Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe: Baking Tips for Olive Oil Cake

Orange olive oil cake is a dessert featuring olive oil and the juice and zest of fresh oranges. This citrus cake has a dense, moist crumb and a fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth texture, similar to a pound cake, and relies on olive oil as the primary fat component instead of dairy products like butter, milk, or sour cream. Thanks to the amount of olive oil in the recipe, the citrus cake has a longer shelf life than most cakes, especially when stored at room temperature. Portuguese, French, and Italian cuisine feature variations of the cake within their culinary canons.

Orange olive oil cake is all about the ingredients, so using good quality oranges and olive oil can help you achieve the best result. Whether it’s your first time making the cake or you’re a seasoned pro, here are a few helpful tips to help you bake the perfect cake:

1. 1. Use the right pan. While bakers can make this cake in a standard round cake pan or springform pan, the citrus cake is traditionally made using a bundt pan. The high edges of a bundt cake allow for a dramatic arched slice of bright orange crumb, but it also means a little more volume—so plan bake time accordingly. Learn more about different types of baking pans in our complete guide.
2. 2. Use quality ingredients. Oranges and olive oil are the stars of this citrus cake, so using high-quality olive oil and fresh, in-season oranges (whether you use blood oranges, Cara Cara, or navel) are critical to the success of your cake. You can also use a delicate, mildly fruity oil if you prefer.
3. 3. Use almond flour for a gluten-free variation. Bakers can make a gluten-free version of the moist citrus cake by swapping the all-purpose flour in the recipe with almond flour.
4. 4. Dial up the flavors. Some recipes for orange olive oil cake incorporate a liqueur to double down on the orange flavor. (Depending on the strength of the oranges you’re using, this may not work for you, but it can add a flavorful boozy edge.) Likewise, you might find that complementary spices, like ground cardamom, add depth and nuance.
5. 5. Add a glaze. Adding an orange glaze to the top of the cake can take the cake to the next level. Combine two tablespoons of orange juice, a ¼ teaspoon of orange zest, and a ½ cup of powdered sugar, then spoon the glaze onto the cake and serve.