Citrus-Infused Olive Oil Pound Cake
A moist olive oil pound cake brightened with fresh lemon and orange zest offers a delicate balance of richness and freshness. This mediterranean-inspired desserts (mediterranean) ready in about 75 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- optional powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Step 2: Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar with 4 large eggs until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while continuing to beat on medium speed until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Add 1/4 cup whole milk, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 teaspoons orange zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Step 6: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, just until no flour streaks remain.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Olive Oil Pound Cake take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Pound Cake?
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 Pound Cake?
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 Pound Cake 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 Pound Cake?
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.
