I remember the first time I tried a recipe from Jamie Oliver. It was his Apple and Cinnamon Cake. I was looking for something cozy to bake on a chilly autumn afternoon. I needed a recipe that felt like it was made for a warm kitchen, and this one delivered. The smell of cinnamon and apples filled my home, and it was one of those moments where everything just felt right. I decided to make it again and again, tweaking small things here and there, and it became a staple in my baking rotation.
Baking with Jamie’s recipes feels like having a friend guide you through the process. His simple yet flavorful approach to cooking has always made me feel at ease in the kitchen. This cake is an embodiment of that simplicity – a perfect balance of warm, comforting ingredients. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Apple and Cinnamon Cake will make you feel like you’re baking something special, yet it’s easy enough for anyone to pull off.
Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Cinnamon Cake is a perfect blend of moist cake and fruity goodness. The apple adds a slight tang, while the cinnamon warms everything up. When I first made it, I was honestly surprised at how easily it came together. The combination of textures – soft, fluffy cake with little bites of apples – makes it a crowd favorite.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You won’t need to run out and get special ingredients. Most of the things you probably already have in your pantry. Yet, it creates such a rich and satisfying flavor profile, you’ll feel like a pro. Here’s the basic rundown of the recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yields: 8-10 slices (depending on how generous you are with your portions)
Ingredients Needed
The best part? You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
- 2 apples – You want them to be a bit firm, so something like Granny Smith or Braeburn works great. These apples give a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- 250g plain flour – This is your base. Nothing too fancy here, just good ol’ flour.
- 150g sugar – Jamie suggests caster sugar, but I’ve found that regular granulated works fine. It’s the sweetness factor that counts.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – A must! The cinnamon is what gives the cake that warm, spicy note.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – This helps your cake rise and gives it that light, fluffy texture.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs give your cake structure and moisture.
- 125g butter, softened – Butter makes this cake rich and soft. Trust me, don’t skip this.
- A pinch of salt – It’s small, but salt enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- 2 tbsp milk – Just enough to help with the consistency.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Cinnamon Cake
I’ll walk you through the steps, but I’ll be honest, once you make it the first time, you won’t need to look at the recipe again. It’s that straightforward.
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake tin.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. I like leaving a bit of texture, so they don’t dissolve into the cake.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic happens.
- Add the eggs: One at a time, add the eggs to the mixture. Make sure you beat them in fully before adding the next one.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Slowly incorporate this into your butter mixture.
- Add the milk: This will loosen up the batter a little. Stir until you have a smooth, thick mixture.
- Fold in the apples: Gently stir in your chopped apples. They’ll sink into the batter as it bakes, which gives you pockets of fruity goodness.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool for a bit before serving. But trust me, you’ll want a slice as soon as possible.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love diving into the ’why’ behind ingredients, especially when a recipe becomes a favorite. Here’s what makes Jamie’s Apple and Cinnamon Cake ingredients work so well together:
- Apples: They’re high in moisture, so they keep the cake from getting too dry. The acidity of the apples balances the sweetness of the cake, while their natural sugars caramelize as they bake, adding flavor complexity.
- Butter: The fat in butter contributes to the cake’s moistness, but it also helps it rise by creating air pockets during mixing. Butter’s rich flavor complements the spices perfectly.
- Cinnamon: This spice has an innate warmth that enhances the sweetness of apples and sugar. Cinnamon is also known for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
- Eggs: They bind the ingredients together, while also adding richness and moisture. Their proteins help give the cake structure.
- Baking Powder: It’s the secret to lightness! It reacts with the wet ingredients to create air bubbles, giving your cake the rise and fluffiness that makes it so delightful.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tips to elevate your cake game:
- Room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before you start. This ensures they mix better, giving your cake a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, stir just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- Topping options: For extra indulgence, dust the top with powdered sugar or a little extra cinnamon after baking. You could even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- Apple prep: Try using different apple varieties for different flavors. A mix of tart and sweet apples can create a more complex taste profile.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some fun twists you can try:
- Nutty Apple Cinnamon Cake: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch and depth.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs or chia eggs instead of regular eggs.
- Apple and Caramel: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the cake once it’s done for extra sweetness.
Final Words
What I love most about Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Cinnamon Cake is its versatility. It’s simple but comforting. You can tweak it to match your tastes, but even if you make it just as is, it’s still a showstopper. The way the apples soften and infuse the cake with sweetness is pure magic.
It’s one of those recipes that feels like home. I’ve made it for family gatherings, cozy nights in, and even to impress friends. Every time, it gets devoured.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Cinnamon Cake So Special?
The combination of soft apples and fragrant cinnamon gives the cake a warm, cozy flavor. The recipe is simple yet delicious, with a moist texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead Of Apples In This Recipe?
Yes! You can try using pears or even mixed berries. The cake still works well with different fruits, but apples give it that classic, comforting taste.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Cinnamon Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just make sure to wrap it well.