Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake with Honey Glaze
A moist, fragrant cake enriched with fruity olive oil and fresh orange zest, finished with a shiny honey glaze for extra sweetness. 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
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup pure honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. 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 fine sea salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while continuing to beat, then add 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp fresh orange zest, and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until no streaks remain.
- Step 6: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Step 7: While the cake bakes, warm 1/4 cup pure honey in a small saucepan over low heat until runny.
- Step 8: Remove cake from oven and immediately brush the warm honey evenly over the top to create a glossy glaze.
- Step 9: Let cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing and slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake with Honey Glaze 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 Orange-Scented 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 Orange-Scented 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 Orange-Scented 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 Orange-Scented 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.
