Olive Oil Cake – Mix & Bake – No Effort, All Flavor!

Discover the secret to a soft, moist, and incredibly flavorful Olive Oil Cake with just a few ingredients! No special skills needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Learn why olive oil makes cakes better and try this foolproof recipe today!.
Have you ever wished for a cake that’s light, fluffy, and full of flavor—without all the effort? Well, you’re in for a treat! Meet the Olive Oil Cake—the easiest, most delicious cake you’ll ever bake. No fancy steps. No complicated techniques. Just pure magic in one bowl!
But wait—why use olive oil in a cake? Isn’t that just for salads? Nope! Olive oil is the secret ingredient that keeps cakes moist, tender, and rich in flavor. Unlike butter, it creates a cake that stays soft for days—no dryness, no crumbles!
Even better? This cake is healthier than most butter-based desserts. Olive oil is packed with good fats and antioxidants, making each bite a little indulgence without the guilt. Plus, you can customize it with citrus zest, nuts, or even chocolate for a flavor twist!
If you’re ready for a no-fail, mix-and-bake cake, let’s get started. And don’t worry—I’ve got some pro tips to make sure your cake comes out golden, fluffy, and perfect every single time.
Olive Oil Cake Recipe – Light, Moist & Effortless!
Equipment :
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls (large & medium)
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sieve (for powdered sugar)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients :
- ✔️ 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ✔️ 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ✔️ ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
- ✔️ ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ✔️ 1 cup granulated sugar
- ✔️ 3 large eggs
- ✔️ ½ cup milk or Greek yogurt for extra richness
- ✔️ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ✔️ Zest of 1 lemon or orange optional, but highly recommended!
Instructions :
- Preheat & Prepare
- 🔥 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 🧈 Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together: olive oil, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, and citrus zest until smooth.
- Combine & Mix
- 👉 Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until smooth.
- Bake
- ✔️ Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- ✔️ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve
- ✔️ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- ✔️ Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- ✔️ Dust with powdered sugar or add toppings of your choice!
Why Olive Oil Cake? The Secret to Moist & Flavorful Baking
If you’ve never baked with olive oil before, you might be wondering—why use it instead of butter? The answer is simple: flavor, texture, and health benefits!
1. Unmatched Moisture & Tenderness
Olive oil is a liquid fat, which means it keeps cakes soft and moist for much longer than butter. While butter-based cakes can dry out quickly, an olive oil cake stays tender for days—no refrigeration needed!
2. A Unique, Rich Flavor
Depending on the type of olive oil you use, your cake can have a subtle fruity, nutty, or slightly peppery taste. It’s a great base for flavors like lemon, orange, almond, or vanilla.
3. Healthier Than Butter
Olive oil is packed with heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, making this cake a better-for-you dessert option. It’s naturally dairy-free, which is perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
4. No-Melt, No-Stress Baking
Unlike butter, which needs to be softened or melted, olive oil is always ready to use. Just pour it in and mix—no extra steps, no mess, no stress!
Ready to bake? Let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need for the perfect Olive Oil Cake! 🍰✨
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Olive Oil Cake
Making an Olive Oil Cake is all about simplicity and quality ingredients. Since this cake has a delicate flavor, each ingredient plays a key role in making it light, fluffy, and delicious. Let’s break it down!
1. Choosing the Right Olive Oil 🫒
Not all olive oils are the same! For baking, you’ll want to use:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best for a rich, slightly fruity taste.
- Light Olive Oil – If you prefer a more neutral flavor.
- Avoid Strong, Bitter Olive Oils – These can overpower the cake’s sweetness.
2. Dry Ingredients: The Base of Your Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – The classic choice for a soft and fluffy texture.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These work together to make the cake rise perfectly.
- Salt – A small pinch enhances all the flavors!
3. Wet Ingredients: The Secret to Moisture & Flavor
- Olive Oil – The star of the show, keeping your cake incredibly moist.
- Eggs – Help bind everything together and create a tender crumb.
- Milk or Yogurt – Adds extra richness and softness.
- Sugar – Balances the flavors and gives a light sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract or Citrus Zest – Enhances the flavor profile with a hint of warmth and brightness.
4. Optional Add-Ins for a Flavor Boost
Want to make your cake extra special? Try these add-ins:
- Lemon or Orange Zest – For a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Almond Extract – Adds a subtle nutty aroma.
- Cinnamon or Cardamom – Warm spices pair beautifully with olive oil.
- Chocolate Chips or Nuts – For a crunchy or chocolatey surprise!
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the super simple step-by-step process for mixing and baking your Olive Oil Cake! 🍰✨
Step-by-Step Instructions: Mix & Bake Your Olive Oil Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! This cake is incredibly easy to make—no fancy equipment needed. Just mix, pour, and bake!
1. Prep Your Baking Essentials 🏡
Before you start, make sure you:
✅ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
✅ Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
✅ Gather all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients 🥣
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
✔️ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
✔️ ½ teaspoon baking soda
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a perfect rise!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients 🫒
In another large bowl, whisk together:
✔️ ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
✔️ 1 cup granulated sugar
✔️ 3 large eggs
✔️ ½ cup milk (or yogurt for extra richness!)
✔️ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✔️ Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional, but adds a nice touch!)
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly creamy.
4. Bring It All Together 🎂
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk.
👉 Be careful not to overmix—you want a smooth, lump-free batter without making it too dense!
5. Pour & Bake 🔥
✔️ Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan.
✔️ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
✔️ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Toppings & Serving Ideas: Elevate Your Olive Oil Cake
Your Olive Oil Cake is now golden, moist, and ready to enjoy! But why stop there? Let’s take it to the next level with simple yet elegant toppings and serving ideas.
1. Classic Powdered Sugar Dusting ✨
✔️ A light sprinkle of powdered sugar gives a beautiful, bakery-style finish.
✔️ Use a fine sieve to evenly dust the cake right before serving.
2. Fresh Fruits & Citrus Zest 🍊🍓
✔️ Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add natural sweetness and color.
✔️ A little lemon or orange zest enhances the citrusy notes of the cake.
3. Drizzle with Honey or Syrup 🍯
✔️ A warm honey drizzle makes this cake extra luxurious.
✔️ Try maple syrup for a richer depth of flavor.
4. Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt 🍦
✔️ Serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
✔️ Greek yogurt with a touch of honey makes a tangy, healthy alternative.
5. A Touch of Chocolate or Nuts 🍫🌰
✔️ Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a gourmet touch.
✔️ Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts for crunch.