We’ve discovered the perfect cake that’ll transform your kitchen into a Mediterranean bakery. This orange olive oil cake combines the bright citrus flavors of fresh oranges with the rich smoothness of extra virgin olive oil creating a dessert that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple to make.
What makes this cake truly special is how the olive oil creates an incredibly moist tender crumb while the orange zest and juice infuse every bite with sunny Mediterranean flavors. Unlike traditional butter-based cakes this beauty actually improves with time developing deeper flavors as it sits.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet and sophisticated this orange olive oil cake delivers impressive results with minimal effort. We’ll show you exactly how to achieve that perfect balance of citrus brightness and olive oil richness that makes this cake absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected ingredients that work together to create this Mediterranean-inspired cake’s distinctive flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and olive oil richness.
For the Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
Creating our perfect orange olive oil cake requires exact tools that ensure success from mixing to serving. We recommend gathering these essential items before beginning the baking process to maintain smooth workflow throughout preparation.
Large mixing bowl serves as our primary workspace for combining wet and dry ingredients. We prefer using a bowl with at least 4-quart capacity to prevent spillage during vigorous whisking.
Wire whisk becomes crucial for properly incorporating olive oil with other liquid ingredients. This tool helps create the smooth emulsion necessary for our cake’s signature texture.
8-inch round cake pans provide the ideal size for even baking and proper cake height. We always grease these pans thoroughly and line them with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking.
Mixing spoon or electric mixer offers flexibility based on your preference and available equipment. Hand mixing works perfectly for this recipe, though an electric mixer can speed up the process.
Cooling rack allows proper air circulation around our finished cake. This equipment prevents soggy bottoms while maintaining the cake’s delicate crumb structure during the cooling period.
Fine mesh sieve helps us achieve perfectly smooth batter by removing any lumps from flour or other dry ingredients. This tool also proves useful when preparing our orange glaze for flawless consistency.
Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy with both liquid and dry ingredients. We recommend using separate sets for wet and dry measurements to maintain precision throughout the recipe.
Citrus zester or microplane extracts aromatic oils from orange peel without including bitter white pith. This specialized tool maximizes the citrus flavor that defines our Mediterranean inspired dessert.
Instructions
Now we’ll walk through each step to create this aromatic Mediterranean-inspired cake. Follow our detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
Prep the Pan and Oven
We start by preheating our oven to 350°F for optimal baking temperature. Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly grease the sides of the pan with olive oil or butter for easy release. For a decorative presentation we can arrange thin orange slices on the bottom of the prepared pan before adding the batter.
Make the Cake Batter
We combine all dry ingredients—flour baking powder baking soda and salt—in a medium bowl and set aside for later use. In our large mixing bowl we whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until well blended. Next we add the olive oil orange juice orange zest whole milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth wet mixture. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using gentle motions until just combined. We avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
Bake the Cake
We pour the batter into our prepared cake pan and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. The cake bakes for 40 to 55 minutes depending on our oven’s performance. We begin checking for doneness at the 35 to 40 minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when ready. After baking we let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire cooling rack.
Prepare the Orange Glaze
We create the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar with a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Fresh orange juice gets added gradually while we whisk to achieve a smooth consistency. Optional additions like vanilla extract or orange blossom water enhance the glaze’s flavor profile. The mixture should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cake surface.
Glaze and Finish
Once our cake reaches room temperature we pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top surface. We allow the glaze to set naturally at room temperature or place the cake in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process. Before serving we can dust the cake with additional powdered sugar or garnish with fresh orange zest for an elegant presentation. The finished cake develops even more flavor when stored covered for several hours or overnight.
Storage and Serving Tips
Proper storage ensures our orange olive oil cake maintains its moist texture and vibrant citrus flavor for days after baking. We recommend storing the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. Most sources agree that this method keeps the cake delicious for up to 4 days.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3-4 days | Airtight container |
| Refrigerated | 1 week | Airtight container or wrapped |
| Frozen | 3 months | Plastic wrap + freezer bag |
Room Temperature Storage
We store our finished cake in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This method prevents the cake from drying out while maintaining its tender crumb. The cake develops even deeper flavors when allowed to rest at room temperature for several hours after glazing.
Refrigeration for Extended Storage
Refrigerating the cake extends its life to about one week when properly wrapped. We wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container. This double protection prevents the cake from absorbing refrigerator odors while keeping moisture locked in. Always ensure the cake cools completely before wrapping to avoid condensation that could make the texture soggy.
Freezing Instructions
Long term storage requires freezing individual slices or the whole cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. We place the wrapped cake in a freezer safe container or bag for additional protection. Frozen orange olive oil cake maintains its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw portions at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Recommendations
We serve this cake at room temperature or slightly warmed to enhance its aromatic qualities. Dusting with confectioners’ sugar before serving adds an elegant finishing touch. Warming individual slices briefly brings out the olive oil’s richness and intensifies the orange essence. The cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato for special occasions.
