Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe – Cozy Fall Dessert with Cinnamon & Crumble Topping

A golden slice of apple pie cake with tender apple layers, cinnamon crumble topping, and a moist cake base served on a cozy ceramic plate.
Apple pie meets cake in this cozy, cinnamon-spiced dessert from Jamie Oliver—pure comfort in every bite! 🍎🍰
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A Hug in Cake Form

Imagine the warmth of a freshly baked apple pie wrapped in the soft embrace of a vanilla cake. That’s Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake—a hybrid dessert that feels like a hug in every bite. Inspired by recipes from , Cooked by Sarah, and JamieOliver.com, this creation captures the essence of British comfort baking.

What makes it so beloved? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors: tender spiced apples nestled between layers of moist cake, topped with a buttery crumble. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat, yet elegant enough for holiday tables. Whether you’re reminiscing about grandma’s pie or craving something sweet with your tea, this cake delivers warmth, nostalgia, and indulgence—all in one slice.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake is a rustic British dessert that reimagines the classic apple pie in cake form. It features a moist vanilla sponge base, layered with cinnamon-sugar apples and finished with a crunchy crumble topping. The result is a dessert that’s both hearty and refined.

This cake is ideal for brunches, cozy evenings, or festive gatherings. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the natural tartness of the apples to shine through. The crumble adds texture, while the soft cake base provides a satisfying contrast. Think of it as a shortcut to pie—with no rolling pin required.

Whether served warm with a dollop of cream or enjoyed at room temperature with coffee, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade, comforting, and just a little bit special.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake shine:

  • Apples: Granny Smith or Braeburn are ideal. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake.
  • Butter: Unsalted, for both the batter and crumble topping.
  • Sugar: A mix of brown sugar (for depth and caramel notes) and white sugar (for structure).
  • Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the batter.
  • All-purpose flour: The base of the cake and crumble.
  • Baking powder & salt: For lift and flavor balance.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma.
  • Cinnamon & nutmeg: Classic apple pie spices.
  • Optional add-ins:
    • Lemon zest: Brightens the apple flavor.
    • Raisins: Add chewiness and sweetness.
    • Chopped walnuts: Bring crunch and nuttiness.

Tip: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples—like Granny Smith and Gala—for a more complex flavor profile. This contrast enhances the pie-like filling and keeps the cake from tasting one-note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the oven and pan

  • Preheat to 350°F (180°C).
  • Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the apples

  • Peel, core, and thinly slice 3–4 apples.
  • Toss with 2 tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the batter

  • Cream ½ cup butter with ½ cup white sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well.
  • Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk 1½ cups flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt.
  • Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble the cake

  • Spread half the batter into the pan.
  • Layer with spiced apples.
  • Top with remaining batter, smoothing gently.

Step 5: Add the crumble topping

  • Mix ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp cold butter until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle over the cake.

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and serve

  • Let cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely.
  • Serve warm with cream or at room temperature.

Bold Tips:

  • Don’t overload with apples—too much moisture can make the cake soggy.
  • Smooth batter evenly to avoid uneven baking.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure clean slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Using overly juicy apples: Varieties like Red Delicious release too much moisture, leading to a soggy base. Stick to firmer apples like Granny Smith.
  • Overmixing the batter: This activates gluten and results in a dense, chewy cake. Mix just until combined.
  • Skipping the crumble topping: It adds essential texture and flavor. Without it, the cake lacks contrast.
  • Not cooling before slicing: The cake needs time to set. Cutting too soon can cause it to fall apart.
  • Uneven layering: Spread batter and apples evenly to ensure consistent baking and texture.
  • Ignoring pan prep: A springform pan and parchment paper make removal easier and prevent sticking.

By avoiding these missteps, you’ll get a cake that’s tender, flavorful, and beautifully layered—just like Jamie intended.

A golden slice of apple pie cake with tender apple layers, cinnamon crumble topping, and a moist cake base served on a cozy ceramic plate.

Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake Recipe – Cozy Fall Dessert with Cinnamon & Crumble Topping

Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Cake Recipe is a comforting fusion of two beloved desserts—apple pie and cake. This indulgent treat features sweet-tart apples layered into a soft, buttery cake base, spiced with cinnamon and topped with a golden crumble. It’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or cozy weekends at home. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, this recipe delivers a rustic charm that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Brunch Cake, Dessert
Cuisine British-inspired comfort baking
Servings 10 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Serrated knife
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Apple Layer

  • 3–4 Granny Smith or Braeburn apples (peeled, cored, sliced)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Optional: ½ tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp lemon zest, ¼ cup raisins

Crumble Topping

  • ¼ cup flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cold butter
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Prepare apples: Toss sliced apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, and optional spices. Set aside.
  • Make batter: Cream butter and white sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold into wet mixture until just combined.
  • Layer the cake: Spread half the batter into the pan. Add apple mixture evenly. Top with remaining batter.
  • Make crumble: Mix flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using. Sprinkle over cake.
  • Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
  • Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth.
  • Don’t overmix the batter—just fold until combined.
  • Let the cake cool before slicing to avoid crumbling.
  • Add oats to the crumble for extra fiber.
  • Can be made gluten-free with almond flour and GF baking mix.
  • Store at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
Keyword Apple pie cake, crumble cake, hybrid cake, Jamie Oliver dessert, spiced apple cake