Sunshine Citrus the Ultimate Mediterranean Olive Oil Cake

Recipe Introduction: Craving Cake? Let's Bake!

Ever find yourself daydreaming about a slice of sunshine? I do! That's why I'm so excited to share this olive oil cake recipe with you.

Honestly, it's like a little taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.

Sunshine in Every Slice: A Mediterranean Dream

This isn't your average cake. The Mediterranean cake recipe tradition brings a rustic charm. It’s an Italian olive oil cake that's both easy and impressive.

Baking an olive oil cake is beginner friendly and takes about an hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete.

You'll get about 8-10 slices, perfect for sharing.

Why You'll Adore This Easy Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Aside from being utterly delicious, this citrus olive oil cake has some perks. The olive oil itself is packed with healthy fats, making this treat a bit less guilty than your average dessert.

It's the perfect cake for a casual brunch with friends or a cozy afternoon tea. This homemade olive oil cake stands out because of its unique texture.

You know?

From My Kitchen to Yours: Time to Get Baking!

Are you ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? We are diving straight into how to make the perfect Olive Oil Cake.

We'll then talk about those ingredients that will transform you into a Mediterranean master baker.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Bake

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this easy olive oil cake recipe . Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already.

No fancy equipment needed here, thank goodness. We're making a homemade olive oil cake , not building a rocket ship.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Cake

Here's the lowdown on the ingredients. We want this Mediterranean cake recipe to shine. So, using the right stuff is key.

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g) .
• Baking Powder: 1 tsp .
• Baking Soda: ½ tsp .
• Salt: ½ tsp .
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) .
• Large Eggs: 3 . Make sure they're at room temperature!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¾ cup (180ml) .
• Whole Milk or Buttermilk: ¾ cup (180ml) .
• Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp . Freshly squeezed, please.
• Orange Zest: 1 tbsp . Finely grated.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp .
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): ½ cup (60g) .
• Lemon Juice (for glaze): 2-3 tbsp . Adjust for desired consistency.

For the olive oil , go for a fruity and mild extra virgin one. This isn't the time for that harsh stuff you use for frying.

Good olive oil makes a huge difference in the flavour of your olive oil cake . Honestly, it's the star of the show!

Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Bliss

We're not just throwing stuff in a bowl. Think about flavor layers. Lemon and orange zest? They're like sunshine. Vanilla extract? Adds a touch of warmth.

Don’t skip these!. This is how you achieve the perfect Citrus Olive Oil Cake .

If you don’t have buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Boom, buttermilk substitute!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Let's be real, you don't need a ton of fancy equipment. Less washing-up!. That's always a win, right?

• 9 inch Springform Pan or Bundt Pan
• Electric Mixer (stand or hand held)
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Zester
• Juicer
• Toothpick or Cake Tester

Don't have a springform pan? No worries! A regular cake pan works too. Just grease it really well. And maybe line the bottom with parchment paper.

Honestly, no need to stress if you don't have everything perfect. Baking should be fun.

Baking Like a Boss: Mediterranean Olive Oil Cake Time!

Okay, so Olive Oil Cake might sound a bit fancy schmancy, right? But honestly, this recipe is super easy! Think sunshine, citrus, and a cake that's insanely moist.

Forget dry sponges; this Mediterranean Cake Recipe is all about that rich, olive oil goodness. I'm telling you, once you try this Easy Olive Oil Cake Recipe , you'll be hooked.

I'm obsessed with Mediterranean baking, I was blown away about how easy and rewarding it is!.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: let's get organised. We're talking essential mise en place. You know? Get all your ingredients measured and ready to go.

Flour, sugar, eggs... the whole shebang. This saves you from scrambling later. I used to be so disorganized, and honestly, it just made baking stressful.

Don’t be like past me.

Safety tip : make sure the oven is OFF before you start sticking your head in there to "check" if it's clean, okay? We're going to preheat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) in a bit, so be patient.

