Jamie Oliver Apple Sponge Pudding Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that combines soft, fluffy sponge cake with the tart sweetness of baked apples. It’s the perfect dish for cozy afternoons or family dinners. The beauty of this pudding lies in the contrast between the tender, buttery sponge and the slightly tangy, caramelized apples. Think of it as a twist on a classic apple crumble but with a cake-like texture that soaks up all the delicious apple juices. It’s like a hug in dessert form and Jamie’s take on it makes the process pretty straightforward without compromising on flavor.

Jamie Oliver Apple Sponge Pudding Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• Apples: You’ll need a few juicy, tart apples, like Bramleys or Granny Smiths, to balance the sweetness of the sponge. The apples break down and soften as they bake, infusing the pudding with an irresistible flavor.
• Butter: Softened, unsalted butter for that smooth richness. You’ll use it in both the apple mixture and the sponge batter itself.
• Sugar: Regular white sugar and a little brown sugar work together to create a caramelized sweetness in both the apples and the sponge.
• Eggs: You’ll need a couple of eggs for the sponge. They help give the pudding its light, airy texture.
• Flour: Plain flour is perfect here as you want the sponge to be soft and light without being too dense.
• Baking Powder: This is key for getting the sponge to rise properly. It makes the batter fluffy and helps it cook evenly.
• Milk: Just a splash of milk is needed to bring the sponge batter together and give it that soft texture.
• Cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle of cinnamon adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the apples but you can leave it out if you’re not a fan of spice.

Equipment Needed

• Oven: The pudding is baked in the oven, so you’ll need one that preheats to 180°C (350°F).
• Mixing Bowl: A large one for the sponge batter and apple mix.
• Saucepan: You’ll want a medium saucepan to soften the apples and mix them with the butter and sugar before adding the sponge.
• Whisk and Spoon: A simple whisk for beating the eggs and a wooden spoon to fold the sponge batter.
• Baking Dish: Choose a medium-sized dish (roughly 20 x 20 cm) to hold the apples and sponge. A ceramic or glass one works great.
• Grater (optional): If you’re adding cinnamon or zesting something like lemon, a fine grater will come in handy.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and butter your baking dish.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core and slice the apples. Toss them into a saucepan with some butter, sugar and a bit of cinnamon. Cook on low heat until the apples are just softening and releasing their juices, about 5-10 minutes. Set them aside.
3. Make the sponge batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the butter, milk and a little vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour and baking powder until smooth. The batter should be thick, like a cake batter.
4. Assemble the pudding: Pour the softened apples into the base of the buttered dish. Spread the sponge batter on top of the apples, making sure it covers them evenly.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the sponge is golden brown and firm to the touch. A skewer should come out clean when inserted into the center of the sponge.
6. Serve warm with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can drizzle some extra caramel or toffee sauce for that extra indulgence.

What I Learnt

One of the standout lessons here is how simple ingredients can come together to create something so comforting and satisfying. The idea of layering a fruit filling underneath a sponge might not be new but Jamie’s approach, with that slight caramelization from the butter and sugar, really adds a depth of flavor. I also learned that the right balance of tart apples and sweet batter is key. you don’t want the apples to be too sour or it’ll clash with the sweetness of the cake. Timing is important too. if you bake it just right, you get that perfect contrast between the soft sponge and the juicy apple base.

The other thing is that Jamie’s recipes aren’t about being overly fancy. They’re about using what you have and making it shine. You don’t need any crazy techniques; it’s all about the care and attention you put into the ingredients.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding

Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding is already a cozy, comforting dessert but you can make a few tweaks to make it fit your taste or diet. Here are some ideas:

1. Swap the apples: While Jamie uses classic Bramley apples, you can switch to other varieties like Pink Lady for a bit more sweetness or Granny Smith for a tart kick. A mix of different apples can bring out more complexity in flavor.
2. Add spices: A little ground cinnamon or nutmeg can add extra warmth. You could even throw in a pinch of cloves if you like a spicier twist. For a subtle hint of ginger, try fresh grated ginger in the batter or stew.
3. Ditch the butter: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter. The flavor might change slightly but the texture will still be nice and fluffy.
4. Sweetener alternatives: If you’re cutting down on refined sugar, try maple syrup, honey or agave syrup instead of caster sugar. Keep in mind that this could alter the pudding’s consistency slightly, so adjust liquid levels accordingly.
5. Go gluten-free: Swap the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You could also try almond flour for a nuttier, denser texture.
6. Make it boozy: For an extra layer of indulgence, add a splash of dark rum or Calvados (apple brandy) into the stewed apples for a bit of sophistication.
7. Layer it up: For a decadent twist, layer your sponge with a bit of whipped cream or custard before serving, creating a rich, layered dessert experience.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers of Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding are great for the next day (or two) but you’ll want to store them properly to keep them tasting fresh.

1. Cooling down: Allow the pudding to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and keeps it from getting soggy in storage.
2. Airtight container: Place the leftover pudding in an airtight container. If you have a deep pudding, you can cover it with cling film and then place it in a container to minimize exposure to air.
3. Refrigeration: Store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This will preserve the flavors and texture. If you store it too long, the sponge can lose some of its fluffiness.
4. Reheating: To reheat, place the pudding in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds (depending on your portion size) or warm it in a low oven (around 160°C/320°F) for 10 minutes. Cover it with foil so the sponge doesn’t dry out. You could even microwave it with a small bowl of water next to it to help maintain moisture.
5. Freezing: You can freeze it too but make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It should last up to 1-2 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as usual.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding?

This dessert is delicious on its own but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate it even more.

1. Custard: A warm, creamy custard is a classic partner for apple sponge pudding. You can use a store-bought custard or make your own for a homemade touch. Pour it over the pudding right before serving.
2. Whipped Cream or Double Cream: Light, sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and sweetness to balance out the tart apples. Double cream is richer and more indulgent if you want something extra luxurious.
3. Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a fan favorite but you can also try cinnamon ice cream for an extra hit of spice. The cold ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm pudding.
4. Caramel Sauce: For a bit of decadence, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top. The rich, buttery sweetness plays off the tangy apples and spongy texture.
5. Crème Fraiche: If you want something a little less sweet and more tangy, crème fraîche pairs wonderfully. Its slight acidity complements the sweetness of the apples and balances the richness of the sponge.
6. Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, provides a burst of freshness and tartness that contrasts with the warm, rich flavors of the pudding. The colors look gorgeous on the plate.
7. Toffee Apples or Roasted Nuts: For a twist, serve with toffee apples or roasted hazelnuts. The added crunch and sweetness create a satisfying textural contrast.

FAQs

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

What Type Of Apples Are Best For This Recipe?

Tart apples like Bramley or Granny Smith work great, as they balance the sweetness of the sponge.

Can I Substitute The Self-raising Flour In The Apple Sponge Pudding?

If you don’t have self-raising flour, just add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 150g of plain flour.