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 RecipeIna 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)

How To Make Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
- Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake the cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let cake cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

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

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 New York Cheesecake Recipe
- Ina Garten Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
- Ina Garten Banana Pudding Recipe
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes35
minutes280
kcalMoist 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.
