Olive Oil Cake
Olive Oil Cake is a moist, tender, and flavorful dessert that brings a twist to traditional cakes by using olive oil instead of butter. Unlike many cakes that can feel heavy, Olive Oil Cake is light, slightly fruity, and has a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. The use of olive oil not only adds moisture but also gives a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with citrus, nuts, or berries. This cake is perfect for those looking for a dessert that is simple, delicious, and a little healthier than typical butter heavy cakes.

Olive Oil Cake has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where olive oil is a staple ingredient. It’s often served as a casual treat with tea or coffee, but it can also be dressed up for special occasions with glazes, fruit, or powdered sugar. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to cake for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
You Should Try the Olive Oil Cake
If you haven’t tried Olive Oil Cake yet, now is the perfect time! This cake is incredibly forgiving, meaning even if you’re new to baking, you’re likely to succeed. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, birthdays, or afternoon snacks. Plus, it’s an excellent recipe to experiment with flavors adding orange zest, lemon, almonds, or even chocolate chips can make it your own. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why Olive Oil Cake has become a beloved classic in so many homes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Olive Oil Cake
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Olive Oil Cake
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange optional
How to Make Olive Oil Cake
Step One
First, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step Two
Now, mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the cake rises evenly and has a smooth batter. Next, mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and yogurt or buttermilk.

Step Three
Add the dry ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle overmixing can make the cake dense. If using citrus zest, add it at this stage.
Step Four
Now, bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step Five
Finally, you can cool and serve the cake: Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with a simple icing as desired.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
To make this Olive Oil Cake, you will need:
- 8 inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
Tips for Making the Best Olive Oil Cake
Room temperature eggs and yogurt make mixing easier and improve texture.
Don’t overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Adding citrus zest or a teaspoon of almond extract can elevate the flavor.
For a special touch, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve this cake for breakfast with hot drinks like coffee or tea, while during the day I like to serve it with cold drinks, as my small family also likes, such as fruit juice or mojito.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cake vegan ?
Yes, replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes and use plant-based yogurt.
Can I add flavors like chocolate or nuts ?
Yes, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or nuts can be added for extra flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking ?
Grease the pan and line it with parchment paper before pouring in the batter.
Can I use citrus zest in the cake ?
Absolutely! Lemon or orange zest enhances the cake’s flavor and aroma.
Olive Oil Cake
Course: Dessert, SnacksCuisine: Mediterranean, ItalianDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes45
minutes280
kcal1
hourA light, moist, and flavorful cake made with olive oil, perfect for tea time, brunch, or any occasion, with a subtle citrus aroma and tender crumb.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
Zest of 1 lemon or orange optional
Directions
- First, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Now, mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the cake rises evenly and has a smooth batter. Next, mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and yogurt or buttermilk.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle overmixing can make the cake dense. If using citrus zest, add it at this stage.
- Now, bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Now, bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help the batter mix more evenly.
- Do not overmix once you combine wet and dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and taste.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and taste.
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