Citrus Olive Oil Cake

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Hi Bold Bakers!

Confession: despite seeing Olive Oil Cake on menus and hearing about it through the baking grapevine, I’d never actually had it before. If only I knew what I was missing!

My homemade Citrus Olive Oil Cake is incredible! Hands down, it was everyone’s favorite during our recent shoot! (Is it too soon to make it again?)

Don’t let the name fool you — it doesn’t taste like oil. It’s the perfect amount of sweetness and is dense, similar to a pound cake. And the olive oil makes it so moist. It reminds me of a good, moist carrot cake (and you know how much I love a good, moist Carrot Cake!). 

[ Want another Hanukkah recipe? Try Sufganiyah! A Hanukkah Jelly Donut! ]

My olive oil cake is also scented with orange and lemons, making the winter months seem so much brighter. It’s flavorful, dairy-free, super moist, and feeds a crowd — what’s not to love? It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular cakes to make during Hanukkah! 

What Is Olive Oil Cake?

Olive oil cake is a cake that gets its moistness from extra virgin olive oil rather than butter or milk. The olive oil gives the cake an extra richness that is irresistible, and because it is so rich, you don’t need any extras.

I’d stay away from the buttercream and opt for a powder sugar topping!

Traditionally, this European cake is also a classic Hanukkah recipe! It goes perfectly with our Bold Baking Holidays Worldwide series — where I’m sharing lovely holiday recipes from around the world. Check my Holiday Baking Headquarters for the full list!

What Olive Oil Should I Use For Olive Oil Cake?

Both cooks and bakers agree: olive oil should be treated the same as fine wine! The only difference is, you don’t want your olive oil to age. You will want fresh olive oil (you can check the bottle for the date it was pressed or it’s “harvest date”). While all olive oils will work in this recipe, it’d be best to go with a high quality, extra virgin olive oil.

Any leftover olive oil will sure to be put to good use in your kitchen, too! 

What You Need To Make Citrus Olive Oil Cake

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Bundt cake pan (or two 9-inch (23cm) cake pans, see my tips!)

How To Make Citrus Olive Oil Cake

You’ll be blown away by how easy this cake is (and then blown away by how delicious it is!) Here is how you make it (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):

1. Grease and flour your bundt cake pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high for about three minutes until they are pale and fluffy.
4. Pour in the olive oil, orange juice, and lemon zest into the egg and sugar mixture and beat until thoroughly combined.
5. Add the flour mixture, in three increments, to the bowl, being sure to scrape the sides down each time to ensure even mixing. 
6. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt cake pan and bake on the middle rack of your oven for about 75 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the cake. If it comes out clean, it is done. (If your cake top starts to brown before the middle is done, cover the top loosely with tin foil to prevent over-browning.) 
7. Once the cake is finished baking, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. When you are ready to serve, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Citrus Olive Oil Cake

• If you don’t have a bundt cake pan, you can use two 9-inch (23cm) cake pans instead. It will take less time to bake, so be sure to check your cakes after 25 minutes.
• If you’re feeling extra festive, you can use a fruity white wine instead of orange juice. 
• Serve with sliced fruit and some fresh whipped cream.
• You can make a lovely orange glaze for this cake: whisk 2 cups powdered sugar (8oz/230g) and 3-4 tablespoons orange juice (depending on your desired thickness) until smooth. Drizzle on top.

How Do I Store Olive Oil Cake?

You can store leftover olive oil cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Make More Holiday Recipes!

• Chocolate & Hazelnut Torrone
• Irish Christmas Cake
• Hanukkah Jelly Donut (Sufganiyah)

And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!

Full (and printable) recipe below!

Try These Recipes!

Gemma's Best-Ever Vanilla Birthday Cake Recipe

Incredibly Moist Coconut Cake Recipe

2-Minute Microwave Carrot Cake Bowl

Easy Simnel Cake Recipe (Easter Fruitcake)