Sicilian-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Cake
A moist and fragrant cake bursting with fresh regional orange zest and rich olive oil, perfect for a light dessert or afternoon treat. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, extra virgin olive oil 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 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes using a hand mixer.
- Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil while continuing to beat, then fold in 2 tbsp fresh orange zest and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice.
- Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with 2 tbsp powdered sugar before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sicilian-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Cake 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 Sicilian-Inspired Citrus and Olive Oil Cake?
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 Sicilian-Inspired Citrus and 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 Sicilian-Inspired Citrus and 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 Sicilian-Inspired Citrus and 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.
