Spanish Olive Oil Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (180ml) extra virgin olive oil 3/4 cup (180ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the olive oil while continuing to beat the mixture.
5. 5.
   Add the milk and citrus zest, and mix until well combined.
6. 6.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and aroma in the cake.
• Citrus zest — Use organic lemons and oranges for the zest to avoid any bitterness from pesticides.

Tips & Tricks

• For a citrus-infused variation, you can add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice to the batter.
• Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• To enhance the flavor, you can sprinkle some finely chopped almonds on top of the cake before baking.
• Make sure to properly grease and flour the cake pan to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Spanish Olive Oil Cake as a delightful dessert after a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Dust it with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can place a slice of the cake on a decorative plate and drizzle it with a touch of honey. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.