Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe is soft, moist and full of rich flavor. It is perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.
Many people love Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe because it is easy to make and uses simple Ingredients for Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake. The cake has a delicate texture and a hint of citrus that pairs beautifully with olive oil.
If you want to learn how to make Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe, this guide will help you step by step.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I baked this cake, my kitchen smelled amazing. The texture was soft and moist. It was slightly sweet and light, unlike heavy butter cakes. My family enjoyed it plain and with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
I tried it for a weekend dessert. Everyone loved the flavor and freshness. The olive oil gave it a unique taste but it was not strong. Now I make it for small gatherings or when I want a simple, elegant cake.
Baking Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe is fun and easy. The batter mixes quickly, and the result is always perfect. If you enjoy soft, flavorful cakes, you will love this recipe.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- 9-inch round cake pan or 8×4-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Zester for lemon or orange
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your pan lightly and line with parchment paper. Set aside while preparing the batter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. Set aside.
3. Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and frothy. This creates a soft and airy texture for the cake.
4. Add Olive Oil and Milk
Slowly add olive oil, milk and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Add citrus zest and juice. Mix gently for a smooth, fragrant batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix carefully until fully combined but do not overmix.
6. Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure it is even for uniform baking.
7. Bake the Cake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Do not overbake to keep it moist.
8. Cool the Cake
Remove the pan from oven. Let it cool 10 minutes. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Slice into pieces and serve. Enjoy the soft, moist texture and delicate citrus flavor.
Read More:
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature.
- Gently fold dry ingredients to keep cake light.
- Do not overbake; it dries the cake.
- Citrus zest adds brightness and complements olive oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing batter – leads to a dense cake.
- Using low-quality olive oil – affects flavor.
- Not preheating the oven – affects rise.
- Skipping citrus zest – cake may taste flat.
- Cutting too early – cake may crumble.
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe is perfect plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
A drizzle of honey or citrus glaze adds sweetness. Enjoy it with tea, coffee or as a simple dessert after dinner.
Variations You Can Try
- Add a handful of chopped nuts for crunch.
- Mix in fresh blueberries or raspberries.
- Use orange juice and zest instead of lemon.
- Drizzle with simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle flavor twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days to extend freshness.
- Freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices in microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
Health Benefits
This cake uses olive oil instead of butter, which contains healthy monounsaturated fats. It is lighter than traditional butter cakes and has a soft, moist texture.
Citrus adds vitamin C and using high-quality Ingredients for Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake makes it both delicious and wholesome.

Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan or 8×4-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Zester for lemon or orange
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting optional
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your pan lightly and line with parchment paper. Set aside while preparing the batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. Set aside.
Beat Eggs and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and frothy. This creates a soft and airy texture for the cake.
Add Olive Oil and Milk
- Slowly add olive oil, milk and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Add citrus zest and juice. Mix gently for a smooth, fragrant batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix carefully until fully combined but do not overmix.
Pour Batter into Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure it is even for uniform baking.
Bake the Cake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Do not overbake to keep it moist.
Cool the Cake
- Remove the pan from oven. Let it cool 10 minutes. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Slice into pieces and serve. Enjoy the soft, moist texture and delicate citrus flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature.
- Gently fold dry ingredients to keep cake light.
- Do not overbake; it dries the cake.
- Citrus zest adds brightness and complements olive oil.
FAQs about Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
1. Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, but olive oil adds a unique flavor. Use mild extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. Bake carefully as texture may differ slightly.
3. How do I make the cake more citrusy?
Add extra zest or a teaspoon of citrus extract. A small drizzle of citrus glaze enhances flavor.
4. Can I bake this in a loaf pan instead of a round pan?
Yes, it works well. Adjust baking time slightly; check doneness with a toothpick.
5. How long will the cake stay fresh?
At room temperature, 2–3 days. Refrigerated, up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe is simple, elegant and full of flavor. Using simple Ingredients for Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake creates a soft, moist and delicious cake.
Perfect for dessert, tea or brunch, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Baking it at home is easy and the result is always impressive.
Try this recipe and enjoy the light, citrusy, and flavorful experience of Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake.

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
















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