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Bake a Delicious Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake in 35 Min

Okay, so you know how sometimes you just CRAVE cake, but feel kinda guilty about it later? I get it! That’s why I’m obsessed with this Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake. It’s seriously moist and totally bursting with lemon flavor, but without all the butter. The secret? Olive oil! It gives it this amazing texture and a subtle, almost fruity, background note. Honestly, I stumbled upon olive oil cakes years ago at this tiny bakery in Italy, and I’ve been hooked ever since, trying to recreate that same taste. This recipe is *it*. Trust me, you won’t even miss the butter, and you get to feel a little better about having that second slice. 😉

A slice of Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake on a plate, topped with lemon zest.

Why You’ll Love This Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Okay, so besides the fact that it tastes like sunshine and happiness, here’s why you’re gonna be head-over-heels for this cake:

  • It’s unbelievably moist. Seriously, olive oil is a game-changer!
  • The lemon flavor? BOOM! It’s bright, zesty, and totally wakes up your taste buds.
  • Hello, olive oil! We’re talking healthier ingredients, which means you can have your cake and (kinda) eat it too!
  • So easy to whip up. I’m talking minimal effort, maximum reward.
  • Perfect for *any* occasion. Brunch? Dessert? Midnight snack? This cake does it all!

A slice of Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake on a plate, garnished with lemon zest.

Ingredients for Your Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Alright, gather ’round, my baking buddies! Here’s what you’ll need for this little slice of heaven. Don’t skimp – quality ingredients make a HUGE difference, trust me!

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the backbone of our cake!
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – for that perfect, airy lift!
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – gotta have that sweetness, right?
  • 2 large eggs – these bind everything together beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup olive oil – the star of the show! Choose a good one.
  • 1/2 cup milk – keeps things nice and moist.
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice – that zesty zing we all crave!
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest – don’t skip this! It amps up the lemon flavor!

Ready to get your bake on?

A slice of Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake on a plate, garnished with lemon zest. Lemons in the background.

How to Make Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake: Step-by-Step

Okay, listen up, buttercups! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, even if you’re a *total* newbie, I promise you can nail this. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be basking in lemon-y goodness in no time!

  1. First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Seriously, don’t skip this step. It’s like stretching before a workout – essential! Then, grease and flour your cake pan. This prevents sticking, which is, like, the *worst*.
  2. Grab a bowl – any bowl! – and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking gets rid of any lumps and makes the cake lighter. Trust me on this.
  3. In a *separate* bowl (yes, gotta use two!), mix the sugar and eggs until they’re light and fluffy. I use a hand mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! Then, add in the olive oil, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mmm, that lemon smell!
  4. Now, the key to a perfect cake – gently! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. Seriously, don’t overmix. Overmixing = tough cake, and nobody wants that. A few streaks of flour are okay!
  5. Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan, pop it in the oven, and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want it to be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
  6. Almost there! Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes (patience, young Padawan!) before transferring it to a wire rack to cool *completely*. I know, it’s torture, but resist! If you slice it too soon, it’ll crumble.

And that’s it! You just made a Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

A slice of Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake on a plate, garnished with lemon zest. Whole cake in background.

Tips for the Best Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your cake to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my super-secret, tried-and-true tips for a truly amazing Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake:

  • Use good-quality olive oil! Seriously, don’t grab the cheap stuff. It makes a HUGE difference in flavor. I like using a fruity, extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Don’t overmix the batter, like I said before! Overmixing develops the gluten and makes the cake tough. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Patience is a virtue, my friend! Let the cake cool *completely* before slicing. I know it’s hard, but it’s worth it. Otherwise, it’ll just crumble into a delicious, lemony mess.
  • Zest, zest, zest! Seriously, don’t be shy with the lemon zest. It adds so much bright, citrusy flavor!

Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll have a Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake that’s the envy of everyone!

Ingredient Spotlight: Olive Oil in This Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Okay, let’s talk about the superstar ingredient in this cake: olive oil! I know, I know, it sounds kinda weird to put olive oil in a cake, right? But trust me, it’s a game-changer. Olive oil doesn’t just add moisture (like, *serious* moisture), it also gives the cake this amazing, subtle flavor that you just can’t get with butter. It’s kinda fruity, kinda peppery, and totally delicious. Plus, hello, healthy fats! We’re talking about the good stuff here, people. So, go ahead and embrace the olive oil – your taste buds (and your heart!) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake. Don’t worry, there are no silly questions here – just cake-related curiosity!

Can I use a different type of oil besides olive oil?

Okay, so while olive oil is the star of the show here, you *could* technically use another oil. But… I wouldn’t recommend it! The olive oil is what gives the cake its special flavor and super-moist texture. If you *absolutely* have to, you could try a mild vegetable oil, but honestly, it won’t be the same.

Can I substitute the sugar in this recipe?

Alright, so you’re trying to be extra healthy? I get it! You *could* try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, but honestly, I haven’t tested it myself, so I can’t promise it’ll turn out the same. Sugar does more than just sweeten – it also affects the cake’s texture and browning. If you experiment, let me know how it goes!

How should I store this cake to keep it fresh?

This cake is so moist, it stays fresh for days! You can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Or, you can pop it in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Ah, the gluten-free question! Okay, so I haven’t specifically tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, but I think it *could* work! Just be sure to use a good-quality gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. You might also need to add a little extra moisture, since gluten-free flours tend to be a bit drier. Experiment and see what happens!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Your Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Want to get ahead of the game? You totally can with this cake! It actually gets better the next day (shhh, don’t tell anyone!). Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container, and you’re good to go.

For short-term storage, room temperature is perfect – up to 3 days! If you need it to last longer, toss it in the fridge for up to a week. And get this: you can even freeze it! Just wrap it REALLY well (think multiple layers of plastic wrap), and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Trust me, it’ll be just as amazing as the day you baked it!

Nutritional Information for Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Okay, so you’re curious about the nutrition? I get it! Just a heads-up: these are estimates! Nutritional values can vary like crazy depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, take it with a grain of (low-sodium!) salt.

Enjoy Your Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake!

Alright my friends, you’ve reached the finish line! Time to slice, serve, and savor every single bite of this Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake. I really hope you love it as much as I do! And hey, if you have a moment, I’d be SO grateful if you’d rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback totally makes my day! Plus, don’t forget to snap a pic of your beautiful creation and share it on social media! Tag me so I can see it (I’m always lurking! 😉). Need more sweet treats in your life? Head on over to my other dessert recipes and find your next baking adventure!

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A delicious slice of Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake on a white plate, garnished with lemon zest.

Healthier Lemon Olive Oil Cake


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  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This lemon olive oil cake offers a lighter alternative to traditional cakes, using olive oil for moisture and a delicate flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix sugar and eggs until light. Add olive oil, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Adjust baking time depending on your oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 35 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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