Orange Olive Oil Cake

Orange Olive Oil Cake

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Orange olive oil cake is a light, moist, and flavorful dessert that perfectly balances the citrusy sweetness of oranges with the rich, fruity notes of olive oil. This Mediterranean-inspired cake is simple to make yet delivers a sophisticated taste that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it as an afternoon treat, a dinner dessert, or even a breakfast delight, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Orange Olive Oil Cake

Why Make an Orange Olive Oil Cake?

Using olive oil in a cake may sound unusual, but it adds incredible moisture and enhances the depth of flavor. Unlike butter, olive oil keeps the cake soft for days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. The combination of fresh orange juice, zest, and olive oil creates a cake that is both fragrant and indulgent.

Ingredients

To make this delicious orange olive oil cake, you will need:

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

  • Whipped cream or Greek yogurt

  • Orange slices or zest for garnish

Timing

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Baking Time: 40–45 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale. Add the orange juice, orange zest, milk (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Orange Olive Oil Cake

Tips for the Best Orange Olive Oil Cake

Choosing the Right Olive Oil

Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. A fruity olive oil works particularly well in this cake, enhancing the citrus notes.

Using Fresh Oranges

Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest give the cake a bright, natural citrus flavor. Avoid bottled orange juice, which may contain added sugars or preservatives.

Keeping the Cake Moist

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Orange Olive Oil Cake

Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Almond Orange Olive Oil Cake

Replace 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with almond flour to create a nuttier texture and enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

Glazed Orange Olive Oil Cake

Make an orange glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and drizzle it over the cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with:

  • A cup of hot tea or coffee

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream

  • A dollop of mascarpone cheese with a drizzle of honey

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280

  • Protein: 4g

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Fat: 13g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 22g

Conclusion

Orange olive oil cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings together fresh citrus flavors and rich olive oil in a perfectly moist cake. Whether you enjoy it as a simple treat or dress it up with toppings and glazes, this cake is sure to impress. Try it out and experience the delicious fusion of flavors in every bite.