Citrus-Scented Olive Oil Pound Cake with Orange Glaze
A moist olive oil pound cake infused with fresh orange zest and topped with a tangy orange glaze for a bright and tender finish. This mediterranean-inspired desserts 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 340 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
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup granulated sugar with 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until combined, then add 3 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp fresh orange zest, and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
- Step 6: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: While the cake cools, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 3 tbsp fresh orange juice to make the glaze.
- Step 8: Once the cake is cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top and let it set before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Scented Olive Oil Pound Cake with Orange Glaze 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-Scented Olive Oil Pound Cake with Orange Glaze?
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-Scented Olive Oil Pound Cake with Orange Glaze?
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-Scented Olive Oil Pound Cake with Orange Glaze 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-Scented Olive Oil Pound Cake with Orange Glaze?
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.
