Jamie Oliver’s Apple Upside-Down Cake is a show-stopping dessert featuring caramelized apples baked under a soft, buttery sponge. This cake is perfect for any occasion, combining the tartness of apples with the sweetness of caramel for a deliciously indulgent treat. Serve it warm with cream or ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Apple Upside-Down Cake?
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Upside-Down Cake is a classic dessert made by layering caramelized apples in a cake tin and covering them with a light sponge batter. Once baked and inverted, the apples become beautifully glazed with caramel, creating a stunning and flavorful presentation.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Visually stunning: The caramelized apple topping is a feast for the eyes.
- Rich and flavorful: A perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
- Versatile: Can be served as dessert or with tea.
- Customizable: Swap apples for pears or peaches for variation.
- Perfect for any season: A comforting dessert year-round.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Upside-Down Cake
For the Apple Topping:
- Apples – 3 medium (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced.
- Butter – 50g, for caramelizing the apples.
- Brown sugar – 75g, adds a deep caramel flavor.
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, for a warm spice note.
For the Cake Batter:
- Plain flour – 175g, for a light and fluffy sponge.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon, helps the cake rise.
- Caster sugar – 150g, adds sweetness.
- Butter – 125g, softened, for a rich and moist cake.
- Eggs – 2 large, at room temperature, for binding.
- Milk – 50ml, to create a smooth batter.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor.
Equipment Needed
- 8-inch round cake tin
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Apple Upside-Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Topping
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, cooking until the sugar dissolves into a caramel sauce.
- Add the apple slices and cook for 3–5 minutes, coating them in the caramel.
- Remove from heat and arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the bottom of a greased cake tin.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture.
- Add the milk gradually and fold the ingredients together until you have a smooth batter.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the batter over the apples in the cake tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the cake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Invert
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
- Place a serving plate over the tin, then carefully invert to reveal the caramelized apples on top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing for warm cake.
- Custard: Adds creamy richness to the dessert.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy, balances the caramel flavors.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle extra sauce for indulgence.
- Toasted nuts: Adds crunch and complements the apples.
- Fresh berries: Provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Use firm apples: Granny Smith or Golden Delicious hold their shape when cooked.
- Don’t overcook the caramel: Avoid burning by stirring continuously.
- Spread the batter evenly: Ensure the cake bakes uniformly.
- Cool slightly before inverting: Prevents the caramel topping from running.
- Add a pinch of salt: Enhances the caramel flavor.
- Customize the spices: Add nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Pear version: Replace apples with sliced pears.
- Tropical twist: Use pineapple slices instead of apples.
- Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Spiced cake: Add cinnamon or allspice to the cake batter.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Cool completely: Let the cake cool before storing.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Oven method: Reheat at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes to maintain the texture.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15–20 seconds for quick warming.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Upside-Down Cake Healthier?
- Reduce sugar in both the topping and batter.
- Replace some butter with applesauce in the batter.
- Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber.
- Serve with Greek yogurt instead of cream or ice cream.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Upside-Down Cake is a dessert that combines simplicity with elegance. The caramelized apple topping and soft, buttery sponge create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This cake is sure to impress your family and friends, so try it today for a sweet and memorable treat!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
- James Martin Mini Cranberry Panettone
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Korma
- Jamie Oliver Chocolate Chip Muffins
Jamie Oliver Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Upside-Down Cake is a classic dessert made by layering caramelized apples in a cake tin and covering them with a light sponge batter. Once baked and inverted, the apples become beautifully glazed with caramel, creating a stunning and flavorful presentation.
Ingredients
For the Apple Topping:
- Apples – 3 medium (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced.
- Butter – 50g, for caramelizing the apples.
- Brown sugar – 75g, adds a deep caramel flavor.
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, for a warm spice note.
For the Cake Batter:
- Plain flour – 175g, for a light and fluffy sponge.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon, helps the cake rise.
- Caster sugar – 150g, adds sweetness.
- Butter – 125g, softened, for a rich and moist cake.
- Eggs – 2 large, at room temperature, for binding.
- Milk – 50ml, to create a smooth batter.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Topping
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, cooking until the sugar dissolves into a caramel sauce.
- Add the apple slices and cook for 3–5 minutes, coating them in the caramel.
- Remove from heat and arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the bottom of a greased cake tin.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture.
- Add the milk gradually and fold the ingredients together until you have a smooth batter.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the batter over the apples in the cake tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the cake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Invert
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
- Place a serving plate over the tin, then carefully invert to reveal the caramelized apples on top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.
