Citrus-Soaked Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary
A moist olive oil cake soaked in citrus syrup and infused with fresh rosemary for a fragrant and tender dessert. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder 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 280 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 tsp fresh orange zest
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs until frothy. Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tsp fresh lemon zest, and 2 tsp fresh orange zest until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined — do not overmix.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden.
- Step 6: While the cake bakes, prepare a citrus-rosemary syrup by combining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 2 rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.
- Step 7: When the cake is done, remove from oven and poke holes evenly across the top with a skewer. Slowly pour the warm citrus-rosemary syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing and serving, allowing the flavors to imbibe fully.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Soaked Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary 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-Soaked Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary?
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-Soaked Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary?
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-Soaked Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary 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-Soaked Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary?
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.
