Quick Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Cardamom Honey Drizzle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist and fragrant olive oil cake brightened with citrus zest and finished with a warm cardamom-infused honey drizzle. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup granulated sugar with 3 large eggs until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while beating, then mix in 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tsp lemon zest, 2 tsp orange zest, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: While cake bakes, stir 1/3 cup honey with 1/2 tsp ground cardamom and 2 tbsp hot water in a small bowl until combined.
  8. Step 8: Remove cake from oven and while still warm, poke holes with a skewer and drizzle the cardamom honey evenly over the top. Let cool before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Cardamom Honey Drizzle 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 Quick Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Cardamom Honey Drizzle?

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 Quick Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Cardamom Honey Drizzle?

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 Quick Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Cardamom Honey Drizzle 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 Quick Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Cardamom Honey Drizzle?

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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