Amazing Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Amazing Olive Oil Cake Recipe is a medium Italian recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min

Cost: $4.23 total, $0.53 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (240 g, sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Double‑acting)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar (300 g)
  • 3 Large Eggs (Room temperature)
  • 1 cup Olive Oil (240 mL, extra‑virgin, mild flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (Zest of 1–2 lemons, avoid white pith)
  • 1.25 cups Whole Milk (300 mL, room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (Seeded, no pulp)
  • 1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar (For dusting pan edges)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (topping) (Sprinkled on top for crunchy crust)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the batter.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Set Dry Mix Aside

    Transfer the whisked dry mixture to a small bowl and set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Beat Sugar and Eggs

    In a large bowl, add the granulated sugar and the three room‑temperature eggs. Using a hand mixer on high, beat until the mixture is light, pale yellow, and fluffy.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Incorporate Olive Oil

    Switch the mixer to low speed and slowly stream the olive oil into the bowl, allowing it to emulsify fully before adding more.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Lemon Zest

    Stir in one tablespoon of fresh lemon zest, scraping any zest that clings to the beaters.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Mix Milk and Lemon Juice

    Pour the whole milk and fresh lemon juice into the batter and mix on low until just combined.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Fold in Dry Mixture

    Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the batter, folding gently until the flour is just incorporated. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks remain.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Final Hand Fold

    Using a rubber spatula, fold the batter by hand a few more times to ensure ultimate control and prevent over‑mixing.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Prepare the Pan

    Line the 9‑inch cake pan with parchment paper, then dust the parchment and pan sides with a light coating of flour and a pinch of powdered sugar.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Transfer Batter and Add Topping

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle two tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the surface for a crunchy crust.

    Time: PT1M

  12. Bake the Cake

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges pull away slightly.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 375°F

  13. Cool in Pan

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before attempting to remove it.

    Time: PT20M

  14. Invert and Unmold

    Place a second 9‑inch pan or flat plate on top of the cake, then carefully flip the pan and stand together. Lift the original pan, remove the parchment, and flip the cake onto a cake stand.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Serve

    Slice and serve plain, or dress with whipped cream, lemon curd, or fresh strawberries as desired.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains eggs

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Amazing Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

A light, fluffy, cloud‑like cake made with extra‑virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and a crunchy sugar top. The cake stays moist for days, is easy to slice, and pairs beautifully with whipped cream, lemon curd, or fresh berries.

MediumItalianServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
56m
Prep
45m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.23
Total cost
$0.53
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not overmix after adding the flour mixture; stop when just combined.
  • Add olive oil slowly on low speed to create a stable emulsion.
  • Dust the pan with flour and powdered sugar to ensure easy release.
  • Sprinkle granulated sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
  • Test doneness with a skewer; it should come out clean and the edges should pull away.

Safety Warnings

  • The oven and hot pan will be extremely hot; use oven mitts.
  • Olive oil is hot when added; avoid splatter burns.
  • When flipping the cake, keep fingers clear of the hot pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Italian Olive Oil Cake in Italian cuisine?

A

Olive oil cake, or "torta di olio d'oliva," originates from the Mediterranean tradition of using abundant olive oil in desserts. It was historically a humble cake made for celebrations when butter was scarce, showcasing the region’s prized olive oil.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Italian Olive Oil Cake in Italy?

A

In Sicily, the cake often includes orange zest and almonds; in Tuscany, rosemary or honey may be added. The basic lemon‑olive oil version is popular in central Italy, especially during Easter and summer festivals.

cultural
Q

How is Italian Olive Oil Cake traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a glass of sweet wine or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Sometimes a spoonful of lemon curd or fresh berries is added for extra brightness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Italian Olive Oil Cake traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

The cake is popular at Easter, summer family gatherings, and regional festivals celebrating the olive harvest. Its long‑lasting moisture makes it ideal for multi‑day celebrations.

cultural
Q

How does Italian Olive Oil Cake fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

It reflects Italy’s love of simple, high‑quality ingredients—olive oil, citrus, and eggs—mirroring savory dishes that rely on the same flavors. The cake bridges sweet and savory, much like biscotti or panettone.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Italian Olive Oil Cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include extra‑virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and all‑purpose flour. Acceptable substitutes are a mild‑flavored oil like canola, orange zest for a different citrus note, or a gluten‑free flour blend for dietary needs.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Italian Olive Oil Cake?

A

Pair the cake with a glass of Vin Santo, a scoop of vanilla gelato, or a side of fresh ricotta mixed with honey. It also complements a light fruit salad featuring figs and berries.

cultural
Q

What makes Italian Olive Oil Cake special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

Its texture is cloud‑like and melt‑in‑your‑mouth, while the olive oil keeps it moist for days. The crunchy sugar crust adds contrast, making it distinct from butter‑based Italian cakes like pan di spagna.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Italian Olive Oil Cake at home?

A

Common errors include over‑measuring flour, overmixing after adding the flour, and adding the olive oil too quickly, which can cause the batter to separate. Also, baking too long leads to a dry crumb.

technical
Q

Why does this Italian Olive Oil Cake recipe use olive oil instead of butter?

A

Olive oil provides a lighter, more tender crumb and a subtle fruity flavor that butter cannot replicate. It also allows the cake to stay moist longer and gives the characteristic crackly sugar top.

technical
Q

Can I make Italian Olive Oil Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, well‑explained baking and dessert recipes with a focus on technique, clear visuals, and modern twists on classic treats.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen blends classic Italian flavors with American home‑cooking sensibilities, emphasizing precise measurements, equipment tips, and troubleshooting, whereas many Italian channels focus more on traditional methods without detailed kitchen science explanations.

channel

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