Description
A moist and fragrant Mediterranean-inspired cake made with extra-virgin olive oil, orange zest, juice, and cardamom. Its tender crumb and bright flavor make it ideal for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for the pan
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1¼ cups (300 mL) whole milk or plant-based alternative
- Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil, line bottom with parchment paper, and dust lightly with flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and eggs. Beat with a mixer on high until thick and fluffy. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while mixing until fully incorporated.
- Reduce speed to low and add half the orange zest, orange juice, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients in batches, mixing just until a uniform batter forms. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, checking after 30. Insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.
- Cool cake in the pan for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, invert onto a plate, then invert again onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with remaining orange zest if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added—this keeps the cake tender.
- Olive oil keeps the cake moist for days—great for making ahead.
- Use high-quality, mild or fruity extra-virgin olive oil for best flavor.
- For extra flair, drizzle an orange glaze or sprinkle chopped nuts before baking.
- Let the cake cool fully before slicing to maintain structure and crumb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
