Olive Oil Cake

Embracing the art of baking can lead to some truly delightful discoveries, and one such treasure is Olive Oil Cake. This delightful dessert is not just about its rich, moist texture and subtle flavor but also about the way it brings people together. Whether you’re throwing a casual gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, this cake fits perfectly into any occasion. With its Mediterranean roots and versatility, Olive Oil Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and beverages, making it a perfect showstopper for your dessert table. Get ready to enjoy a slice of pure joy, and let’s embark on this baking journey together.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Oil Cake

You will absolutely adore the rich, moist texture of Olive Oil Cake, enhanced by the subtle and savory notes of olive oil. It’s an inviting dessert that’s great for any occasion. You can serve it at casual get-togethers or enjoy it during elegant dinners. Plus, you’ll find it easily adaptable since it pairs beautifully with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate. Each slice is a celebration, guaranteeing there won’t be leftovers!

What is an Olive Oil Cake

Olive Oil Cake is a traditional Mediterranean dessert that showcases the true essence of its ingredient. Rather than using butter, this cake utilizes olive oil, which gives it a distinct flavor and ensures a delightful moistness. It balances sweetness with a hint of savory, creating a memorable taste experience that keeps you coming back for more. You might find that this cake gently surprises your palate with its unique flavor profile.

Ingredients for Olive Oil Cake

Gathering all the ingredients for Olive Oil Cake is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ¾ cup (160 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large (100 g) eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• ⅔ cup (135 g) extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup (113 g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
• ¼ cup (62 g) milk (preferably not skim), room temperature
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 ⅓ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Preparing the Olive Oil Cake Batter

Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Lemon Zest

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, greasing the sides lightly. In a large bowl, you’ll want to combine the granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Using an electric mixer, beat this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes thick and takes on a lighter color.

Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add in the good stuff! Slowly pour in the olive oil, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined and forms a smooth batter. It’s almost magical how these ingredients blend into a lovely mixture!

Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Keep mixing until there are no dry streaks left in the batter. This step is crucial for getting that perfect consistency.

Baking the Olive Oil Cake

Prepare for Baking

Now that your batter is ready, it’s time to move on. Spread it evenly into the prepared cake pan. If you see any air bubbles in the batter, just gently tap the pan against the counter a couple of times. This will help release those pesky bubbles and ensure an even bake.

Bake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Cooling and Dusting

After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack. Once it’s completely cool, take a moment to dust the top lightly with powdered sugar. This adds a lovely touch and makes it even more inviting.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Olive Oil Cake, the possibilities are truly endless. Here are some delightful ideas:

• Serve it alongside fresh berries or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.
• Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.

Your guests will be raving about it all night long!

Tips for Success

To help ensure your Olive Oil Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This makes a big difference.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter. Keeping it fluffy will help achieve that amazing texture.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch things up with these variations:

• Swap the lemon for orange zest if you prefer a different citrus flavor.
• Consider adding nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.

These small adjustments can add new dimensions to the flavor!

Pairing Ideas

Olive Oil Cake isn’t just delicious on its own. Think about pairing it with:

• A warm cup of tea or coffee.
• A light dessert wine, which can add a touch of sophistication.

These combinations will enhance your overall dessert experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use flavored olive oil for this cake?
Absolutely! Flavored olive oil can introduce unique nuances to your cake, making it even more special.

2. How should I store leftover Olive Oil Cake?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for about a week.

3. Can I freeze Olive Oil Cake?
Definitely! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will stay good for up to three months.

4. Is Olive Oil Cake gluten-free?
If you want to make it gluten-free, simply swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

5. What can I do if my cake is too dry?
Measuring ingredients accurately and ensuring wet ingredients are at room temperature can help prevent dryness.

This Olive Oil Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a blend of elegance and simplicity, perfect for any celebration or a cozy afternoon treat. The beauty lies in its adaptability and the flavors that develop from fresh ingredients. Dress it with powdered sugar or a medley of berries, and it promises to captivate your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Gather your ingredients and indulge in the delightful experience of baking this aromatic, moist cake. Enjoy every moment of it!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Lemon Poke Cake
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
• Lemon Custard

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Olive Oil Cake

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Olive Oil Cake is a rich, moist dessert that stands out for its savory notes and versatility. Ideal for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with various toppings.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ cup (160 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large (100 g) eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• ⅔ cup (135 g) extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup (113 g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
• ¼ cup (62 g) milk (preferably not skim), room temperature
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 ⅓ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake pan.
• Mix sugar, eggs, and lemon zest; beat until thickened.
• Add olive oil, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice; mix until smooth.
• Sift flour, baking powder, and salt; fold into wet mixture until no dry streaks remain.
• Spread batter in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• Cool in the pan for 5-7 minutes, then transfer to a rack and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Avoid overmixing to maintain a fluffy texture.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14
• Sodium: 150
• Fat: 12
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 8
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 32
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 4
• Cholesterol: 50