This orange olive oil cake is a perfect cake recipe for beginners, offering a moist and flavorful dessert with minimal effort. You will love how easy it is to prepare, and the bright citrus notes are simply delightful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. You can use a lighter olive oil if you prefer a less pronounced taste.
- Oranges: Fresh oranges are essential for juice and zest.
- All-Purpose Flour: A reliable base for your cake. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you have dietary restrictions.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens your cake perfectly.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1-2 oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Tools Needed: 8-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your cake will release perfectly, a great tip for cake recipes for beginners.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps; this creates a smooth foundation for your cake. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, olive oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until well combined and smooth. This mixture forms the heart of your orange olive oil cake.
4. Gently Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake tough. A few streaks of flour are okay.
5. Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a crucial step for perfect cake recipes for beginners.
6. Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you are making the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Olive Oil Cake: Substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange.
- Almond Flour Addition: Replace ¼ cup of all-purpose flour with almond flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle a handful of chopped, toasted almonds or pistachios over the top before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store your orange olive oil cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For best results, allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake this cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: What kind of olive oil should you use?
A: You should use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, but a light olive oil will also work.
Q: Why is your cake dry?
A: Your cake might be dry if you overmixed the batter or baked it for too long. Ensure you mix just until combined and check for doneness with a skewer.
Q: Can you freeze this orange olive oil cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
Q: Do you need to zest the oranges?
A: Zesting the oranges adds a significant amount of bright, citrusy flavor, so you should not skip this step.
Q: Is this a good cake recipe for beginners?
A: Absolutely! This simple recipe is designed to be straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for anyone new to baking.