Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Orange Olive Oil Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines bright citrus with the richness of olive oil. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a lovely balance of sweet and tangy notes.

Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of orange juice
- ½ cup of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Zest of two oranges
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly oil a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt in a bowl, then set aside.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, orange juice, olive oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges start to pull away from the pan.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before unmolding and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra citrus flavor, add a tablespoon of orange liqueur to the wet ingredients.
- Use blood oranges or a mix of citrus zest for a colorful twist.
- Swap olive oil for a mild vegetable oil if you prefer a subtler olive flavor.
- Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice for added sweetness.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or warm oven before serving to restore moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different citrus juice instead of orange?
Yes, lemon or grapefruit juice can be used, but keep in mind the flavor will be different — more tart with lemon and slightly bitter with grapefruit.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting helps to incorporate air and remove lumps, resulting in a lighter texture. If you don’t have a sifter, whisking the ingredients thoroughly will work as an alternative.
PrintOrange Olive Oil Cake Recipe
This Orange Olive Oil Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the rich, fruity notes of olive oil. Perfect for a delightful afternoon treat or a light dessert, this cake offers a tender crumb and a subtle citrus aroma that brightens every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon of sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of orange juice
- ½ cup of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Zest of two oranges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix these ingredients well and set aside to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, orange juice, olive oil, vanilla extract, and the zest of two oranges until thoroughly combined and fragrant.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges of the cake start to pull away from the pan.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, carefully unmold the cake from the pan before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze before serving.
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best vibrant citrus flavor.
- Ensure the cake is fully cool before unmolding to prevent it from breaking apart.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Keywords: orange olive oil cake, citrus cake, olive oil dessert, homemade cake, moist orange cake, vanilla orange cake

