Low Sugar Olive Oil Cake with Citrus

Total time1 hr 20 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time45 min

This bright, golden cake gets its citrusy lift from a generous mix of fresh orange and lemon zest, plus a splash of orange juice folded right into the batter. Extra-virgin olive oil keeps the crumb moist and tender while lending a subtle, fruity richness you won't get from a standard butter cake. Whisking the eggs until pale and thick before adding the wet ingredients builds real structure, so the loaf rises into a deep-golden top with a soft, springy interior. Baked in a single round pan and cooled on a rack before slicing, it's the kind of simple, elegant dessert that looks far more impressive than the effort it takes. This is a solid choice for an added sugar–conscious table, letting the citrus and olive oil do the flavor work. Serve it plain or with a light dusting for a finish that still feels special.

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Ingredients

8 servings

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Unbleached All-Purpose Flour Gold Medal Flour All-Purpose Unbleached - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Pillsbury Best Flour All Purpose - 5 Lb
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp fine salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup whole milk
1 tbsp fresh orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
1 tsp fresh lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for pan)

For the pan

1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for pan)

For serving

2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Omit this
This ingredient likely doesn’t work for the diet.

Instructions

1
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with the softened butter, dust with the 1 tbsp flour, and tap out any excess.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.

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