If you are looking to delight your senses with a truly unique and flavorful dessert, this Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. It’s a vibrant celebration of citrusy brightness combined with the warm, aromatic touch of cardamom, all made tender and moist by the richness of extra virgin olive oil. Each bite feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for gatherings or a special treat to brighten any day. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience you’ll want to share again and again.

Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully to create the magic of the Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fragrant cardamom that adds an exotic spice to the olive oil that keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and light crumb.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly, ensuring a fluffy texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic yogurt and orange juice for leavening power.
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom: Provides a warm, fragrant spice note that complements the orange beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the citrus and spice.
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity moisture that is distinctive and delicious.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding additional richness.
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Brings bright citrus flavor and moisture.
Zest of 1 large orange: Packs intense orange aroma and taste into every bite.
1/4 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream): Adds tanginess and helps keep the cake tender.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with subtle warmth.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the optional glaze, giving a sweet finishing touch.
2-3 tablespoons orange juice: Used in the glaze to carry the citrus notes forward.
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional): Boosts the glaze’s flavor with aromatic spice.

How to Make Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. This step sets the stage for a flawless cake with a beautifully even bake.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt. Combining these ingredients now ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your cake consistent flavor and rise.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar and olive oil until the mixture is well blended and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a silky batter. Stir in freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, and vanilla extract to build the vibrant, fragrant core of the cake’s flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix here because a delicate hand will help your cake remain tender and airy rather than dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake turns a lovely golden brown. The aroma while baking will fill your kitchen with irresistible citrus-spice notes.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and optional cardamom to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the top, letting it set to add a final glossy, sweet layer that highlights the cake’s vibrant flavors.

How to Serve Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Consider decorating your cake with thin orange slices, a sprinkle of extra cardamom, or even toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds. These garnishes will elevate the presentation and add delightful contrasting textures that complement the moist cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the subtle spice and acidity. Serving it alongside a fresh berry compote or a simple cup of delicate herbal tea makes for an inviting and complete dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into small squares for a charming afternoon tea or coffee gathering. You can also serve individual slices with a small spoonful of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey for an elegant twist. Wrapping a slice in parchment paper tied with twine makes a lovely gift for friends, sharing the joy of this Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve its moistness and flavor. If your environment is warm, storing it in the refrigerator is a better option to avoid spoilage.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake without the glaze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To freeze with glaze, first glaze and let it fully set, then freeze and thaw gently before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a low oven. This revives the cake’s freshness and brings back that lovely aroma, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?

While olive oil lends a unique fruity flavor to this cake, you can substitute it with a mild oil like grapeseed or vegetable oil if necessary. Just remember that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice and zest?

Yes, fresh orange juice and zest add brightness and a vibrant citrus flavor that bottled juice can’t fully replicate. This freshness is key to the success of the Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With some adjustments like replacing eggs with flax eggs and using plant-based yogurt, you can attempt a vegan version. However, the texture might differ slightly, so expect a bit of experimentation.

What does cardamom add to the cake?

Cardamom introduces a warm, sweet-spicy aroma that complements the citrus perfectly, making the cake taste exotic and deeply flavorful without being overpowering.

How long does the cake last?

Stored properly at room temperature or in the fridge, the cake stays fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your baking repertoire. Its bright, sunny flavors combined with the gentle warmth of cardamom and the moist richness of olive oil make it a cake that can brighten any dessert table and any mood. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this cake as much as I do!

Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 63 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the bright citrus notes of fresh orange juice and zest with the warm spice of cardamom. Enhanced by the richness of extra virgin olive oil and smooth yogurt, this cake offers a tender crumb and a luscious glaze that adds a perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large eggs
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Zest of 1 large orange
1/4 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze (Optional)

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake does not stick after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt. Stir these together to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and extra virgin olive oil until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to incorporate air and maintain a smooth mixture. Then stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, and vanilla extract until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake top is golden brown.
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess and prepare for glazing.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice, and ground cardamom if using. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or juice as needed to create a drizzle-able glaze.
Glaze and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top evenly. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving your delicious Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream for a slightly different moisture and tang.
The cardamom in the glaze is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor.
The cake keeps well stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American