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Lemon Olive Oil Cake

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This lemon olive oil cake is a moist, tender dessert made with fresh lemon juice and zest, extra virgin olive oil, and simple pantry ingredients. It’s light, fragrant, and easy to prepare, perfect for any time of day.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
  • Yield: 8 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon extra for topping
  • Zest of 3 lemons, plus 1 tablespoon extra for serving
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla paste
  • 1 3/4 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake tin with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, rub sugar and lemon zest together with your fingers until fragrant.
  3. Add olive oil, eggs, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla paste. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour batter into prepared cake tin. Tap to release air bubbles and sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon sugar on top.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with extra lemon zest before serving.

Notes

  • Use oranges instead of lemons for a sweeter citrus version.
  • Add 1 tablespoon poppy seeds for texture.
  • Top with lemon glaze instead of powdered sugar if preferred.
  • Let cake rest for a day — flavor improves over time.
  • Rubbing zest into sugar enhances citrus aroma.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/lemon-olive-oil-cake/