Layered Orange Olive Oil Cake with Honey Glaze
A moist, citrus-infused olive oil cake layered with a honey-sweetened glaze, offering a bright and tender dessert with Mediterranean flair. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 55 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp, finely grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and 3 large eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed 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 low speed until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Add 3/4 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp finely grated orange zest, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Step 6: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until no streaks remain.
- Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: While the cakes bake, prepare the honey glaze by combining 1/3 cup honey, 3 tbsp water, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Step 9: Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack; while still warm, brush the honey glaze generously over both cake layers.
- Step 10: Once cooled, layer the cakes with any remaining glaze brushed between them for added moisture and shine.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Orange Olive Oil Cake with Honey Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Layered Orange Olive Oil Cake with Honey 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 Layered Orange Olive Oil Cake with Honey 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 Layered Orange Olive Oil Cake with Honey 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 Layered Orange Olive Oil Cake with Honey 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.
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