Citrus Olive Oil Cake
This is one of my go-to, all-year-round desserts. What makes me so enthusiastic about this cake is that it’s perfect to create using oranges when they are in season over the fall and winter, bright lemon in the spring, and even zesty lime in the summer. I love seasonal recipes, and I love recipes that can be adapted easily even more. This olive oil cake recipe is the perfect dessert to keep in your recipe toolbox because it’s simple to make, bright, and flavorful.
What is olive oil cake? Olive oil cake is a delicious baked dessert that’s hydrated primarily by using olive oil in the batter. I love this cake because it has a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It is also very versatile based on the type of citrus you use in this recipe, making it perfect to adjust based on which citrus is in season when you make it.
What to serve with olive oil cake? Fruit and ice cream are the perfect accompaniments to olive oil cake. I prefer to use berries when they are in season, but if there aren’t any good fruit options in the supermarket, I recommend using a vanilla ice cream or fruit sorbet to serve alongside the cake.
How to store olive oil cake? This cake stores best in the fridge uncovered. This will maintain its freshness without compromising on any of the nice, crisp exterior. If you cover the cake in a container or with plastic wrap, the top of the cake will become moist and soggy over time, so I recommend avoiding this type of storage.
Are olive oil cakes healthy? This olive oil cake has very simple ingredients including citrus zest (containing vitamin c) and olive oil which has many health benefits (antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties). While this cake is a dessert and has white flour and sugar, it’s a healthier and more refreshing choice than other dessert options.
Can you freeze olive oil cake? Yes, you can freeze olive oil cake once baked. To do this, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Defrost uncovered in the fridge overnight for the best results.
How long does olive oil cake last? Olive oil cakes last for up to 1 week in the fridge. With that being said, the freshness will decrease with every day that it’s stored, so plan to get the best flavor within the first couple of days.
What type of citrus can you use in an olive oil cake? There are many types of citrus that work well in an olive oil cake. My recommendations are to use lemon, lime, or orange. For this recipe you need roughly 3 limes, 2 lemons or 1 orange.
Citrus Olive Oil Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp zest
- 2 tbsp juice
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and prepare a 9 inch cake pan by spraying with a non-stick spray.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, salt and baking powder) in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate, large-sized bowl combine wet ingredients (sugar, olive oil, eggs, zest, juice, and whole milk) until thoroughly incorporated. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing well between each addition.
- Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake in the oven for about 1 hour, or until well browned and cooked through. You can test if the batter is cooked through by inserting a fork in the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean then it’s ready and if there is batter still stuck to the fork it needs more time.
