Ina Garten’s Moist Olive Oil Cake Recipe: Irresistibly Soft

Olive oil cake represents a culinary marvel that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Soft and surprisingly light, this Mediterranean-inspired dessert breaks traditional cake boundaries with its unique texture.

Rich olive oil infuses each slice with subtle complexity and depth.

Home bakers appreciate how simple techniques can create such an elegant treat.

The delicate crumb provides a perfect balance between moisture and structured sweetness.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake delivers unexpected flavor nuances that surprise and delight.

Professional and amateur cooks alike find endless pleasure in mastering this remarkable recipe: prepare to elevate your baking skills.

Why Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Feels Fresh

• Elevate Simple Ingredients: This cake transforms everyday pantry staples like olive oil, flour, and yogurt into a sophisticated dessert that feels gourmet without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy Bright Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of lemon zest and high-quality olive oil creates a refreshing, zesty profile that transports your taste buds to sunny coastal regions with every bite.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: With minimal steps and just one bowl for mixing, even novice bakers can confidently create a delicious cake in under an hour, making it perfect for spontaneous baking moments or last-minute gatherings.

What Goes in Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine white flour essential for cake structure, look for unbleached options for better flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy consistency.
• Baking Soda: Assists with browning and helps balance the cake's acidity.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the cake's texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb with subtle tanginess.
• Olive Oil: Provides moisture and a delicate fruity flavor, choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that complement the olive oil and add freshness to the cake.
• Blueberries (Optional): Fresh berries for serving, adds color and natural sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt (Optional): Creamy topping that pairs well with the cake's flavor.

How to Bake Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and coat the inside with olive oil, ensuring every corner is covered.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Sea salt

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly combined and light and fluffy.

Step 3: Form Cake Batter

• Eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Extra virgin olive oil

Whisk everything vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Gently fold in fresh lemon juice and zest, stirring until the batter becomes silky and uniform in color and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely. Optional: Garnish with fresh blueberries and a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra delight.

Tips to Nail Olive Oil Cake Texture

• Select Premium Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality, fruity extra virgin olive oil to enhance the cake's rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Master the Mixing Technique: Whisk ingredients gently but thoroughly to create a light, airy batter that ensures a tender crumb throughout the cake.
• Customize Sweetness Levels: Adjust sugar quantities based on personal preference, balancing the bright citrus notes with the desired level of sweetness.
• Boost Moisture with Greek Yogurt: Incorporate full-fat Greek yogurt to add incredible moisture, depth, and a subtle tangy undertone to the cake.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Monitor the cake closely in the oven, removing it just when a toothpick comes out clean to prevent drying out and maintain a soft, delectable texture.

How to Keep Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Moist

• Countertop Preservation: Seal the cake in an airtight glass container to maintain maximum moisture and prevent staleness. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve its delicate texture and flavor profile.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container, ensuring no air exposure. Consume within 4-5 days for optimal taste and freshness, allowing the cake to reach room temperature before serving to restore its original softness.
• Freezing Technique: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing to simplify future thawing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, pressing out excess air. Label with the date and consume within 2-3 months for best quality, thawing at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours before enjoying.

Olive Oil Cake Flavor Add-Ons

• Mediterranean Citrus Delight: Replace lemon juice with orange zest and juice for a sunny, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that brings a bright, refreshing taste to the classic olive oil cake.
• Herbal Infusion Cake: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the batter, creating an aromatic herb-enhanced version that pairs beautifully with the olive oil's richness and provides a subtle savory undertone.
• Nutty Mediterranean Treat: Fold in chopped pistachios or almonds into the batter, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the cake's smooth olive oil base and enhances its Mediterranean character.
• Lavender Provence Style: Incorporate dried lavender flowers into the mix, transforming the cake into a fragrant French-inspired dessert that offers a delicate floral note and sophisticated flavor profile.

Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Closing Thoughts

Mediterranean sunshine radiates through Ina Garten’s olive oil cake, inviting palates on a delightful culinary journey.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating harmony between rustic simplicity and sophisticated flavor profiles.

Delicate lemon notes complement rich olive oil undertones, promising a sensory experience beyond ordinary desserts.

Blueberries nestled alongside provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the cake’s tender crumb.

Home bakers can easily craft this elegant masterpiece with minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Sweet memories await when you slice into this Mediterranean-inspired treasure – so grab your mixing bowl, share this recipe, sprinkle excitement through comments, and inspire fellow cooking enthusiasts to embrace delicious possibilities.