Italian Olive Oil Cake

This simple olive oil cake from Chef John is moist, not too sweet, with a delicious hint of orange. It might be the easiest cake you've ever made!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 517 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest (2 oranges)
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 1.75 cups white sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl; whisk together until evenly combined.

Step 2

Combine eggs, sugar, olive oil, milk, honey, and orange zest in a second bowl. Starting slowly at first, whisk together until mixture is smooth. Stir in flour mixture until everything is just mixed together and flour has disappeared. Do not overmix.

Step 3

Pour batter into the prepared pan and tap pan a few times against the work surface to remove any air bubbles.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until the cake is browned on the surface and a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Make sure to not overbake.

Step 5

Transfer cake to a wire rack and allow to cool for 30 minutes. Loosen edge of the cake by running a knife around the sides of the pan. Remove from the pan and allow to cool completely, another 30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Step 6

Serve and enjoy!

Step 7

Line the bottom of a springform pan with a round piece of parchment paper and generously grease with olive oil. Grease the sides of the pan with olive oil as well.

Step 8

Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).