Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie is his take on a classic British dessert but with his signature twist. He keeps the traditional flavors but his method highlights freshness, simplicity and a little bit of flair. The apple filling is rich with sweet and tart apples, combined with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of lemon. The crust is buttery and crisp, creating that perfect contrast with the soft, flavorful filling. Unlike some pies, Jamie’s version tends to be less sugary and relies on the apples’ natural sweetness, allowing them to shine through. If you’ve ever had an apple pie that left you thinking, “This is what comfort tastes like”, this one could easily be a contender.

Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For this pie, the ingredients are pretty straightforward and focus on quality over quantity. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Apples – Jamie uses a mix of sweet and tart apples. A good combination is usually something like Bramley (for tartness) and a sweeter variety like Braeburn or Golden Delicious. The mix gives the pie that perfect balance.
2. Butter – High-quality unsalted butter is key for the crust and bringing richness to the filling.
3. Sugar – Just enough to sweeten the apples. You can use caster sugar which dissolves nicely or a bit of brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
4. Plain Flour – For the pastry base. It gives the crust the right texture.
5. Lemon – A squeeze of lemon juice adds freshness to the apple filling and stops them from turning brown while you’re prepping.
6. Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic apple pie spices, giving the dish its signature warmth and fragrance.
7. Eggs – Used for glazing the crust for that golden finish.
8. Vanilla Extract (optional) – A little something to round out the flavors, though it’s not always in Jamie’s original recipe.

Equipment Needed

To make Jamie’s Apple Pie, you don’t need any fancy equipment. A few basic kitchen tools will get the job done:

1. Pie Dish – A standard 9-inch pie dish works best for this recipe.
2. Rolling Pin – To roll out the dough to an even thickness. Don’t worry if it gets a little imperfect; rustic is part of the charm.
3. Sharp Knife – For peeling, coring and slicing the apples.
4. Mixing Bowl – For tossing the apples with sugar, spices and lemon.
5. Pastry Brush – To brush on the egg wash for that golden finish on the crust.
6. Baking Sheet – To catch any drips that might spill out during baking. It’s also a good way to ensure the base gets crispy.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie

Making the pie is a rewarding experience. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare The Pastry

   • Start by making the pastry. In a bowl, combine the plain flour, cold cubed butter and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs.
   • Add a tablespoon of cold water and bring the dough together. Don’t overwork it, just enough so it forms a ball. Wrap it in cling film and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare The Filling

   • While the dough chills, peel, core and slice your apples. Jamie recommends slicing them thick enough so they hold their shape during baking but still cook down nicely.
   • Toss the apples in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and a good squeeze of lemon juice. This helps to bring out the apple’s natural sweetness and balance out the spice.

3. Assemble The Pie

   • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
   • Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface. Line the bottom of your pie dish with the pastry, ensuring there’s a bit of an overhang.
   • Pour the spiced apple mixture into the pastry-lined dish.
   • Roll out the second piece of dough for the top. You can either cover the pie completely or cut out decorative slits or shapes for a lattice effect. Don’t forget to trim any excess pastry and pinch the edges together to seal.

4. Bake

   • Brush the top with an egg wash (just an egg beaten with a splash of water). This will give your pie a beautiful golden shine when it’s done.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up through the cracks.

5. Cool & Serve

   • Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to cut clean slices.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie taught me a few important things. The most valuable takeaway is how simple ingredients can create something so satisfying. The pie’s filling is all about letting the apples do the work and that’s something I hadn’t fully appreciated until I tried it. The combination of tart and sweet apples, spiced just right, is a perfect reflection of autumn itself.

Another thing I learned is the importance of a good pastry. It’s easy to overwork dough but Jamie’s approach is all about being gentle. The result? A flaky, buttery crust that holds everything together but doesn’t overpower the filling.

Finally, I learned that a good apple pie is never rushed. It’s not just about the steps but about the process. the anticipation, the aromas filling the kitchen and the satisfaction of seeing the golden pie come out of the oven.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie

Jamie Oliver’s apple pie is already pretty much a masterpiece but there’s always room to add your own spin. One tweak is switching up the apples. While Jamie uses a mix of sweet and tart apples, you can go all in on a tart variety, like Granny Smith, if you want that extra zing. Or if you love a sweeter, softer filling, opt for a mix of Golden Delicious or Fuji apples.

Another fun tweak is the spice blend. While the classic cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are fantastic, why not throw in a bit of cardamom or ginger? Cardamom brings an earthy, citrusy flavor that really elevates the pie. Ginger can give it a warm, peppery kick that complements the sweetness of the apples.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a dash of bourbon or dark rum to the filling. This’ll bring an extra layer of richness and depth, especially if you’re making the pie for a cozy gathering. And, for a buttery, flaky crust that screams decadence, brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle some raw sugar on top before baking. it’ll give you that gorgeous, golden finish.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or want to plan ahead), here’s how to store that sweet, apple-filled goodness. To keep your pie fresh, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it. It’ll stay good for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get that crispy, warm crust back.

For long-term storage, freeze the leftovers. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re craving that sweet comfort, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in the oven. It’ll taste nearly as fresh as when you first made it!

One tip: if you’ve got just a slice or two, try reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer. This will give the crust a nice crisp without drying out the filling.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie?

The beauty of apple pie is its versatility when it comes to pairing. For a classic experience, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is hard to beat. The creamy richness contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples. But don’t be afraid to get creative.

If you’re a fan of something a bit more decadent, try serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. The sweet, buttery flavor of caramel complements the apples and adds a lovely richness. Or, if you’re looking for a more refreshing twist, serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries on the side. The tartness of the berries balances out the sweetness of the pie.

For a more indulgent treat, why not serve the pie with a small glass of dessert wine, like a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato? The slight acidity and sweetness of these wines pair perfectly with the warm spices of the pie, creating a luxurious experience.

FAQs

What’s The Secret To Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Crust?

The key is cold butter and ice-cold water. It helps create a flaky, buttery crust that’s perfect every time.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Apple For Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples work great, but you can mix it up with sweeter ones like Braeburn or Gala.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Ahead Of Time?

You can prep the pie and freeze it before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!