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Italian Olive Oil Cake

Writer: Jennifer Bajsel
Jennifer Bajsel
Oct 29
2 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

GETTING SAUCY TV  •  SEASON 3, EPISODE 304

Yield:  Approximately 8–10 slices (estimate)

Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 35 mins | Total time: 55 mins




Overhead view of a recipe card beside fresh ingredients on a kitchen counter
Fresh berries are a wonderful accompaniment to Italian Olive Oil Cake

From Chef Jennifer’s Kitchen

This is the kind of cake I love to have around when someone stops by for coffee. Olive oil gives it a lovely texture, while lemon and orange zest make it bright and fragrant. The Beauty of Italian Olive Oil Cake is it doesn’t need a complicated frosting—a dusting of powdered sugar is enough.





Ingredients

  • 3¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • ⅓ cup milk

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • ¾ cup olive oil

  • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting


Equipment

  • 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan

  • Parchment paper

  • Mixing bowls

  • Whisk

  • Hand or stand mixer


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.


  2. Lightly grease the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan to hold a parchment round in place. Add the parchment, then grease and flour the entire pan, including the parchment and sides. Tap out excess flour.


  3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.


  4.  In a separate mixing bowl, beat the olive oil and sugar together. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and citrus zest.


  5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F for approximately 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.


  6. Allow to cool before removing from the pan. Dust with confectioners’ sugar to serve.



Chef Jennifer's Tips

  • An 8-inch pan makes a taller cake; a 9-inch pan makes a slightly lower one. Check doneness rather than relying on time alone.

  • Grease and flour the parchment as well as the sides of the pan for easier release.

  • This version does not contain almonds.


Italian Food & Culture

Olive oil is central to cooking across many Italian regions, including in sweets. An olive oil cake is a simple way to let the flavor and texture of good olive oil shine.


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