Olive Oil Cake

If you’ve never tried Olive Oil Cake, then you’re in for a treat! This cake is incredibly moist, slightly fruity, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. Imagine a light, fluffy cake with a rich olive oil flavor that doesn’t overwhelm, but enhances the entire dessert. It’s perfect for just about any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. It’s simple to prepare, but has that “wow” factor that will impress your guests every time.

Why You’ll Love Olive Oil Cake

• Moist and Tender: The olive oil keeps the cake super moist, giving it a tender crumb that melts in your mouth with each bite.
• Unique Flavor: The subtle olive oil flavor combined with a hint of citrus or vanilla makes it taste light and fresh. It’s a twist on traditional cakes that you’ll love.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy techniques or equipment—just mix the ingredients, pour into a pan, and bake. It’s that simple!
• Versatile: You can keep it simple with just olive oil and citrus, or add extra flavor with herbs like rosemary or a drizzle of honey. The possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a light dessert after dinner, enjoy a slice with tea or coffee, or even pack it for a picnic. It’s a cake that works for everything.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the simple ingredients that come together to make this beautiful cake:

For the Cake:

• Olive Oil: The star of the show! Choose a mild, high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of this cake. It gives the cake structure while still keeping it soft and light.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These are your leavening agents, ensuring the cake rises beautifully without being too dense.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the olive oil.
• Eggs: These provide structure and moisture, helping to bind everything together.
• Citrus Zest: Orange or lemon zest adds a burst of bright flavor that complements the olive oil.
• Vanilla Extract: For a hint of warm, aromatic sweetness.
• Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: To help create the perfect batter consistency and keep the cake light and fluffy.

Optional Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: For a sweet, simple glaze to top off your cake.
• Lemon or Orange Juice: Fresh juice adds brightness to the glaze, making it the perfect complement to the cake’s richness.

Instructions

Let’s walk through how easy it is to whip up this delightful cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan (or you can use parchment paper if you prefer).

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the olive oil, milk, citrus zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep the cake light and tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, and smooth the top. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Let it Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Make the Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon or orange juice until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve the cake on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries. It’s the kind of dessert that’s simple but elegant and always hits the spot!

Nutrition Facts

Note: These values are approximate and based on standard ingredients.

Servings: About 8
Calories per serving: 250-300 calories (1 slice)

How to Serve Olive Oil Cake

This cake is just as delicious on its own as it is with a few extras to elevate it. Here are a few ideas:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs perfectly with the moist cake. You could even flavor the whipped cream with a little vanilla or citrus zest for an extra touch.
• Berries: Serve with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cake.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet is the perfect refreshing companion to this cake, especially in warmer weather.
• Coffee or Tea: This cake makes a lovely treat with your afternoon cup of tea or coffee. It’s light enough to not feel overly indulgent but still satisfying.

Additional Tips

• Olive Oil Variety: Experiment with different types of olive oil to see which you like best. A fruitier olive oil will give the cake a richer flavor, while a milder one will allow the citrus and vanilla flavors to shine.
• Make it Ahead: Olive oil cake actually gets better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to deepen and meld. You can bake it a day in advance for the perfect make-ahead dessert.
• Switch Up the Citrus: Try lemon, orange, or even a combination of both for different flavor profiles. Orange zest gives it a lovely sweetness, while lemon adds a refreshing tartness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk to make it dairy-free. Just be sure to check the label for any additives or sweeteners.

Q2: How can I make this cake gluten-free?
A2: You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free, too!

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: Yes! Once the cake is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q4: Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
A4: Absolutely! If you use a different size, just be aware that the baking time may vary. A larger pan will cook the cake more quickly, while a smaller pan will take longer.

Q5: How do I store leftover cake?
A5: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added glaze, it’s best to refrigerate it.

Q6: Can I add other flavors to this cake?
A6: Yes! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm touch, or mix in some ground almonds for extra richness.

Q7: Can I make this cake without a glaze?
A7: Of course! The cake is delicious without the glaze, especially if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

Q8: How do I know when the cake is done?
A8: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden.

Q9: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A9: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer for a vegan version.

Q10: Can I make this in a bundt pan?
A10: Yes! Just be sure to grease and flour the bundt pan well, and check the baking time—bundt cakes often take a little longer to bake.

Conclusion

This Olive Oil Cake is the perfect balance of rich and light, with just the right amount of sweetness to make it truly special. It’s a cake that’s simple to make but feels sophisticated and elegant. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, an afternoon treat, or a weeknight dessert, it’s sure to impress. So, grab that olive oil, and let’s bake this beautiful, moist cake that everyone will love!

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