Silky Olive Oil Cake Recipe by Ina Garten with a Moist Crumb

An olive oil cake whispers tales of Mediterranean sunshine and culinary magic, transforming humble ingredients into a sensational dessert.

Every slice carries the essence of traditional baking with a modern, sophisticated twist.

Olive oil works its enchantment, creating a cake that’s impossibly moist and delicately complex.

The golden crumb tells a story of rich flavor and subtle elegance, far from ordinary dessert offerings.

Bakers love how this recipe breaks traditional boundaries, infusing each bite with unexpected depth and character.

Simple yet stunning, the cake promises to elevate any gathering with its rustic charm and irresistible allure.

One forkful, and you’ll be transported to a sun-drenched kitchen where culinary artistry knows no limits.

Tools for Ina’s Moist Olive Oil Cake

• Mixing Bowl: Large, spacious vessel for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending ingredients smoothly and breaking up lumps.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for accurate dry and liquid ingredient measurements.
• Measuring Spoons: Small utensils for measuring baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan: Perfect size for creating a beautiful, even cake.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Helps prevent cake from sticking to the pan.
• Zester or Grater: Helps remove lemon zest easily and cleanly.
• Toothpick: Handy for checking cake doneness by testing the center.
• Oven: Preheated to the perfect temperature for baking the cake.

How to Bake Olive Oil Cake à la Barefoot Contessa

• Prep The Cooking Space Preheat the oven and get your baking pan ready by spraying it with non-stick coating. This crucial first step ensures your cake will glide out smoothly without any messy complications.
• Mix Dry Foundational Ingredients Grab a large bowl and combine all your powdery components. Whisk them together thoroughly to create a uniform base that will give your cake its perfect texture and rise.
• Blend Liquid Elements Create a small well in your dry mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir with enthusiasm until the batter becomes silky and completely integrated, eliminating any pesky lumps that might disrupt your cake's smooth consistency.
• Infuse Citrus Brightness Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh lemon juice and zest. These vibrant notes will transform your ordinary cake into a tangy, bright sensation that tingles taste buds and awakens the senses.
• Bake And Savor Transfer the velvety batter into your prepared pan. Slide it into the warm oven and let magic happen. Bake until a toothpick emerges completely clean, signaling your cake is perfectly cooked. Let it rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.

Flavor Tips and Variations for Olive Oil Cake

Explore fun twists on this classic lemon cake recipe.

Replace lemon with orange or lime zest for a totally different taste profile. Each fruit brings its own unique brightness and tang to the cake.

Brush the warm cake with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. This trick guarantees an incredibly moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Create a light glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of citrus juice. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness and shine. Fresh berries or toasted almond slivers make stunning garnish options.

Experiment with gluten-free flour blends or substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt. These simple swaps welcome more people to enjoy this delightful treat without compromising on flavor.

Serving Up Ina Garten’s Mediterranean-Inspired Cake

• Pair with Afternoon Tea: Slice this zesty lemon cake into delicate wedges and serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a delightful mid-day treat.
• Create a Creamy Topping: Whip up a quick lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice, drizzling it generously over the cooled cake for an extra burst of citrusy sweetness.
• Garnish with Fresh Flair: Sprinkle some fresh lemon zest or add a few edible flowers like lavender or mint leaves on top to elevate the cake's presentation and add a touch of elegance.
• Serve Chilled and Refreshed: Cool the cake completely, then refrigerate for an hour to create a more dense, refreshing dessert perfect for warm summer afternoons.

Best Ways to Store Ina’s Olive Oil Cake

• Preserve Freshness: Store the lemon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping its delightful moisture and zesty flavor intact.
• Refrigerate Wisely: When storing for longer periods, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture.
• Freeze for Later: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen lemon cake maintains its quality for up to 2 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Revive and Enjoy: Thaw frozen cake slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For an extra touch, warm slightly in the microwave and add a light dusting of powdered sugar to refresh its just-baked appeal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Ina Garten’s Olive Oil Cake Ingredients List

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for richer texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Choose fine-crystal sugar for smooth, even sweetness distribution.
• Baking Powder: Opt for aluminum-free version for cleaner taste.
• Baking Soda: Ensure fresh and active for proper rising.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed, high-quality oil for robust Mediterranean undertones.
• Greek Yogurt: Pick full-fat variety for luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Eggs: Select fresh, room-temperature large eggs for optimal blending.

• Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemons moments before adding for maximum zesty punch.
• Lemon Zest: Use organic lemons and grate only the bright yellow outer layer, avoiding bitter white pith.

Silky Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s olive oil cake blends Mediterranean flavors with classic American baking techniques. Moist crumb and elegant simplicity make this dessert a crowd-pleasing treat you will savor with each delightful slice.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cup (156 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt
• ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup (158 ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Dry Ingredients Blend: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Batter Creation: Create a central well in the dry ingredients and pour in olive oil, Greek yogurt, and whole eggs. Vigorously mix until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Fold in freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring until completely integrated into the batter.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Place in preheated oven and bake for 32-37 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean.
6. Cooling Stage: After removing from oven, let cake rest in the pan for 12-15 minutes to set, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Pick the Right Olive Oil: Select a high-quality, mild-flavored extra virgin olive oil to ensure a delicate, smooth taste without overpowering bitterness.
• Zest with Care: Carefully grate only the bright yellow outer layer of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a pure, citrusy flavor.
• Check Cake Doneness Precisely: Use the toothpick test carefully – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and will remain wonderfully tender.
• Room Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs and yogurt are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent batter that blends effortlessly and rises evenly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg