Olive Oil Cake is a moist, tender dessert that pairs the richness of olive oil with the delicate sweetness of citrus, creating a beautifully balanced cake. This simple yet sophisticated dessert is an ideal choice for those looking for a lighter, more savory-sweet alternative to traditional cakes. With a subtle fruity flavor from the olive oil, along with hints of lemon or orange zest, Olive Oil Cake offers a refreshing and elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a festive dinner party.
The base of Olive Oil Cake is made with high-quality olive oil, which replaces the butter typically used in cakes. This gives the cake a slightly savory flavor, which is complemented by the sweetness of sugar and the citrus zest. The olive oil also helps keep the cake moist, resulting in a light, airy crumb that’s rich without being overly heavy. The addition of eggs, flour, and a little baking powder creates the structure for the cake, while a pinch of salt and vanilla enhance the overall flavor.
Citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, brings a burst of freshness to the cake, brightening the flavors and adding a touch of aromatic complexity. For extra depth, you can incorporate a small amount of almond meal or ground almonds, which adds a subtle nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the olive oil. The result is a cake that’s not overly sweet, with a smooth texture and a delightful balance of fruity, floral, and earthy flavors.
Olive Oil Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served on its own or paired with a variety of toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries make perfect accompaniments, while a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of yogurt can add an extra layer of creaminess. For a more indulgent treat, you can also glaze the cake with a simple syrup infused with herbs like rosemary for a unique twist.
This cake is perfect for anyone who enjoys more subtle, complex desserts. It’s a great choice for those following a Mediterranean diet, as olive oil is the star ingredient, offering healthy fats along with a distinctive flavor. Whether you’re baking it for a special event or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this perfect cake is a timeless dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 eggs large
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, beat the sugar and olive oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Nutrition
Simple and easy to make. I even let my kid help! He loved it!
It’s just cake. Who cares about fancy ingredients. My grandma’s cakes were better.
Sure, but this one’s got a unique twist with olive oil! My grandma never did that. Maybe you should try it before judging? 🍰
Absolutely loved this cake! Super moist and delicious. Will make it again!
I’m so glad you liked it! The olive oil really makes a difference, doesn’t it?
Eh, it was okay. Tasted kinda bland. Maybe add more lemon zest?
OMG, I burnt my cake! Can someone tell me how to bake without a smoke alarm?
Simple and easy to follow! I didn’t have lemon zest so used orange instead and it turned out nice!
That’s awesome! The orange zest must’ve added a nice twist. Love how flexible cooking can be!
Yum! This is a great recipe for brunch. Everyone in my family loved it!
I totally agree! This cake is so delish and perfect for brunch gatherings! I’m glad your family enjoyed it too!
I thought olive oil would make it taste weird, but it was surprisingly nice! Who would’ve guessed?
Boring! Why not just make a chocolate cake? This is just…meh.
This cake is sooo good! I can’t believe how moist it turned out. Definitely making it again!
Too oily for my taste. I thought oil cakes are supposed to be light, but this was heavy.
Y’all, this was wayyy too oily for me! 😖
Wow, who needs butter when you have olive oil? This blew my mind, great recipe!
I was a bit skeptical about olive oil in a cake, but this was surprisingly good!
Eh, olive oil in cake sounds kinda weird to me. I wouldn’t try it.
I know right! I was shocked too. Olive oil really did something magic in there!
Delicious but I added too much lemon zest. Oops! Next time I’ll follow the recipe better.
Lemon zest? I thought it was lemon juice. But hey, everyone makes mistakes!
Don’t worry, too much flavor isn’t a bad thing! Just maybe dial it back next time. 😄
For real?! Olive oil in a cake? I didn’t believe it and now I’m just confused. It’s okay but not my thing.
I don’t know, man. Seems weird to me. Cake should be buttery! Olive oil? Nope.
I was skeptical too, but olive oil in cake is actually really good! It makes it super moist. Give it another try!
Made it for a dinner party, but nobody ate it. Guess they prefer chocolate cakes.
Sorry to hear that! Maybe they just weren’t ready for something different. Olive oil cake’s got its charm! 😅
Why would anyone put olive oil in cake? Just use butter. It’s a cake not a salad!