Liguria-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Olive Oil Cake
A moist and fragrant olive oil cake bursting with fresh lemon zest and a hint of almond, capturing the sunny essence of the Italian Riviera. This italian-inspired desserts 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp almond extract
- for dusting powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 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 and 3 large eggs vigorously until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk, then add 1/4 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp almond extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Step 7: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Liguria-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Olive Oil Cake 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 Liguria-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Olive Oil 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 Liguria-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Olive Oil 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 Liguria-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Olive Oil 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 Liguria-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Olive Oil Cake?
Italian 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.
