There’s something truly magical about a cake that tastes like sunshine. My family loves this Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze. It’s wonderfully moist. The crumb is so tender. That bright citrus flavor just lifts your spirits. I first discovered this gem years ago. It reminded me of my grandmother’s baking. She always made simple things taste extraordinary. This recipe brings that same joy to my kitchen. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat. It feels special enough for guests too. Let’s bake some happiness!
Why You’ll Love This Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
You’ll adore this cake because it’s:
- Incredibly moist and tender.
- Bursting with bright lemon flavor.
- Surprisingly simple to make.
- Perfect for any occasion.
- A delightful citrus treat.
Meet Alara: My Kitchen Philosophy
Hi, I’m Alara! My journey in the kitchen started young. Grandma’s kitchen was my happy place. She taught me that good food comes from the heart. It doesn’t need fancy tricks. At 911Recipes, we believe in that too. We focus on simple, delicious meals. Meals that feel like home. This olive oil cake is a perfect example. It’s easy, joyful, and always a hit. I love sharing recipes that bring people together.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Let’s get our kitchen ready for this delightful bake! Having everything measured out makes the process so smooth. This recipe for Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze is straightforward. But good ingredients are key. You’ll need a few pantry staples. Plus some fresh flavors to make it shine. Don’t worry, it’s all very accessible. We’ll cover each component in detail.
Flour, Sugar, and Leavening
You’ll need 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Measure it by spooning it into your cup. Then level it off. This prevents a dense cake. We’ll use 1 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness. Baking powder (1 tsp) helps the cake rise. Salt (1/2 tsp) balances the flavors.
The Wet Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggs, and Milk
For that signature moistness, use 1 cup of good quality olive oil. Extra virgin works well. Make sure your 3 large eggs are at room temperature. This helps them combine better. Use 1/2 cup of milk, whole milk is great. Room temperature ingredients create a better emulsion.
Flavor Boosters: Vanilla and Lemon
A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds warmth. The zest of 1 lemon is crucial for that bright citrus kick. Zest it before you juice it. A microplane is perfect for this.
For the Luscious Lemon Glaze
The glaze is simple. You’ll need 1 cup of powdered sugar. Sift it if it’s lumpy. And 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This creates a lovely, tangy drizzle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze.
Preparing the Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Next, prepare your 9-inch cake pan. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray. Then, dust it with flour. Tap out any excess flour. This prevents sticking.

Combining the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl. Add your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together really well. This step is important. It makes sure everything is evenly mixed. No one wants a bite with too much baking powder!
Creating the Wet Ingredient Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk your wet ingredients. Combine the eggs, olive oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until they are smooth and fully blended. This creates a lovely base for our cake.
Marrying Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix them together gently. Stir until they are just combined. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps. Don’t overmix! Overmixing makes cakes tough. We want a tender crumb.

Adding the Zest and Pouring the Batter
Gently stir in the lemon zest. This adds such a wonderful aroma and flavor. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed.
Baking to Perfection
Bake your cake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer. Insert it into the center. It should come out clean. If it has wet batter, bake a few minutes longer. Check it again.

Cooling and Glazing Your Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan. Do this for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely. While it cools, make the glaze. Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle this over your cooled cake. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Tips for a Truly Memorable Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Want your Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze to be extra special? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned. They really make a difference. Little details elevate this simple dessert. You’ll get a fantastic result every time.
Ingredient Room Temperature Matters
Using room temperature ingredients is a game-changer. Eggs and milk incorporate better. This creates a smoother batter. It leads to a finer, more tender crumb. Your cake will have a better texture. Plan ahead and take them out of the fridge early.
The Art of Not Overmixing
This is so important for a tender cake. When you mix flour too much, gluten develops. This makes the cake tough. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see dry flour.
Zest for Life: Maximizing Lemon Flavor
For the best lemon flavor, zest your lemon before juicing it. Use a microplane grater. It gets all the fragrant oils. Avoid the white pith, it’s bitter. Adding extra zest to the batter boosts the citrus notes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Got questions about this wonderful Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze? I’ve got answers! Baking should be fun, not frustrating. Let’s clear up anything you’re wondering about.
Can I use a different type of oil in this Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze?
While olive oil gives this cake its signature moistness and subtle flavor, you can try alternatives. A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works. However, it won’t have that slight fruity note. Some people even use melted butter. This will change the texture slightly though. Olive oil is really best for that classic taste and feel.
How do I store leftover Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, the fridge is better. It will last about 5 days in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before serving again. It’s still delicious!
Can I make this Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Bake the cake a day in advance. Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container. Add the lemon glaze just before serving. This keeps the glaze nice and fresh. It prevents it from soaking into the cake too much. It’s a great make-ahead dessert.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Let’s talk about making this Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze your own. Sometimes you need to swap an ingredient. Or maybe you want to understand why we choose certain things. I’ve got some tips for you.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil
The type of olive oil you use really matters. For this cake, I love a good extra virgin olive oil. It gives a lovely fruity note. It also adds to the cake’s moisture. A mild extra virgin olive oil is best. If you don’t like that flavor, a lighter olive oil works too. Just avoid very strong, peppery ones. They can overpower the lemon.
Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free Options
Want to make this cake dairy-free? Easy! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk all work well. For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum. You might need to adjust baking time slightly. Gluten-free cakes can bake a bit faster.
Serving and Enjoying Your Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Once your beautiful Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze is ready, it’s time for the best part: enjoying it! This cake is wonderful on its own. It’s a perfect light dessert any time of day. Its simple elegance shines through.
Perfect Pairings for Your Olive Oil Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea. A strong coffee is also lovely. You could also serve it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A few fresh berries on the side add a nice touch. Enjoy every moist bite!
Understanding the Nutritional Profile
Nutritional facts for this Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze are estimates. They can change based on exact ingredients. Brands used and serving sizes also affect these numbers. Treat them as a helpful guide. Enjoy your delicious slice!
Print
Amazing moist Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a moist and tender olive oil cake topped with a bright lemon glaze. This simple recipe is perfect for any occasion, bringing a touch of sunshine to your day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the lemon zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, prepare the glaze: whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- You can add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for extra texture.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the cake batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
