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Lemon Olive Oil Cake Recipe
5 from 36 votes

Lemon Olive Oil Cake Recipe

This Lemon Olive Oil Cake uses extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice and zest to create a moist, tender crumb with a fragrant citrus note. The batter is gently combined with yogurt and standard baking leaveners to produce a delicate texture. Its golden crust and subtle balance of sweetness with lemon make it a versatile cake for various occasions.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 1048 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil See the recipe post for choosing an olive oil
  • 3 large egg room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • lemon zest from 3 fresh lemons
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour organic
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup yogurt or whole milk, plain, Greek
  • powdered sugar see the optional glaze in the instructions, for dusting
  • *you can swap orange juice and zest and make an orange-scented olive oil cake

Instructions

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  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9" springform pan by greasing the bottom and the sides with cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper. 
  2. In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the eggs and sugar, thick and pale yellow in color, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer, more if whisking by hand. 
  3. Add the olive oil and whisk to combine.
  4. Add the vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk briefly to combine.
  5. Place a sifter or mesh strainer on top of the wet ingredients bowl. Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift about half of the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  6. Add yogurt (or milk if using) and sift in the rest of the flour mixture. Mix to combine. 
  7. Do not over-mix the cake batter. Mix until no streaks of dry flour remain. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Gently tap the pan on the countertop to remove air bubbles and even out the batter.
  8. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Cover the cake loosely with foil if it starts to brown too much at the end.
  9. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the springform pan and let it cool on a baking rack. Dust with powdered sugar! Enjoy warm or room temperature. 
Optional Lemon Glaze:
  1. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon or orange juice for a simple glaze until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. You can also serve with fresh fruit, fresh berries, or whipped cream. 

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to promote even mixing and baking.
  • Choose a mild, high-quality extra virgin olive oil for balanced flavor without bitterness.
  • Mix ingredients gently and stop when combined to avoid a tough cake texture.
  • Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool the cake thoroughly before wrapping or storing to maintain moisture and freshness.

Nutrition Information

Calories 1048kcal (52%) Carbohydrates 127g (42%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 55g (85%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 6g (35%) Monounsaturated Fat 40g (200%) Trans Fat 0.003g (0%) Cholesterol 3mg (1%) Sodium 834mg (35%) Potassium 215mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 78g (156%) Vitamin A 5IU (0%) Vitamin C 14mg (16%) Calcium 102mg (10%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 -6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1048

% Daily Value*

Calories 1048kcal 52%
Carbohydrates 127g 42%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 55g 85%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g 35%
Monounsaturated Fat 40g 200%
Trans Fat 0.003g 0%
Cholesterol 3mg 1%
Sodium 834mg 35%
Potassium 215mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 78g 156%
Vitamin A 5IU 0%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 102mg 10%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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