Orange-Spiced Olive Oil Cake
A moist olive oil cake infused with fresh orange zest and warm spices, perfect for an easy homemade dessert. This mediterranean-inspired desserts (mediterranean) ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs, then whisk in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp orange zest, and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 5: 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 6: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange-Spiced Olive Oil Cake take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Orange-Spiced Olive Oil Cake?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange-Spiced 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 Orange-Spiced 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 Orange-Spiced Olive Oil Cake?
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.
