Description
This Olive Oil Orange Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that perfectly balances the zestiness of fresh orange with the richness of extra virgin olive oil. It’s a delightful, lightly sweetened cake with a tender crumb, ideal for an afternoon treat or an elegant finish to any meal. The use of buttermilk ensures a soft texture while the fresh orange juice and zest provide a vibrant citrus aroma and taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (fine)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp orange zest (freshly grated)
- 3/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar
- Orange slices (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan, then set it aside to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Sift dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt to ensure even distribution and a light texture.
- Beat eggs, sugar, and orange zest: In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and freshly grated orange zest for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed to mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate olive oil: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue beating until the oil is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Add half of the flour mixture: Keeping the mixer on low, add about one cup of the sifted dry ingredients mixture and beat until just blended.
- Add orange juice and buttermilk: Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice and room temperature buttermilk. Beat the mixture until they are fully incorporated.
- Add remaining flour mixture: Add the rest of the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour batter and bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool cake: Place the pan on a wire rack and let it cool for 30 minutes. Then release the springform ring carefully and allow the cake to cool completely.
- Garnish and serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. Optionally, garnish with fresh orange slices before slicing and serving.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly and maintain a smooth texture.
- Use freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid developing gluten which can make the cake dense.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking the cake at 50 minutes.
- For a vegan variation, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based buttermilk alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American