Olive Oil and Honey Semolina Cake with Orange Zest
A moist, fragrant semolina cake enhanced with citrusy orange zest, rich olive oil, and a drizzle of honey glaze. This mediterranean-inspired desserts (mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes layers semolina flour, all-purpose flour, 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 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 cup semolina flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup semolina flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil while continuing to beat, then add 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tsp fresh orange zest, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Step 5: Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden.
- Step 7: While cake cools, mix 1/4 cup honey with 2 tbsp fresh orange juice to make a glaze. Brush glaze over warm cake to soak in and add shine before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Olive Oil and Honey Semolina Cake with Orange Zest take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Semolina 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 Semolina 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 Semolina 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 Semolina 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.