Let's Get Baking: step-by-step to Olive Oil Cake Bliss

1. Grease and flour your 9 inch springform or bundt pan like your life depends on it. Seriously. Nobody wants a stuck cake.
2. Whisk together 2 cups (250g) flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt in a bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
3. Cream together 1 cup (200g) sugar and 3 eggs until light and fluffy, almost doubled in volume. Takes about 3 minutes.
4. Slowly drizzle in ¾ cup (180ml) olive oil, then mix in ¾ cup (180ml) milk/buttermilk, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, and 1 tsp vanilla.
5. Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix or you'll end up with a tough cake.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45- 55 minutes .
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes , then invert onto a rack to cool completely.
8. (Optional) Drizzle with a glaze of ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar and 2-3 tbsp lemon juice.

Olive Oil Cake Pro Tips & Tricks:

Alright, let's talk pro tips for this Olive Oil Cake Recipe !

• Olive oil is important: a good extra virgin olive oil is everything for the flavour.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing leads to tough cake.
• Make it ahead : you can totally bake the cake a day in advance.

Honestly, this Citrus Olive Oil Cake is a game changer. It's simple enough for a weeknight treat. Don't be scared to experiment and have fun with it!. Why not?

Recipe Notes for Your Olive Oil Cake Adventure

Right then, let's chat about a few essential bits before you dive headfirst into baking this olive oil cake . Honestly, this Mediterranean cake recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few tips and tricks can take it from good to Oh my gosh, where has this been all my life?!

Serving Up Sunshine: Plating & Presentation

Fancy pants or keeping it real? This Italian olive oil cake looks gorge all by itself. But you can dress it up! A dusting of powdered sugar is classic.

Or, go wild with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries. Think strawberries, raspberries, even blueberries! For drinks, a simple lemon iced tea or a glass of chilled prosecco works wonders.

You know, something bubbly!

Storing Your Treasure: Keeping it Fresh

This homemade olive oil cake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are a real treat too. Wrap it tightly in cling film or pop it in an airtight container.

It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing? Yep, you can! Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to a month.

When you're ready for a slice of sunshine, let it thaw at room temperature. Reheating isn't usually necessary, but a quick zap in the microwave will make it extra cozy.

Remixing the Magic: Adaptations & Swaps

Want to switch things up? Go for it! For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Boom! Dietary adaptation sorted.

For a seasonal twist, swap the lemon zest for orange zest in the winter. Hello Citrus olive oil cake . You can play around with this easy olive oil cake recipe until you achieve your dream Olive Oil Cake with Lemon !

Nourishment in Every Slice: Health Benefits

Let's keep it real, this olive oil cake is a treat. But hey, it's made with good stuff! The olive oil provides healthy fats, which are good for your heart.

The lemon adds a boost of vitamin C. Each serving contains roughly 350-400 calories, 4-5g of protein, 20-25g of fat, 40-45g of carbs, and 20-25g of sugar.

Remember this is just an estimate.

So, there you have it! All the extra bits to make your baking experience smooth and successful. You've got this! Time to make some magic with this incredible olive oil cake recipe , you can even try to add Brown Butter Frosting or even a classic Butter Frosting .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any kind of olive oil for olive oil cake? Does the type matter?

Yes, the type of olive oil you use absolutely matters! For the best flavour in your olive oil cake, choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil that's fruity and mild. Avoid anything too peppery or robust, as it can overpower the other flavours in the cake.

Think of it like choosing a wine you want something that complements the dish, not fights with it!

My olive oil cake is dense and not as light as I'd hoped. What went wrong?

A dense olive oil cake usually points to one of two culprits: overmixing or incorrect measurements. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture. Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients, mixing only until just combined.

Also, double check your measurements using measuring cups, weighing the ingredients is also a good idea; accuracy is key for a light and airy bake.

How do I store leftover olive oil cake, and how long will it stay fresh?

To keep your olive oil cake moist and delicious, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month perfect for a quick afternoon treat with a cuppa!

Can I make this olive oil cake recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free olive oil cake, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that's designed for baking and contains xanthan gum, which helps to bind the ingredients together.

You might find the texture is slightly different, but it should still be delicious.

What are some fun variations I can try with this olive oil cake?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could add lemon poppy seeds for a zesty twist, or try orange almond by substituting almond extract for the vanilla and adding slivered almonds. For a cosy autumnal vibe, consider adding warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Don't be afraid to experiment baking should be fun!