Imagine a dessert that transports you to the sun-drenched orchards of Italy with just one bite - a cake so moist, fragrant, and effortlessly elegant that it transforms ordinary baking into a culinary adventure. This Orange Honey and Olive Oil Cake is not just a recipe; it's a sensory journey that combines the bright zestiness of fresh oranges, the rich smoothness of olive oil, and a hint of golden honey, all crafted in just one bowl with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips to release the essential oils and enhance the citrus flavor.
- Add the olive oil to the sugar mixture and whisk thoroughly until well combined and slightly lighter in color.
- Crack the eggs into the bowl and beat them into the oil and sugar mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour in the fresh orange juice and mix until the liquid is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the wet ingredients to prevent lumps.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake tough.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Drizzle with honey and additional orange zest before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Zest Technique: When rubbing orange zest into sugar, use your fingertips and press firmly to release maximum essential oils, intensifying the citrus flavor.
- Olive Oil Quality Matters: Use a high-quality, extra virgin olive oil for the most robust and authentic taste.
- Don't Overmix: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet ingredients just until combined to ensure a tender, light cake texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and orange juice to be at room temperature for better ingredient integration.
- Toothpick Test: Always check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.
- Optional Elegance: A light drizzle of honey and fresh orange zest before serving can elevate the cake's presentation and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
