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Sicilian Citrus Olive Oil Cake

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45–50 minutes
  • Yield: 810 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian (Sicilian)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and tender olive oil cake bursting with bright Sicilian citrus flavors—perfect balance of sweet and zesty.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all‑purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 tbsp freshly grated orange zest (about 1 orange)
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and line a 9‑inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs with both sugars until smooth and lightly thickened.
  4. Slowly whisk in olive oil, milk, citrus zests, orange juice, and vanilla until combined.
  5. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated—do not overmix.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden.
  8. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple lemon glaze before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for best flavor.
  • Make a lemon glaze using 1 cup powdered sugar and 2–3 tbsp lemon juice for extra citrus brightness.
  • Leftovers stay moist—store covered at room temperature up to 3 days.
  • To intensify citrus flavor, soak the zests in olive oil for 10 minutes before incorporating.
  • Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 cake)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg