This Jamie Oliver–inspired Apple Pie Cake is hands down one of the coziest desserts I’ve made in a long time. It combines everything we love about classic apple pie—warm spices, tender apples, buttery crumble—with the soft, fluffy comfort of a simple cake. Think apple pie meets coffee cake… and honestly, it’s hard to beat.
Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples are nestled into a moist yellow cake and finished with a rich, crumbly topping that gives serious pie-crust vibes—without the work of rolling dough. Best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to a box cake mix shortcut. This is one of those fuss-free desserts that smells amazing while baking and disappears fast once it hits the table.
(Inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
For the Cake
- 1 box (425 g) yellow cake mix
- 1½ cups (360 ml) water
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Apple Layer
- 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
How to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with baking spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth and well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
3. Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This adds flavor and prevents the apples from browning. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cake batter.
4. Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them in using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples.
5. Bake
Bake for 35 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven. Start checking around the 40-minute mark. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve as is—or with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Cake
I made this on a chilly afternoon, and within minutes my kitchen smelled like a bakery. It’s one of those desserts that looks impressive but is secretly very easy. My kids went back for seconds, and my husband said it reminded him of his grandmother’s apple pie—just softer and more comforting. The buttery crumble topping is the real star here.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp give the perfect balance of tart and sweet
- Keep the butter cold: This ensures a crisp, crumbly topping
- Check doneness early: Ovens vary, so start testing around 40 minutes
- Add extra spice: A pinch of nutmeg or cloves adds warmth
- Serve warm: Especially good with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts are delicious in the topping
How to Store Apple Pie Cake
Room Temperature
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 6 hours if serving the same day.
Refrigerator
Once completely cooled, cover tightly or store in an airtight container. Keeps well for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Microwave slices for 20–30 seconds, or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sugar: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives the best texture, but you can leave the skins on if sliced thin.
Can I use homemade cake batter?
Absolutely—any yellow cake recipe works.
Is it too sweet?
Not at all, especially with tart apples. You can slightly reduce the sugar if needed.
Can I add nuts?
Yes! Pecans or walnuts are a great addition.