Citrus-Infused Olive Oil Cake with Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist, tender olive oil cake brightened with fresh citrus zest and topped with toasted almonds for crunch. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil, then dust with flour, tapping out excess.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup granulated sugar with 3 large eggs until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
  4. Step 4: Slowly stream in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 teaspoons orange zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain.
  7. Step 7: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds evenly over the top.
  9. Step 9: Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Step 10: Cool cake in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Olive Oil Cake with Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Olive Oil Cake with Almonds?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Olive Oil Cake with Almonds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Infused Olive Oil Cake with Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Infused Olive Oil Cake with Almonds?

Mediterranean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes