Description
Italian Olive Oil Cake is a moist, tender one-bowl dessert made with fragrant olive oil, fresh orange zest, and simple pantry ingredients. Light yet rich with a delicate crumb, this elegant cake is perfect for everyday baking or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) mild olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Fresh blackberries or other fruit, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- In the same or separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Add orange zest and whisk until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
- Stir in milk, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fruit if desired.
Notes
- Use mild olive oil for best flavor balance.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
- Substitute lemon zest and juice for a lemon version.
- Store refrigerated up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
