Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze: A Moist and Tender Treat
Hello there, fellow food lovers! Jen here. You know, Alex and I have traveled the world, from bustling markets in Africa to quiet cafes in Europe. We’ve tasted so many incredible dishes. But sometimes, it’s the simple things that stick with you. This Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze is one of those gems. It reminds me of slow mornings, sun-drenched afternoons, and the pure joy of a perfectly balanced bite. It’s incredibly moist, with a tender crumb that just melts in your mouth. The olive oil gives it this subtle, wonderful richness. Then, that bright, zesty lemon glaze cuts through it all. It’s a dessert that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully comforting. It’s become a go-to for our family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
You’re going to adore this Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze for so many reasons!
* It’s a breeze to whip up. Seriously, minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
* The taste is just divine. The olive oil cake is wonderfully moist. The lemon glaze adds a perfect zesty punch.
* It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it for brunch, an afternoon tea, or a simple weeknight treat.
* Everyone loves a good citrus cake. This one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Best Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a lighter texture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for that perfect sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, our leavening friend.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance all those lovely flavors.
- 3 large eggs, make sure they’re at room temperature!
- 1 cup good-quality extra virgin olive oil. This is key for our moist cake!
- 1 cup buttermilk, for tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that classic warm aroma.
- Zest of 1 lemon, so much bright flavor here.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Olive Oil Cake
Buttermilk is wonderful for adding tenderness. If you don’t have any, just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. It works like magic!
For the olive oil, use a good extra virgin olive oil. It really adds a subtle fruity note. Don’t worry, it won’t taste like salad dressing! It just makes the cake wonderfully moist.
Having your eggs at room temperature helps them incorporate better. This leads to a smoother batter and a more even bake for our olive oil cake.
How to Prepare the Perfect Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Now for the fun part! Let’s get this beautiful Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze into the oven.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get a 9-inch cake pan ready. Grease it well, then dust it with flour. This stops our lovely cake from sticking.
Grab a big bowl. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they’re all combined nicely.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Get them all mixed up until they’re smooth.
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Mix them gently until they’re just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing makes cakes tough. We want a tender crumb for this moist cake.
Stir in that lovely lemon zest. It adds such a wonderful fragrance even before baking.
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Spread it out evenly.

Baking the Olive Oil Cake to Perfection
Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The best way to check is with a wooden skewer. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before adding the glaze.

Creating the Zesty Lemon Glaze
While the cake is cooling, let’s make the glaze. Whisk the fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar together. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and pourable.
If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. You want a nice, thick glaze that will coat the cake.
Drizzle this zesty goodness all over your cooled Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze. Watch it drip down the sides. It looks so pretty!

Tips for Success with Your Olive Oil Cake
Achieving that perfect, moist crumb for your Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze is totally doable! Always use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything blend together smoothly. When mixing the batter, stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, making the cake a bit tough. We want tender, not chewy!
Using good quality extra virgin olive oil really makes a difference. Its fruity notes complement the lemon beautifully. Don’t be afraid of it! It’s the secret to our wonderfully moist olive oil cake.
And remember that lemon zest? It’s packed with flavor. Give it a good rub between your fingers before adding it to the batter. This releases its aromatic oils.
Serving Suggestions for Your Olive Oil Cake
This Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze is a star on its own. But you can make it even more special!
Try serving it with a handful of fresh berries. Raspberries or blueberries are fantastic. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is also divine.
It’s also perfect with a warm cup of tea or a freshly brewed coffee. This citrus cake is lovely for any time of day.

Storing and Reheating Your Olive Oil Cake
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze in an airtight container. It stays wonderfully moist at room temperature for up to 3 days. No need to refrigerate!
If you prefer it a bit warm, you can gently reheat a slice. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to take the chill off. Enjoy your delicious citrus cake!
Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
Got questions about our delicious Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze? I’ve got answers!
Can I use a different type of oil for this Olive Oil Cake?
While olive oil is key for the unique flavor and moisture, you can use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if you prefer. However, I find the fruity notes of good extra virgin olive oil really make this citrus cake special.
How do I make my Olive Oil Cake more moist?
Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature is a big help. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated. This keeps the crumb tender and moist!
Can I add other flavors to this cake?
Absolutely! You could add a bit of almond extract or some chopped nuts to the batter. A sprinkle of poppy seeds would also be lovely with the lemon glaze.
How long does the lemon glaze last?
The glaze is best used the same day you make it for that fresh, zesty flavor. If you have extra, store it covered in the fridge for a day or two, but it might thicken up.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Olive Oil Cake
Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in one slice of our Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze. Remember, these numbers are approximate and can change based on exact ingredients used. We’re looking at around 350 calories, with about 20g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein per serving. This citrus cake is a delightful treat!
PrintAmazing Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Glaze
This olive oil cake with lemon glaze is a moist and tender dessert. The subtle flavor of olive oil pairs perfectly with a bright, zesty lemon glaze, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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 soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to 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 35-40 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 lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Add more lemon juice or powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For an extra moist cake, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk if needed.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: approx. 350
- Sugar: approx. 30g
- Sodium: approx. 200mg
- Fat: approx. 20g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 45g
- Fiber: approx. 1g
- Protein: approx. 4g
- Cholesterol: approx. 60mg























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