Simple and Delicious Lemon Olive Oil Cake You Must Try
A lemon olive oil cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make at home. It is bright, moist and full of fresh citrus flavor. The texture is soft and tender with a light crumb that melts in your mouth. This recipe is simple enough for beginners and delicious enough for any special occasion. If you love fresh lemon desserts that feel elegant without extra effort then this cake is perfect for you.
Ingredients Needed
Use exact measurements for the best results.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 1 half cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 half teaspoon baking soda
- 1 fourth teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 half cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 half cup whole milk at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 third cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- 1 half cup powdered sugar for dusting
- Thin lemon slices for decoration
Step by Step Instructions for Lemon Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Prepare the pan
Grease a nine inch round cake pan with olive oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Set it aside.
Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures even baking.
Mix the dry ingredients
Take a large bowl. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk until everything is fully combined. Set the bowl aside.
Combine the wet ingredients
Take another medium bowl. Add the eggs, olive oil, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla.
Whisk slowly until the mixture looks smooth and combined.
Create the batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula. Stop mixing when the flour disappears. Do not over mix or the cake will turn dense.
Pour the batter into the pan
Transfer the smooth batter to the prepared pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
Bake the cake
Place the pan into the oven. Bake for thirty five to forty minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean the cake is ready.
Cool the cake
Remove the pan from the oven. Let the cake cool for ten minutes inside the pan. Carefully remove it and place on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely.
Add an optional topping
Dust the top with powdered sugar once the cake is cool. You may also place a few lemon slices for a pretty finish.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can easily adjust this cake to your taste. For a stronger citrus flavor add one extra tablespoon of lemon zest. For a sweeter finish dust the cake with powdered sugar. Replace the milk with full fat yogurt if you want a richer texture. You can also fold in one third cup of blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. Add a small pinch of cinnamon if you enjoy a warm aroma. This recipe is flexible and works well with many simple flavor changes.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this cake contains a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats and a small amount of protein. Olive oil provides beneficial fats that support heart health. Lemon adds vitamin C and natural brightness. A single serving contains approximately two hundred twenty to two hundred fifty calories depending on the size of your slice. It is a lighter dessert compared to many butter filled cakes yet still tastes indulgent and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lemon olive oil cake at room temperature for the best texture. You can enjoy it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar or with a spoonful of whipped cream. It also pairs well with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. For a calm afternoon snack enjoy a slice with coffee or tea. If you want to serve it after dinner add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream beside the warm slice. This cake also travels well so it is perfect for picnics, brunch gatherings or family celebrations.
Simple and Delicious Lemon Olive Oil Cake You Must Try
10-12
servings15
minutes40
minutes220-250
kcalBright, moist, and full of fresh lemon flavor, this Olive Oil Cake is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Soft, tender, and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 tbsp lemon zest
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Thin lemon slices for decoration (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients until smooth.
- Gently fold wet into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into pan and tap to release air bubbles.
- Bake 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices if desired
Notes
- Do not overmix batter to keep cake light.
- Can substitute milk with yogurt for richer texture.
- Optional: Fold in ⅓ cup berries for a fruity twist.
- Olive oil keeps the cake moist for several days