Jamie Oliver Apple Cake Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of moist, buttery cake with the fresh, sweet-tart flavors of apples. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat, perfect for almost any occasion. Think of it as a rustic, comforting cake with a bit of a sophisticated twist-thanks to Jamie’s emphasis on using fresh ingredients and classic baking techniques.

The cake itself is soft and light, with chunks of apple dotted throughout, adding both texture and a burst of juicy flavor. It’s a recipe that captures the essence of autumn, with a combination of cinnamon, apples and a touch of sweetness. It’s not overly complicated which is typical of Jamie’s approach to food-creating dishes that are accessible, flavorful and always a hit at the table.

Jamie Oliver Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make this Apple Cake, the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Apples: The star of the show! You’ll need about 3-4 medium-sized apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Bramley and Fuji, works wonderfully. They give the cake both moisture and flavor.
2. Flour: Plain flour is used here to give the cake structure without making it too heavy.
3. Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You’ll want it softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
4. Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness, plus a little brown sugar to give the cake some depth and a slight caramelized flavor.
5. Eggs: Two large eggs. They bind everything together and provide a lovely richness to the cake.
6. Baking Powder: To help the cake rise and stay light and fluffy.
7. Ground Cinnamon: This adds a warm, spiced kick to the cake, giving it that cozy, autumnal flavor.
8. Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the apples.
9. Vanilla Extract: For a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
10. Salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors.

Equipment Needed

The equipment needed for this cake is straightforward and minimal, so no need to stress about fancy tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining all your ingredients.
2. Electric Mixer (optional): While you can mix by hand, an electric hand mixer will make the process smoother and quicker, especially for creaming the butter and sugar together.
3. Spatula: For scraping the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients like the apples.
4. Cake Tin: A round cake tin (approximately 20-22 cm in diameter) works perfectly for this recipe.
5. Peeler and Knife: For preparing your apples, you’ll want to peel them and cut them into bite-sized chunks. A sharp knife will make it easier to do this quickly and safely.
6. Grater (for lemon zest): A microplane or small grater is great for zesting the lemon.
7. Cooling Rack: Once the cake is baked, it’s best to let it cool on a rack to avoid sogginess at the bottom.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake

Making Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake is incredibly easy, even for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your cake tin with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core and chop your apples into small chunks. Set them aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or a whisk, if you’re feeling old-school) to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon and lemon zest.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter.
7. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples. This is where the magic happens. those apple chunks will soften and infuse the cake with flavor as it bakes.
8. Pour into the Tin: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
9. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with a piece of foil and continue baking.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or dust with icing sugar for a pretty finish.

What I Learnt

Baking Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake taught me a lot about how simple ingredients, when put together with care, can create something truly delicious. The key to this cake is balancing the moisture from the apples with the lightness of the batter which makes the cake soft but not soggy. The cinnamon and lemon zest add the perfect amount of warmth and brightness, making each bite comforting but not overwhelmingly rich.

I also learned that sometimes, the best desserts aren’t necessarily the ones that take hours to perfect or require complicated techniques. This cake is proof that with a few basic ingredients and some love, you can create something incredible. It’s a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be fancy to be good. it’s about using quality ingredients and allowing their natural flavors to shine.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake

Jamie Oliver’s apple cake is a classic. It’s simple, comforting and absolutely delicious. But there’s always room for a little creativity, right? Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

1. Spices

   You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or even cardamom. A dash of cinnamon in the batter will give it a warm, cozy feeling while nutmeg can add a deeper, aromatic touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of ginger or cloves will make it even more festive, perfect for fall or winter!

2. Apples

   Don’t just stick to one variety of apple. Mixing sweet and tart apples can bring more complexity to the flavor. Try combining Granny Smiths for their tartness with a sweeter variety like Fuji or Gala. If you’re feeling fancy, even use a few roasted apples for a more intense apple flavor.

3. Nuts

   Add a little crunch with nuts. Walnuts, pecans or almonds are all great choices. Chopped nuts in the batter give a nice texture while a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top before baking adds an extra layer of flavor.

4. Zest & Juice

   Add some lemon zest to the batter for a little zing. A teaspoon of fresh orange zest can also give the cake a citrusy lift, brightening up the apple’s sweetness. If you like a more complex flavor, a splash of orange juice mixed into the batter might surprise you.

5. Butter Substitute

   If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can swap half the butter for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will still keep the cake moist but cut back on the richness. Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version, coconut oil is a good substitute.

6. Texture

   If you like a cake that’s more dense and hearty, throw in a bit of whole wheat flour or almond flour. This gives a nuttier taste and a firmer crumb. It’s a fun spin on the classic if you’re into that rustic vibe.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Apple cake usually doesn’t last long but in case you have some leftovers, here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:

1. Room Temperature

   If you plan to eat the cake within a day or two, you can leave it at room temperature. Just cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. It’ll stay soft and moist for up to 48 hours.

2. Refrigeration

   For longer storage (around 4-5 days), pop the cake into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. Refrigerating it will keep the moisture in and prevent it from drying out. Just let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

3. Freezing

   You can freeze slices of the cake if you need it to last longer. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place slices in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

4. Reheating

   To bring it back to its fresh, warm state, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. If you’re reheating a whole cake, a quick spin in the oven (around 5-10 minutes at 300°F) will do the trick. If you want it to taste like it just came out of the oven, heat it with a dollop of butter on top. The butter melts into the warm cake, making every bite melt in your mouth.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake?

Apple cake is a comforting dessert on its own but you can take it to the next level with some amazing pairings. Here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:

1. Whipped Cream

   A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of the cake adds a rich, airy texture that complements the soft, spiced apple flavor perfectly. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can flavor the cream with a bit of vanilla extract or a touch of cinnamon.

2. Ice Cream

   Apple cake and ice cream are a match made in dessert heaven. Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice but you could also try caramel, cinnamon swirl or even a scoop of something tangy like lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast.

3. Caramel Sauce

   Drizzle a bit of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top. The sticky sweetness pairs beautifully with the apples and the cake’s spiced richness. You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel twist.

4. Tea Or Coffee

   A warm cup of tea or coffee makes the perfect beverage to go with apple cake. Try pairing it with a spiced chai or an Earl Grey tea for a soothing, aromatic experience. If you’re more of a coffee person, a latte or black coffee balances the sweetness of the cake.

5. Cheese

   If you’re looking for something a little savory to pair with your cake, a wedge of sharp cheddar or a creamy Brie works surprisingly well. The contrast between the sweet cake and the salty, rich cheese makes for an interesting flavor profile that’s both satisfying and unexpected.

6. Crisp Apple Slices

   For an extra apple-forward experience, pair your cake with some fresh, crisp apple slices. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples will provide a tart, juicy crunch that balances out the cake’s softness.

FAQs

Can I Use Any Type Of Apple For Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake?

Yes, you can use any apple you like! But tart apples like Bramley or Granny Smith give the cake a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake More Moist?

To make it extra moist, you can add a little bit more butter or use sour cream in the batter.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Cake Without Eggs?

Yes! You can swap eggs with a flaxseed mixture or use an egg replacer for a vegan-friendly version.