Portuguese Orange Olive Oil Cake
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
14 to 16 servings
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Calories
530 kcal
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Course
Dessert
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Cuisine
Portuguese
Portuguese Orange Olive Oil Cake
Description
This cake recipe uses the zest and juice of navel oranges to infuse a bright citrus flavor into a richly textured olive oil cake. The sugar is first rubbed with orange zest to release aroma and flavor, then combined with eggs beaten until pale and thick. Flour, baking powder, and salt create the cake's structure, while mild, fruity extra-virgin olive oil adds moistness and a nuanced fruit undertone.
The mixing method alternates wet and dry ingredients, starting and ending with flour mixture, to maintain a light batter and avoid overmixing. The orange juice is incorporated slowly to keep the batter smooth. Baked in a Bundt or tube pan at 350°F, the cake develops a golden crust with a tender, dense interior. The final dusting with confectioners' sugar adds a delicate sweetness and visual appeal.
This cake can be served as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or a light dessert. Its moist texture and citrus flavor pair well with tea or coffee. It’s a distinctive dessert that highlights the combination of fresh orange and olive oil without additional frosting or heavy sweeteners.
Ingredients
- nonstick baking spray with flour
- 4 to 5 large orange navel
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 5 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil mild, fruity
- confectioners' sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Position a rack in the middle of the oven, remove any racks above it, and crank up the heat to 350°F (180°C). Coat a 12-cup Bundt or tube pan with baking spray and set aside.
- Finely grate the zest of 3 oranges into a medium bowl and rub the sugar into it with your fingertips. Set aside.
- Squeeze the juice from 4 oranges. You should have 1 1/2 cups orange juice; if not, squeeze the fifth orange.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or with a handheld mixer in a large bowl, beat the eggs on medium-high speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the orange sugar and continue to beat until thick and pale yellow, about 3 minutes.
- Switch to low speed and alternate adding the flour mixture and the oil, starting and ending with the flour and beating until just a few wisps of flour remain. Slowly drizzle in the orange juice, with the mixer on its lowest setting, to bring the batter together.
- Gently scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a cake tester comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, about 1 1/4 hours. Check the cake occasionally and if the top begins to brown a touch too much, loosely cover it with foil.
- When the cake is done, place the pan on a wire rack and let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. (Don't forget to come back after 15 minutes. Seriously. If the cake remains in the pan too long, the sugars begin to cool and stick to the pan.)
- Turn the cake out onto the wire rack and let it cool completely. (We know. Resist the temptation.) Place the cake on a covered cake stand and let it sit overnight. ☞ TESTER TIP: Seriously. This dense, moist, fruity cake only gets better with age. Don't even think about taking a bite until the day after you make it—or even the day after that.
- Just before serving, dust with confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 14to 16 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 530 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1slice | |
| Calories | 530kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 72g | 24% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 66mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 318mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 46g | 92% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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