Fluffy Lemon Olive Oil Cake Recipe: Bright Citrus Magic in Every Bite

Zesty lemon olive oil cake brings sunshine to your dessert table with its bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Rich olive oil creates an incredibly moist texture that sets this cake apart from traditional butter-based recipes.

Mediterranean baking techniques elevate simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Tangy citrus notes dance through each tender crumb, promising a delightful sensory journey.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and elegant complexity.

Home bakers will appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal technical skill required.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that captures the essence of fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Bright, Fresh Notes

• Burst with Bright Citrus Flavors: This lemon olive oil cake delivers a zesty, refreshing taste that dances on your tongue with vibrant lemon notes and smooth olive oil undertones, creating a perfectly balanced and memorable dessert experience.
• Achieve Effortless Elegance: The simple mixing method and straightforward ingredients make this cake surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create a stunning dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery.
• Enjoy Versatile Texture Perfection: The cake offers a uniquely moist and tender crumb, thanks to the olive oil, which provides a silky smoothness that's lighter than traditional butter-based cakes and perfect for various occasions from afternoon tea to elegant dinner parties.
• Celebrate No-Fuss Baking: With just one bowl, minimal preparation steps, and basic pantry ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday baking into a stress-free, enjoyable experience that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients for Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Main Ingredients:

Olive Oil, Eggs, Sugar: Provide the foundational richness, moisture, and sweetness for the cake’s tender crumb and delicate texture.

Flour: High-quality all-purpose flour ensures a soft and stable cake structure.

Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Fresh lemons add bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes to the cake.

Leavening Agents:

Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential for creating a light, airy texture and helping the cake rise evenly.

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake texture.

Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, subtle background flavor that complements the lemon.

Granulated Sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet, slightly crisp crust.

Powdered Sugar: Optional finishing touch for a delicate, elegant presentation.

Baking Preparation:

Parchment Paper, Foil: Used for easy cake removal and preventing potential leaks during baking.

How to Bake a Moist Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9″ springform pan and give it a generous coating of grease. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Wrap the outside with aluminum foil to stop any sneaky leaks.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

• Olive oil
• Eggs
• Sugar

Blend until everything looks smooth and combined.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Give it a quick whisk to distribute flavors.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Flour

Slowly add milk and dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Ready for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle of granulated sugar evenly across the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it – every oven has its own personality.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely. For an extra touch of elegance, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Crumb in Olive Oil Cake

• Select High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, extra-virgin olive oil and organic lemons for the most vibrant flavor and authentic taste.
• Zest with Care: Gently grate lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the skin to ensure a bright, clean citrus flavor.
• Prevent Overmixing: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently and briefly to maintain a tender, soft cake texture without developing tough gluten.
• Sugar Topping Trick: Sprinkle granulated sugar on top before baking to create a delightful, crispy golden crust that adds textural contrast.
• Perfect Doneness Test: Insert a toothpick into the cake's center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a perfectly baked, moist cake.

Keeping Lemon Olive Oil Cake Soft and Fluffy

• Refrigeration: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delightful moisture and soft texture.
• Room Temperature: For shorter storage, place cake under a cake dome or cover with a clean kitchen towel. Consume within 2 days for optimal flavor and tenderness.
• Reheating: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Alternatively, bring cake to room temperature naturally for the best taste and prevent drying out. Sprinkle fresh powdered sugar before serving to refresh its presentation.

Great Pairings for Lemon Olive Oil Cake

• Pair with Lavender Tea: Brew a delicate lavender tea to complement the cake's citrusy and olive oil notes, creating a soothing and aromatic experience that enhances the dessert's subtle flavors.
• Match with Lemon Sorbet: Serve a small scoop of refreshing lemon sorbet alongside the cake to amplify the citrus profile and provide a cool, palate-cleansing contrast to the rich, moist texture.
• Enjoy with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a light, sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti or Sauternes to balance the cake's brightness and add a luxurious finishing touch to your dessert course.
• Serve with Fresh Berries: Scatter fresh raspberries or blueberries around the cake to introduce a burst of natural sweetness and create a visually appealing presentation that complements the cake's golden crumb.

Delicious Variations on Lemon Olive Oil Cake

• Citrus Symphony: Replace lemon with orange or grapefruit zest and juice for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that brings a sunny twist to the classic cake.
• Herbal Harmony: Infuse the batter with chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to create an aromatic, savory-sweet cake that pairs beautifully with afternoon tea or coffee.
• Nutty Narrative: Fold in toasted almond or pistachio pieces into the batter, and sprinkle crushed nuts on top before baking for added texture and rich, warm undertones.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate a touch of ground cardamom or cinnamon, and serve with a drizzle of honey and Greek yogurt for a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired dessert experience.

Lemon Olive Oil Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Lemon olive oil cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table with its delicate crumb and zesty flavor. Drizzled with honey and garnished with fresh thyme, this elegant Italian-inspired treat promises a delightful balance of citrus brightness and rich olive oil smoothness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) granulated sugar

Citrus Elements:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) lemon juice
• Zest from 3 lemons

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling the top)

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking equipment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning a 9-inch (23-centimeter) springform pan with a protective foil wrap to prevent any potential leakage.
2. Create a parchment paper base for the pan, thoroughly greasing both the bottom and sides to ensure easy cake removal.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, vigorously whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh eggs, and granulated sugar until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
4. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating pure vanilla extract, freshly grated lemon zest, and fragrant lemon juice, blending briefly to distribute the aromatic elements.
5. Meticulously sift the dry ingredients – salt, baking powder, baking soda, and all-purpose flour – creating a light, aerated mixture.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix minimally to maintain the cake’s delicate texture, being careful to avoid over-agitation.
7. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared springform pan, creating an even surface.
8. Sprinkle two tablespoons of additional granulated sugar across the top, providing a delightful caramelized finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, monitoring the cake’s golden-brown surface and checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
10. Once baked, allow the cake to rest in the pan for approximately 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack.
11. Complete the presentation by delicately dusting the cooled cake with powdered sugar, creating an elegant, finished appearance.

Notes

• This cake brings a Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table with its bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Olive oil creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh longer than traditional butter-based cakes.
• Use extra virgin olive oil for the most robust and authentic flavor that complements the lemon perfectly.
• Wrapping the pan’s exterior with foil prevents moisture leakage and ensures even baking throughout.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more consistently mixed batter with better rise.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 436 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 296 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 74 mg