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Super Moist Lemon and Orange Olive Oil Cake (One-Bowl Method)

Close-up of a vibrant yellow slice cut from an olive oil cake, drizzled with a shiny glaze.
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This recipe delivers an incredibly moist and tender olive oil cake, infused with bright lemon and orange zest. Using a simple one-bowl method, you achieve a light, European-style dessert that is perfect with tea or coffee and is not overly sweet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable for a tender crumb. This is your one-bowl baking success.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. If using the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • Using a good quality, fruity extra virgin olive oil is key to the flavor of this cake.
  • This cake stays moist for days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
  • For a variation inspired by Italian baking, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary to the dry ingredients.
  • This recipe is a great dairy free cake option if you use a non-dairy milk substitute.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/olive-oil-cake-recipe-moist-lemon-orange/