Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

Name: Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup olive oil; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup fresh blood orange juice; Zest of 2 blood oranges; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love how simple yet delicious this Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake is! Using blood oranges gives it a unique flavor that is both refreshing and vibrant. The olive oil adds a moist texture that pairs perfectly with the citrus. I was impressed by how easy it was to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be eager to share it with friends and family.

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:40:17.086Z

When I first baked this Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake, I was stunned by its vibrant color and enticing aroma. Blood oranges impart a beautiful hue to the cake, making it visually appealing. The secret to the moist texture lies in the high-quality olive oil; I recommend using a fruity variety for the best flavor.

Baking with olive oil may seem unconventional, but it's what makes this cake so irresistible! I've found that the oil helps keep the cake tender and perfectly moist, while the zest adds a fresh citrus kick. This cake is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Unique flavor of blood oranges adds a refreshing twist
Moist texture from olive oil makes it unforgettable
Perfectly sweet and tangy for a delightful dessert

      

The Role of Olive Oil

Using olive oil in this cake not only contributes to its moist texture but also enhances the flavor profile significantly. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results; it adds a rich, fruity complexity that complements the citrus notes of the blood oranges. I recommend tasting your olive oil before using it in the recipe to ensure it’s not overly bitter, which can affect the overall flavor of your cake.

Additionally, olive oil can be a healthier fat option compared to traditional butter. It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making this cake a more nutritious treat. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you could also substitute half of the olive oil with unsweetened applesauce, which will still keep the cake moist while reducing fat content.

Choosing and Using Blood Oranges

Blood oranges are key to the unique flavor of this cake. Their vibrant color and sweet-tart balance set them apart from regular oranges. When selecting blood oranges, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size, indicating they are juicy. You’ll want to use fresh juice for the best flavor; pre-packaged juices can lack the bright acidity that fresh blood orange juice provides.

During preparation, save a bit of the zest and juice for a simple glaze or syrup if desired. You can mix powdered sugar with a little additional blood orange juice to create a pourable glaze that adds an enticing citrus punch when drizzled over the finished cake.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure even baking, always preheat your oven fully before placing your cake inside. Additionally, keep an eye on the cake as it bakes; ovens can vary, and a toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If it browns too quickly, you can tent the top with foil to prevent burning while it continues to cook through.

Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring it helps it retain moisture. If you plan to store the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after it cools completely to keep it fresh. This cake also freezes well; just slice it beforehand and place parchment between layers in an airtight container for easy serving later on.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful cake:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
3 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh blood orange juice
Zest of 2 blood oranges
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Once you have everything ready, you're set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the blood orange juice and zest, mixing well.

Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar and slice. Serve plain or with whipped cream!

Now that your cake is baked, enjoy every slice with friends and family!

Pro Tips

Using room temperature ingredients can result in a lighter cake. Don’t skip the zest
it adds a lot of flavor!

Serving Suggestions

This Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further with accompaniments. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance its citrus flavor. Fresh berries also provide a lovely contrast in texture and flavor while adding a pop of color to your presentation.

For an extra touch, garnish the cake with candied blood orange slices or a sprinkle of toasted almonds. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also introduce new flavors and textures that complement the moist, fragrant cake wonderfully.

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, they can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, tightly covered to maintain freshness. If you prefer a longer storage solution, refrigerate the cake where it will last for up to one week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this will bring back its deliciously moist texture.

For even longer preservation, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to enjoy a delicious piece of cake whenever the craving strikes while keeping it fresh for up to three months.

Variations to Try

This recipe is versatile! You can experiment with different citrus fruits by substituting blood oranges with cara cara oranges or even lemons for a different flavor profile. If you're a fan of nuts, consider folding in some ground almonds or hazelnuts along with the dry ingredients to add texture and a nutty flavor to the cake.

You can also turn this basic recipe into cupcakes for individual servings. Just reduce the baking time to around 18-20 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they're baked through. The bright flavors will certainly shine through in any form you choose, making it a delightful treat for any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?

Yes, regular oranges can be used, but the flavor and color will be different.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I use instead of olive oil?

You can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil as an alternative.