Fresh orange juice and delicate rose water flavor this tender olive oil cake. The combination of almond flour and extra-virgin olive oil creates a beautifully moist crumb. Floral notes add depth to the classic citrus profile, making it an elegant dessert for a dinner party or a simple afternoon treat with tea. It is bright, aromatic, and rich without feeling heavy.
Prep
25 min
Servings
4
Course
Dessert
Ingredients
Olive oil cake is the best invention ever… so many variations, typically with a hint of citrus… My son Dylan was the first to try it at a restaurant in Santa Monica. I upped the game by adding rose water to the cake and a “water for chocolate” ganache… always looking to bring new enchantments.
⅔ cup (160 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan
1Prepare the optional chocolate ganache or measure out powdered sugar for dusting the finished cake.
2Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Coat the sides of an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with oil and line the bottom with parchment paper.
3Combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt in a small bowl.
4Grate the orange zest directly into a large mixing bowl. Squeeze the oranges to yield 2/3 cup (160 ml) of juice and pour it over the zest.
5Add 2/3 cup (160 ml) of olive oil, granulated sugar, plant milk, rose water, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar to the orange juice mixture. Stir until smooth, then gently whisk in the dry ingredients.
6Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and level the surface. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife and carefully invert the cake onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
8Drizzle the optional chocolate ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to run down the sides. Alternatively, dust the top with powdered sugar or serve it plain.