Zesty Orange Olive Oil Cake
A moist, lightly textured cake infused with fresh orange zest and smooth olive oil for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired dessert. This mediterranean-inspired desserts (mediterranean dessert) ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp finely grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- for dusting powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar with 3 large eggs until pale and thick, about 3 minutes. Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while whisking to combine fully.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp finely grated orange zest, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 6: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving to add a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zesty Orange 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 Zesty Orange 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 Zesty Orange 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 Zesty Orange 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 Zesty Orange 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This cake is a perfect balance of zesty orange and rich olive oil. My family devoured it at our Sunday brunch!
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but it took about 20 minutes longer than the stated time. The result was worth the wait though!
- ★★★★☆
The cake was moist and flavorful, but the orange flavor was a bit subtle for my taste. Still, I'll make it again.
