Orange Olive Oil Cake

Orange olive oil cake is an outstanding dessert that’s loaded with bright citrus flavor from the orange, and super moist from the olive oil.  This cake is easy to make and can be served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a simple orange glaze.

Orange olive oil cake may just be one of my favorite desserts for a few reasons. 

It pairs beautifully with a coffee or espresso, doesn’t require a mixer or any complicated kitchen tools, and tastes fantastic.

I also happen to adore citrus-flavored desserts, like lemon ricotta cookies, and this olive oil cake is so full of bright orange flavor!

I love to serve this cake with an orange glaze (recipe below), but it’s just as good with a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar, or by itself!

And much like our Pastiera Napoletana, this orange olive oil cake is actually pretty good for breakfast.  No judgment here!

How to make it

Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.

1. Preheat the oven to 350f and set the rack to the middle level.  Line an oiled 9-inch by 2-inch deep round cake pan with parchment paper. Using a zester, remove the zest from two oranges.  This should equal roughly 3 tablespoons of zest.  Juice the oranges and reserve 1/4 cup of juice for use in the cake, and for the glaze if using.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder,  and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and stir until combined.
3. In a large bowl, combine 3 large eggs, 1 1/4 cups of whole milk, 1 1/3 cups of extra virgin olive oil, the orange zest, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup Gran Gala (or other orange liqueur), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and whisk until combined.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined taking care to not overmix.  The batter should be on the thinner side and easy to pour.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

6. Give the cake pan a tap on a flat surface to allow any air to rise to the top.  
7. Place the cake pan in the oven and cook for approximately 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

8. Allow the cake to cool completely then serve with powdered sugar, or the optional glaze.  To make the glaze simply whisk 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of orange blossom water, and a pinch of kosher salt.  Once combined, pour and spread the glaze over the top of the cake allowing the glaze to drizzle down the sides.  Allow the glaze to firm up at room temperature or by placing it in the refrigerator for about an hour.  Serve the orange olive oil cake by itself or with fresh berries.  Enjoy!

Top tips for amazing orange olive oil cake

• The olive oil! There is a lot of olive oil in this cake so it’s important to pick one that works well.  I suggest using mildly flavored, good quality extra virgin olive oil.  You can also opt for olive oil that’s been infused with flavor, like orange or lemon, or make you’re own infused olive oil.  
• The citrus.  I used orange zest and orange juice from regular navel oranges.  If you’re able to find blood oranges, that would be a great option.  Lemon zest would also be a nice addition. 
• Baking.  In my conventional oven, it takes about 55 minutes for the orange olive oil cake to be fully cooked.  I usually use a toothpick inserted in the center to make sure it’s done.  Since everyone’s oven is a little different, I recommend checking on your cake at the 50-minute mark.  If you have a convection oven you’ll need to account for that by reducing the temperature by 25 degrees and 25% less time.
• The glaze.  If you opt to make the glaze, you will need to wait until the cake is fully cooled before topping with the glaze.  If you’d like your glaze to be on the thicker side, you can add a little more powdered sugar to achieve the perfect consistency.

More sweet treats

Here are a few of our favorite desserts.  We hope you enjoy them!

• Flourless chocolate cake – almond flour, bittersweet chocolate, eggs, sugar and butter.  
• Cannoli – the classic Italian pastry.
• Apple crostata – apples and a flaky pasta frolla crust.

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