Olive Oil Cake with Citrus Zest

Olive Oil Cake with Citrus Zest

Olive oil cake with citrus zest is a one-bowl dessert that stays moist for days, unlike a butter cake. Firrisa's floral, dried-fruit notes were built for a citrus-forward crumb, with orange and lemon zest folded straight into the batter.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup Firrisa
  • 3/4 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
  2. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, add the sugar and both citrus zests. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips for about a minute until it's fragrant and slightly damp, this releases the citrus oils.
  4. Whisk the eggs into the zested sugar until pale and slightly thickened, then whisk in the Firrisa and milk until smooth.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula just until no streaks of flour remain. Don't overmix or the cake will turn dense.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and turn it out onto a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving size 1 slice
Calories 472
Total fat 30g
Saturated fat 5g
Cholesterol 72mg
Sodium 262mg
Carbohydrates 46g
Dietary fiber 1g
Sugars 26g
Protein 6g

Nutrition information is an estimate calculated from the ingredients listed and may vary based on the specific products used. It is not intended as medical or dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why rub the zest into the sugar?

It releases more citrus oil into the batter, don't skip it.

How should I store this cake?

It keeps well at room temperature, covered, for several days.

Should I glaze the cake?

A simple citrus glaze on top is optional but always welcome.

What You'll Need

A bottle of Tenuta Cavasecca FIRRISA extra virgin olive oil, featuring a black bottle and label with gold lettering and a colorful floral design, set against a light gray background.
Firrisa $47.99 Shop this bottle →

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