Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with a lemon olive oil cake. This delightful dessert is a perfect way to incorporate the rich taste of extra virgin olive oil into your baking. By using Ayvaco’s extra virgin olive oil, you can elevate this classic recipe, adding depth and a silky texture that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is simple to make and will impress everyone at your table.
Why Choose Olive Oil in Baking?
Baking with olive oil might seem unusual to some, but it has been a tradition in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Olive oil, especially cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, offers numerous health benefits, including heart health and antioxidant properties. Its unique flavor profile, coupled with its ability to keep baked goods moist, makes it an excellent choice for cakes, particularly those with citrus notes like lemon. This cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthier alternative to butter-laden desserts.
Ingredients You'll Need
To create this delicious lemon olive oil cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup olive oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will ensure your cake doesn't stick and comes out perfectly every time.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial to ensure that your cake rises evenly and has a light, airy texture.
3. Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until they are light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add Ayvaco’s cooking olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Greek yogurt. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense cake.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
The Perfect Pairing
This lemon olive oil cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of day, from breakfast to dessert. The use of Ayvaco's organic olive oils ensures that each bite is rich in flavor and packed with the goodness of cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil.
Conclusion
Baking a lemon olive oil cake is a delightful way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your home. By using Ayvaco's premium olive oils, you're not just baking a cake; you're creating a culinary experience. The rich, fruity notes of olive oil blend beautifully with the zesty lemon, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and experience the difference that Ayvaco’s extra virgin olive oil makes in your baking.