Variations and Substitutions
We love how adaptable orange olive oil cake can be to suit different tastes and dietary needs. The beauty of this Mediterranean-inspired dessert lies in its flexibility while maintaining that signature moist texture and bright citrus flavor.
Flavor Variations
Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake transforms our basic recipe with the addition of ground cardamom. We recommend adding 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm spice that complements the orange beautifully. This variation creates an aromatic cake with subtle Middle Eastern influences.
Cara Cara Orange Olive Oil Cake elevates the citrus experience by using Cara Cara oranges instead of regular oranges. These specialty oranges bring pink-red flesh and an exceptionally sweet flavor profile that makes our cake even more luxurious. We substitute the zest and juice with equal amounts from Cara Cara oranges.
Grand Marnier Orange Olive Oil Cake adds sophisticated depth by incorporating orange liqueur. We replace 2 tablespoons of the orange juice with Grand Marnier for an adult version that intensifies the orange flavor while adding complexity.
Dietary Substitutions
Plant-based milk works perfectly as a dairy-free alternative to whole milk. We use equal amounts of almond milk or oat milk without compromising the cake’s texture or moisture.
Almond extract enhances the nutty undertones that pair naturally with olive oil. We add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla extract for a more complex flavor profile.
Frosting and Topping Options
Mascarpone frosting creates an elegant finish for special occasions. We combine 8 ounces mascarpone cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup whipping cream, and 1 tablespoon orange zest for a creamy topping that complements the cake’s Mediterranean character.
Other citrus variations allow seasonal flexibility. We substitute lemon or lime zest and juice for the orange to create entirely different flavor profiles while maintaining the same technique.
Garnish Enhancements
Fresh herbs and candied citrus add visual appeal and aromatic elements. We garnish with fresh mint leaves or rosemary sprigs for an herbaceous touch. Candied orange slices create an elegant presentation that reinforces the citrus theme while adding textural contrast.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We love that this orange olive oil cake actually tastes better when prepared in advance. The olive oil continues to moisturize the crumb while the orange flavors develop and intensify over time.
Prepare the Cake Batter and Bake Ahead
We recommend baking the cake 1 to 3 days before serving for optimal flavor development. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Store the wrapped cake in an airtight container at room temperature where it will maintain its perfect texture.
Freezing for Extended Storage
For longer storage, we freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months without any loss in quality. Wrap the cooled cake in two layers of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight at room temperature while still wrapped to retain moisture.
Timing the Orange Glaze Application
We always apply the orange glaze just before serving to maintain its fresh appearance and prevent it from absorbing into the cake. The glaze ingredients can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator. Simply whisk the glaze mixture again before drizzling over the cake.
Storage Timeline for Best Results
| Storage Method | Duration | Texture Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature (wrapped) | 3 days | Optimal |
| Refrigerated (wrapped) | 1 week | Excellent |
| Frozen (double wrapped) | 3 months | Very good |
Our make ahead approach transforms this cake from a simple dessert into a sophisticated centerpiece that requires minimal last minute preparation. The extended resting time allows the Mediterranean flavors to marry beautifully while ensuring we can focus on other aspects of our meal preparation.
Conclusion
This orange olive oil cake represents the perfect marriage of Mediterranean flavors and simple baking techniques. We’ve shown you how to create a dessert that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and comforting enough for everyday enjoyment.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. Whether you’re experimenting with flavor variations or making dietary substitutions the cake adapts beautifully to your needs while maintaining its signature moist texture and bright citrus notes.
We encourage you to embrace the make-ahead nature of this dessert. Let it develop its full flavor potential overnight and you’ll discover why this cake has become a beloved staple in Mediterranean kitchens worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes orange olive oil cake different from regular cake?
Orange olive oil cake uses extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, creating a uniquely moist and tender texture. The olive oil provides richness while fresh orange zest and juice deliver bright citrus flavors. Unlike butter-based cakes, this Mediterranean-inspired dessert actually improves in flavor over time, developing deeper, more complex notes.
How long does orange olive oil cake stay fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap properly and refrigerate for up to one week. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. The cake’s olive oil base helps maintain moisture longer than traditional butter cakes.
What essential equipment do I need to make this cake?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, wire whisk, 8-inch round cake pans, mixing spoon or electric mixer, cooling rack, fine mesh sieve, measuring cups and spoons, and a citrus zester or microplane. Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature texture and proper flavor distribution.
Can I make substitutions for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the recipe is quite adaptable. Replace whole milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk. Add almond extract for enhanced flavor. The cake naturally contains no butter, making it lighter than traditional cakes. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits for seasonal variations.
Should I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes better when made 1-3 days in advance. The flavors develop and meld beautifully over time. Store the unfrosted cake wrapped at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months. Apply the orange glaze just before serving for the freshest appearance and optimal presentation.
What are some popular variations of this cake?
Popular variations include Orange Cardamom (adding warm spice), Cara Cara Orange (for sweeter flavor), and Grand Marnier Orange (with orange liqueur). You can also experiment with different citrus fruits, add mascarpone frosting, or garnish with fresh herbs and candied citrus for elegant presentations and seasonal adaptability.
