Easy Italian Olive Oil Cake Recipe: Food Wishes

Escape to the sun-drenched shores of Italy with this incredibly simple and unbelievably delicious olive oil cake. Forget complicated recipes and fussy techniques; this recipe is a testament to the magic of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The fragrant olive oil infuses the cake with a subtle, fruity depth, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and a hint of lemon zest. It's the kind of cake that's effortlessly elegant, perfect for a casual afternoon tea or a sophisticated dinner party. This recipe requires minimal preparation and baking time, making it ideal for even the busiest baker.

Imagine a moist, tender crumb, delicately kissed by the sun, infused with the aromatic essence of Italy. This easy-to-follow recipe unlocks the secrets to creating this culinary masterpiece. Ready to bake your way to bliss? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create the most irresistible Italian olive oil cake you’ve ever tasted.

Tools Needed

  • Cake pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Whisk
  • Wooden skewer
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Large eggs: 3
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon
  • Sugar
  • Olive oil
  • Orange zest: 2 tablespoons
  • Milk
  • Powdered sugar
  • Blackberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Batter and Pan

  • Prepare a cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides with olive oil.
  • In a bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk until evenly combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, sugar, olive oil, orange zest, and milk until smooth.
  • Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don't overmix.
Prepare a cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides with olive oil.In a bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk until evenly combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, sugar, olive oil, orange zest, and milk until smooth.Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don't overmix.
Prepare Batter and Pan

Step 2. Bake and Cool the Cake

  • Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and gently tap the pan to release air bubbles.
  • Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before inverting it onto a plate.
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and gently tap the pan to release air bubbles.Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.Let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before inverting it onto a plate.
Bake and Cool the Cake

Step 3. Finish and Decorate

  • Remove the parchment paper.
  • Dust the cake with powdered sugar. For a decorative effect, sift the sugar over the cake using a cooling rack placed on top.
  • Decorate with fresh blackberries and orange zest.
Remove the parchment paper.Dust the cake with powdered sugar. For a decorative effect, sift the sugar over the cake using a cooling rack placed on top.Decorate with fresh blackberries and orange zest.
Finish and Decorate

Read more: Castagnaccio Recipe: Authentic Tuscan Gluten-Free Cake

Tips

  • Use a mild, buttery olive oil for best results.
  • If using organic oranges, avoid those with wax on the surface.
  • Don't overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.
  • Slightly underbaking is better than overbaking; the cake will continue to cook as it cools.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the olive oil with another oil?

While olive oil gives the cake its unique flavor, you can try substituting with a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil. However, the taste will be different.

2. How can I tell if my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it's ready. If there's wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is delicious at room temperature and stores well for a few days in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully.


This simple Italian olive oil cake is a testament to the power of quality ingredients and minimal effort. Enjoy the fragrant, moist crumb and the delightful hint of olive oil in every bite. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.