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Moist Lemon Olive Oil Cake

A close-up, sunlit slice of moist olive oil cake dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate.
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You make this simple, elegant cake using extra virgin olive oil for a tender crumb that stays moist for days. The bright lemon flavor makes it perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs together until they are pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  4. Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the mixture emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  5. Whisk in the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan.
  8. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Use a fruity, mild extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in this Mediterranean dessert.
  • This cake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and the texture remains very moist.
  • For an Italian style variation, substitute the milk with ricotta cheese for an even richer crumb.
  • If you want a stronger citrus flavor, add a simple lemon glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/lemon-olive-oil-cake-recipe-moist/