Baked Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Honey Drizzle

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

A moist and tender olive oil cake bursting with fresh citrus zest and juice, topped with a warm honey drizzle that adds subtle sweetness and shine. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
• 1 tbsp grated orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup pure honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while continuing to beat at medium speed until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp grated lemon zest, 1 tbsp grated orange zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp fresh orange juice.
6. Step 6: Alternately fold in the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk in three parts, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition.
7. Step 7: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden.
9. Step 9: While the cake bakes, warm 1/4 cup pure honey gently in a small saucepan over low heat until fluid.
10. Step 10: Remove cake from oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes with a skewer and brush warm honey over the top to soak in.
11. Step 11: Cool completely before slicing and serving.