Oven-Baked Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Fresh Berries
A moist, tender lemon cake enriched with olive oil and topped with a vibrant medley of fresh seasonal berries. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 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 280 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
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) mixed fresh berries
- 2 tbsp, for dusting powdered sugar
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup granulated sugar and 3 large eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Once cooled, top with 1 cup mixed fresh berries and dust with 2 tbsp powdered sugar before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Fresh Berries 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 Oven-Baked Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Fresh Berries?
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 Oven-Baked Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Fresh Berries?
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 Oven-Baked Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Fresh Berries 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 Oven-Baked Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Fresh Berries?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved every bite. My family asked for seconds. The recipe is so simple and the flavors are amazing.
- ★★★★★
This cake was a hit at my brunch! The lemon and olive oil combo is perfect, and the fresh berries made it refreshing.
- ★★★★☆
Delicious cake, but the lemon flavor was a bit subtle. Next time I'll add more zest. Took a bit longer than the recipe said to bake.
