Apple Pie Cake

The moment you bite into this Apple Pie Cake, you’re met with the warm spices of cinnamon-kissed apples, the fluffy tenderness of cake, and the buttery crumble topping that melts in your mouth. It’s like biting into fall comfort, without the hassle of pie crust. This dessert is perfect for potlucks, holiday tables, or lazy weekends where your kitchen deserves to smell like spiced heaven. Serve it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy indulgence. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s rustic elegance, this recipe brings simplicity and joy to every bite.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box (425g) yellow cake mix

• 1½ cups (360ml) water

• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs

For the Apple Mixture:

• 6 apples (peeled, cored, and sliced – Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)

• 3 tbsp (45g) brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish thoroughly.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer on low speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth. Pour it into the prepared pan.

3. In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Evenly layer this apple mixture over the cake batter.

4. In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

5. Bake for 35 to 60 minutes. Begin checking at 40 minutes and continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan to firm up. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 12

A Cozy Twist on a Classic Dessert

Apple Pie Cake is a delightful fusion of two timeless favorites: the traditional apple pie and the ever-comforting yellow cake. This recipe is a celebration of autumnal flavors with a year-round appeal. It retains the nostalgic notes of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble, while offering the lightness and simplicity of a boxed cake. It’s inspired by Jamie Oliver’s down-to-earth cooking style, making it approachable and achievable even for beginner bakers.

What makes this dish truly special is its texture contrast—soft, moist cake on the bottom, layered with juicy apples, and topped with a slightly crispy, buttery crumble. It’s like eating apple pie without the stress of rolling out pastry, and with a fluffy sponge twist that makes it unique.

The Origin and Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The Apple Pie Cake is inspired by British chef Jamie Oliver, who’s known for taking traditional recipes and simplifying them for everyday cooks. He’s a strong advocate for wholesome, homemade meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This dish follows that ethos—it has all the elegance of a bakery dessert with none of the complexity.

Instead of making a traditional pastry crust, this recipe uses a yellow cake mix as the base. That shortcut keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. The topping, a classic brown sugar crumble, gives it that authentic “pie” vibe. And the apples? They’re tossed with cinnamon and lemon juice to preserve their color and enhance their flavor, creating a warm and welcoming aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.

Why Apple Pie Cake is a Must-Try

This Apple Pie Cake has everything you want in a dessert—it’s sweet, spiced, textural, and nostalgic. It’s ideal for any season, but it shines particularly in the fall and winter months when apples are at their peak and cozy baked goods are in high demand.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Ease of Preparation: No complicated steps or specialized equipment. It uses pantry staples and a store-bought cake mix, so you can whip it up on a whim.
• Customizable Flavors: Prefer it less sweet? Use tart apples like Granny Smith. Want more spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. You can even throw in some chopped nuts or raisins.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a family dinner, a holiday potluck, or a weekend bake with the kids, this cake feels festive and familiar.
• Great for Make-Ahead: The flavor actually deepens a day after baking, making it an ideal recipe to prepare in advance.

Healthier Options and Ingredient Swaps

If you’re looking to lighten the recipe or accommodate dietary needs, here are a few options:

• Lower Sugar: Cut back on the sugar in the apple mixture or topping. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the flour in the crumble topping with whole wheat for extra fiber.
• Plant-Based Adjustments: Use a plant-based cake mix, replace eggs with flax eggs, and swap the butter for vegan margarine to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified gluten-free yellow cake mix and gluten-free flour in the crumble topping.

Best Apples for Apple Pie Cake

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. The best combinations for this recipe usually involve a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Here are some top choices:

• Granny Smith: A tart, firm apple that holds up well during baking. It balances out the sweetness of the cake mix.
• Honeycrisp: Juicy and sweet with a slight tang. Pairs perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon.
• Fuji or Gala: Milder and very sweet, these are great if you prefer a more sugary bite.

A mix of two varieties often yields the best flavor depth and texture.

Tips for Success

Even though this recipe is simple, a few extra tips can elevate the result:

• Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Use low speed and mix just until smooth to ensure a tender crumb.
• Chill the Butter for the Crumble: Cold butter helps create a crumbly, bakery-style topping. Room temperature butter will melt too quickly.
• Layer Evenly: Spread the apple mixture and crumble topping evenly so every bite has a balanced texture.
• Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Ovens vary. Begin checking around 40 minutes and continue baking until the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions:

• Warm it Up: A brief 20-second spin in the microwave brings it back to just-out-of-the-oven perfection.
• Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream creates a decadent, creamy contrast.
• Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
• Serve with Tea or Coffee: The subtle spices make it a perfect match for a cup of Earl Grey or your morning coffee.

How to Store and Reheat

Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 6 hours.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Apple Pie Cake as a Crowd-Pleaser

One of the greatest things about this recipe is how universally loved it is. It’s the kind of dessert that pleases picky kids, nostalgic grandparents, and modern foodies alike. The combination of flavors and textures is comforting and familiar, yet the cake format gives it a fresh, unexpected twist.

If you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dessert to a family gathering, or preparing something for a bake sale—this cake will not disappoint. It holds up well, slices cleanly, and looks beautiful with a dusting of powdered sugar or a garnish of thin apple slices.

What People Are Saying

Many home bakers who’ve tried this recipe have commented on its:

• Simplicity
• Excellent texture balance
• Impressive presentation despite being easy to make
• Flexibility for modifications
• Kid-friendly flavors

Some even claim it has become their go-to fall dessert, replacing the more labor-intensive apple pie.

A Delicious Way to Use Up Apples

If you’ve recently gone apple picking or simply have an abundance of apples in your kitchen, this is the recipe for you. Unlike traditional pie, you don’t need to worry about the apples being perfectly uniform in size or cut. Even softer apples can be used here since the cake structure supports them well.

This recipe is also a great alternative to throwing apples into a juicer or letting them go bad on the counter. Every bite puts your fresh produce to delicious use.

Conclusion 

Apple Pie Cake is the ultimate fusion dessert—easy enough for weeknight baking, yet impressive enough for the holidays. It brings all the charm and flavor of a homemade pie, without the rolling, chilling, or fuss. The buttery crumble topping adds depth, and the warm apple-spice notes offer nostalgic comfort.

It’s the kind of recipe that turns into a tradition, especially when it becomes associated with chilly evenings, family gatherings, and cozy weekends. If you’re looking for a new fall favorite (or just a reliable dessert any time of year), Apple Pie Cake deserves a place in your recipe box.