Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe

This Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake recipe is moist and fragrant, which uses extra virgin olive oil and fresh citrus for a light yet flavorful dessert. It’s a no-fuss cake perfect for brunch, holidays, or everyday baking, ready in about 1 hour.

Jump to Recipe

Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  3. Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Slowly whisk in olive oil to emulsify.
  4. Combine and mix: Stir in milk (or buttermilk), citrus zest, citrus juice, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until smooth; do not overmix.
  5. Bake the cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and serve: Let cake cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Best olive oil for baking: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor.
  • Can I use only lemon or orange? Yes, choose whichever citrus you prefer, or combine both.
  • How to make it dairy-free: Substitute milk with almond milk or oat milk.
  • Add-ins for variation: Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit for texture.
  • How to know when it’s done: The cake is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

What To Serve With Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with light toppings or sides:

  • Fresh berries and whipped cream
  • Greek yogurt and honey
  • Espresso or cappuccino
  • A drizzle of citrus glaze
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe

How To Store Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake

Refrigerate: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~280
  • Fat: ~14g
  • Carbohydrates: ~34g
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Sugar: ~18g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Can I replace citrus with vanilla only?
Yes, but citrus adds brightness and balances the olive oil flavor.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?
Overmixing or underbaking can cause sinking; ensure batter is mixed just until combined and baked fully.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Try More Recipes:

Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

Moist and citrusy olive oil cake with a tender crumb — perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk

  • 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon or orange juice

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy; slowly add olive oil.
  • Mix in milk, zest, juice, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients until smooth.
  • Pour into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool 10 minutes, transfer to wire rack, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.