Olive Oil Cake With Berries

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Equipment:
Mixing bowl
whisk
9-inch round cake pan
parchment paper
oven
Cuisine Type: Mediterranean
This Olive Oil Cake With Berries is a delightful dessert that marries the rich, fruity flavors of high-quality olive oil with the natural sweetness of fresh berries. The cake is moist and tender, with a hint of citrus from lemon or orange zest, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Serve it warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you have a deliciously elegant dessert that impresses with minimal effort.
The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility. You can use a variety of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, depending on what’s in season or your personal preference. This recipe is simple to make and is a wonderful way to showcase the flavors of the Mediterranean while providing a light and satisfying option for those looking to indulge without feeling overly heavy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon (or orange)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will help guarantee your cake comes out easily once it’s baked.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with bright flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
- Gently fold in the fresh berries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step adds bursts of flavor and color to the cake, making it visually appealing and delicious.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is cool, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired, and serve slices with additional berries on the side for a beautiful presentation.
Extra Tips:
To enhance the flavor of your olive oil cake, consider using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as its distinct taste can elevate the dish considerably.
For a more pronounced berry flavor, you can macerate the berries with a sprinkle of sugar and a splash of lemon juice for about 15 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will create a delicious syrup that seeps into the cake as it bakes.