Olive Oil and Honey Olive Oil Cake with Orange Zest
A moist and tender olive oil cake subtly sweetened with honey and brightened by fresh orange zest, ideal for a refined but simple dessert. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea 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
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan; line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil while continuing to beat, then mix in 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup whole milk, 2 tsp fresh orange zest, and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 5: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients in two additions until just combined, careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden on top.
- Step 7: Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Olive Oil and Honey Olive Oil Cake with Orange Zest 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 Olive Oil and Honey Olive Oil Cake with Orange Zest?
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 Olive Oil and Honey Olive Oil Cake with Orange Zest?
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 Olive Oil and Honey Olive Oil Cake with Orange Zest 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 Olive Oil and Honey Olive Oil Cake with Orange Zest?
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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