CLASSIC OLIVE OIL CAKE

Here’s a timeless dessert that’s elegant, simple, and totally irresistible: the Classic Olive Oil Cake! 🍰✨ Moist, rich, and infused with subtle fruity notes from good-quality olive oil — it’s perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a not-too-sweet dessert.

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🍰 Classic Olive Oil Cake

🍴 Servings: 8–10

🕒 Total Time: 1 hour

🌿 Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian

🧁 Flavor Profile: Lightly sweet, citrusy, rich

🍋 Texture: Moist, tender crumb

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📝 Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (good quality!)
• ¾ cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
• 3 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon (or orange)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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🔥 Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or springform pan).
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 2–3 mins). Slowly mix in olive oil, milk, lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
4. Combine & pour: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until smooth.
5. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool & serve: Let cool in pan 10 mins, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas:

• Serve with berries and whipped cream
• Top with citrus glaze or Greek yogurt
• Drizzle with a bit of honey or infused olive oil

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❄️ Storage:

• Room temp: Covered, keeps 3–4 days
• Freeze: Wrap slices tightly, freeze up to 2 months

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✅ TIPS & NOTES:

1. Use quality olive oil:
This is the star ingredient! Choose a fruity, mild extra virgin olive oil — not too peppery or bitter — for the best flavor.

2. Don’t overmix the batter:
Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender and soft. Overmixing can make it dense.

3. Room temperature ingredients:
Using room temp eggs and milk helps the batter mix more evenly and bake consistently.

4. Customize your citrus:
Lemon zest gives a fresh zing, but you can swap in orange or even grapefruit zest for a new twist.

5. Add a glaze for extra flair:
Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice or orange juice for a tangy glaze drizzle once the cake is cool.

6. Let it rest before slicing:
The cake’s flavor gets better as it cools — even better the next day! Allow it to rest at least 30 minutes before serving.

7. Perfect for layering:
You can easily slice this cake in half and fill with whipped cream, mascarpone, or citrus curd for a fancier dessert.

8. Dust or top it off:
Powdered sugar, fresh berries, candied citrus peel, or a sprig of thyme or rosemary make it beautiful and brunch-ready.

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