Zesty Lemon Olive Oil Cake Recipe: Bright & Fluffy Every Time

Baking a delightful lemon olive oil cake brings a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen.

Drizzled with bright citrus notes, this olive oil cake recipe creates a moist, tender dessert that dances between sweet and tangy.

The extra virgin olive oil infuses richness and depth, making each slice incredibly soft and flavorful.

Fragrant lemon zest weaves a subtle brightness throughout the tender crumb, promising a refreshing twist on traditional cake recipes.

Surprisingly light yet deeply satisfying, this cake works perfectly for afternoon tea or an elegant dessert.

Simple ingredients come together to produce an extraordinary treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s whip up a slice of Mediterranean magic that’s sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Behind Lemon Olive Oil Cake

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth texture and subtle fruity undertones that enhance the cake's moistness and depth of flavor.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together, create structure, and contribute to the cake's soft, tender crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic complexity and balances the bright citrus notes.
• Lemon Zest: Infuses vibrant, zesty citrus aroma and intense lemon flavor throughout the cake.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces tangy brightness and helps activate leavening agents.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softens the cake's texture, creating a tender crumb.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cake's fundamental structure and provides a delicate, light base.
• Baking Powder: Generates lift and helps the cake rise evenly and consistently.
• Baking Soda: Assists in browning and contributes to the cake's delicate texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Sprinkled on top to create a delightful, crispy caramelized crust.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional elegant dusting that adds visual appeal and subtle sweetness.

Equipment List for Lemon Olive Oil Cake Perfection

• Springform Pan: 9-inch round, essential for easy cake removal and clean slices.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures smooth cake release.
• Aluminum Foil: Wraps pan exterior to prevent batter leaks during baking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious vessel for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, oil, and sugar without lumps.
• Sifter: Helps evenly distribute dry ingredients for a light texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for consistent results.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Zester/Grater: Extracts fresh lemon zest for vibrant citrus flavor.
• Optional Powdered Sugar Sifter: For elegant final dusting of cake.

Instructions for Baking Lemon Olive Oil Cake

• Cake Preparation

Gather all necessary baking tools and ingredients. Select a springform pan and protective baking accessories for smooth cake creation.

• Mixing Base

Combine olive oil, eggs, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and integrated, creating a creamy foundation.

• Flavor Infusion

Add lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently blend these aromatic elements to enhance the cake’s sensory profile.

• Dry Ingredient Integration

Sift flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with milk. Maintain a gentle mixing technique to preserve cake’s delicate texture.

• Baking Process

Transfer batter to prepared pan and sprinkle granulated sugar across the surface. Place in preheated oven at 350°F and bake until golden brown, approximately 50-55 minutes.

• Cooling and Presentation

Remove cake from oven and allow to rest in pan for ten minutes. Transfer to cooling rack and let settle completely. Optional powdered sugar dusting adds elegant finishing touch.

Bright Flavor Tips for Lemon Olive Oil Cake

• Swap lemon for orange or lime zest to create delightful flavor twists that brighten the cake's profile and add unexpected zesty notes.
• Brush warm cake with simple syrup or limoncello after baking to enhance moisture and intensify the citrusy essence, creating a more decadent texture.
• Drizzle with lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, or top with whipped mascarpone cream and fresh berries for elegant serving options.
• Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain its soft, tender crumb and rich olive oil flavor.
• Replace some all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty undertone, or use Greek yogurt instead of milk to increase protein and create a more tender crumb with subtle tanginess.

Ways to Serve Lemon Olive Oil Cake

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve a slice alongside a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
• Drizzle and Garnish: Top the cake with a light lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle with candied lemon zest or fresh berries for a vibrant presentation.
• Coffee Corner Delight: Enjoy this cake as a perfect afternoon treat with a hot espresso or Earl Grey tea, complementing its bright citrusy notes and delicate olive oil undertones.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create an elegant dessert platter by slicing the cake and arranging it with fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or figs for a stunning brunch spread.

Storage Tips for Lemon Olive Oil Cake

• Store Smartly: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Refrigerate Right: When storing longer than 3 days, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze for Future: Slice the cake before freezing, individually wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months.
• Revive with Ease: Bring refrigerated or frozen cake to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, restoring its original soft and tender crumb.

Sunny Lemon Olive Oil Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired lemon olive oil cake delivers a delightful balance of citrusy brightness and rich, silky texture. Bakers seeking a simple yet elegant dessert will appreciate this light, aromatic treat that showcases classic Italian and Greek culinary influences.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) lemon juice
• Zest from 3 lemons
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar (for sprinkling the top)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prep Workspace: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch springform pan with foil, creating a protective barrier against potential leaks.
2. Pan Preparation: Coat pan interior with parchment paper, ensuring thorough greasing to facilitate seamless cake extraction after baking.
3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whip extra virgin olive oil, eggs, and sugar together until achieving a creamy, uniform texture that forms the cake’s foundational moisture and sweetness.
4. Aromatic Enhancement: Integrate vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, gently blending to distribute vibrant citrus and fragrant notes throughout the mixture.
5. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift salt, baking powder, baking soda, and flour, creating a lightweight, aerated dry component that will provide structure to the cake.
6. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with milk, using minimal strokes to preserve the cake’s tender consistency and prevent gluten development.
7. Baking Stage: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface and sprinkling additional sugar across the top to create a caramelized, golden crust during baking.
8. Oven Transformation: Bake for 50-55 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should emerge clean.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Rest cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and complete the presentation by dusting with powdered sugar for an elegant, refined appearance.

Notes

• Prevent Leakage Smartly: Wrap the springform pan’s exterior with foil to block any potential batter seepage during baking.
• Master Mixing Technique: Whisk wet ingredients vigorously until smooth and fully integrated, ensuring a consistent cake texture.
• Check Cake Doneness Precisely: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake’s center; a clean exit means perfect baking.
• Sugar Topping Trick: Sprinkle extra granulated sugar on top before baking to create a delightful caramelized golden crust.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 46 g
• Sodium: 209 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg