Description
This Lemon Olive Oil Cake is a moist, tender, and flavorful Italian-inspired dessert. Made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon zest, and a splash of Limoncello, this cake is lightly crusted on the outside while staying soft inside. It’s the perfect balance of zesty citrus flavors and rich olive oil goodness. Serve it for brunch, a special occasion, or as a fine dining dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Limoncello or Grand Marnier
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare the Pan – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Beat Sugar & Eggs – In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat sugar, eggs, and lemon zest on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture turns pale and fluffy.
- Add Olive Oil – Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, mixing for another 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients – Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the milk, lemon juice, and Limoncello (or Grand Marnier). Mix until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures – Gradually add the dry flour mixture, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-48 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve – Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then run a knife along the edges to loosen. Invert onto a plate or cake stand and let it cool completely.
- Dust & Enjoy – Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture and depth of flavor, substitute half the milk with buttermilk or Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace Limoncello with additional lemon juice.
- Pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a light citrus glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g67
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg