Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake

Introduction

Delight in the flavors of this Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake, featuring a moist, citrusy profile with a hint of warm spices. Perfect for any occasion, it pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large eggs
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Zest of 1 large orange
1/4 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and olive oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
6. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and ground cardamom (if using). Adjust the thickness by adding more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
8. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

• Substitute the olive oil with other oils like avocado or canola for a different flavor.
• For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter.
• Experiment with different citrus juices like lemon or grapefruit for varied flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
   • Yes, all-purpose flour works well for this recipe.
2. Is this cake gluten-free?
   • No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.
3. Can I replace olive oil with butter?
   • Yes, you can substitute melted butter, but it will alter the flavor and texture slightly.
4. How do I know when the cake is done?
   • Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I make this cake in advance?
   • Absolutely! It stores well and tastes great even after a day or two.
6. What can I use instead of yogurt?
   • Sour cream or buttermilk can be used as a substitute.
7. Can I add more spices?
   • Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
8. Is the glaze necessary?
   • The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweetness and extra flavor.
9. How should I serve this cake?
   • It’s delicious on its own, but pairing it with whipped cream or ice cream elevates it further.
10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    • Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Conclusion

Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in this Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that will leave everyone craving more. Serve it up and watch it disappear!

Print