delightful accompaniments that elevate each bite into a special occasion.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream complements the spiced apples and moist cake beautifully, creating a delicious contrast.
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Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a delightful fluffiness and balances the cake’s rich flavors, enhancing every slice.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the top creates an indulgent sweetness that ties all the flavors together, making each serving irresistible.
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Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea, with its spices echoing the cake’s flavor, beautifully warms your heart while enhancing the cozy atmosphere.
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Roasted Nuts: A sprinkle of roasted walnuts or pecans on top adds a satisfying crunch, introducing a wonderful textural contrast to the soft cake.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright and zesty fruit salad not only adds freshness but also lightens up the meal, balancing the hearty richness of the Apple Pie Cake.
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Cinnamon Roll Muffins: For a delightful breakfast pairing, serve these soft muffins alongside the cake to elevate your morning routine with cozy indulgence.
Storage Tips for Apple Pie Cake
Room Temperature: Store your Apple Pie Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its softness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to a week. This will help preserve moisture and prolong its deliciousness.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions of the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating: To serve warm, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or heat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy the comforting aroma of fresh-baked Apple Pie Cake once more!
Jamie Oliver’s Delightful Apple Pie Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for this cake?
Absolutely! I recommend using firm apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, ensuring that every bite of your Apple Pie Cake is scrumptious and flavorful.
How should I store leftover Apple Pie Cake?
You can store your Apple Pie Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it soft and delicious. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a week. This helps maintain moisture and flavor!
Can I freeze the Apple Pie Cake?
Yes! For freezing, wrap individual portions of your cake tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
What should I do if the cake is too dense?
If you find your Apple Pie Cake is too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour. To avoid this in the future, mix until just combined and feel free to add a little extra baking powder—about 1/2 teaspoon—to help it rise. And remember, using a kitchen scale can also lead to more accurate measurements!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Indeed! This Apple Pie Cake is perfect for vegetarians, and if you need gluten-free options, you can swap regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Remember to check for allergies with any of the ingredients, especially nuts if you choose to add them!
How can I enhance the flavors of my Apple Pie Cake?
Very! You can enhance the flavor profile by adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist, or consider mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. Don’t hesitate to adjust spices, too—more cinnamon or nutmeg can create a warmer, more aromatic final result!
Irresistibly Cozy Apple Pie Cake for Your Fall Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Let mixture sit for about 10 minutes.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer for about 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Grease the baking dish and pour half of the batter into it. Layer the apple mixture over the batter and then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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