Olive oil might not be the first thing you reach for when baking, but it’s well worth a try. It brings a gentle richness and a subtle fruitiness that works beautifully in cakes, while helping to keep the texture soft and moist.
Here, we’ve gathered a few recipes that show just how well olive oil fits into baking. From familiar favourites like carrot cake to more fruit-led bakes, there’s something here for all sorts of occasions.
How Olive Oil Shapes the Taste of Cakes
Olive oil adds a light fruitiness and helps create a softer, more tender crumb than many traditional baking fats. Rather than making a cake heavy, it keeps things moist and lets other ingredients — citrus, spices, or fresh fruit — come through more clearly.
It also blends easily into batters, which makes it a straightforward swap in many recipes. The result is a cake that feels lighter, but still satisfying.
Carrot Cake with Olive Oil
Carrot cake is a long-time favourite, and it adapts particularly well to olive oil. Using La Española Light in Colour Olive Oil in place of butter gives the sponge a softer texture while keeping the taste nicely balanced.
Our Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting pairs a gently spiced sponge with a smooth, tangy topping. It’s the sort of cake that works just as well for a birthday as it does for an afternoon slice with tea.
Coffee Cake with Olive Oil
There’s something about a simple coffee cake that feels right for spring afternoons. Our Coffee Cake uses our extra virgin olive oil along with cinnamon and ginger to create a warm, gently spiced bake.
It’s not heavy, just comforting in a simple way. Served with a dusting of icing sugar and a cup of coffee, it makes an easy option for brunch or a relaxed get-together.
Orange Cake with Mango and Strawberry Jam
Citrus and berries really come into their own in spring. This Orange Cake with Mango and Strawberry Jam leans into those flavours, using an orange (peel included) to give the sponge a slightly bittersweet edge.
Olive oil keeps the texture soft, while the mango and strawberry jam adds a fresh, brighter note. It’s a good choice for something a little more colourful, especially if you’re baking ahead.
A Simple Olive Oil Cake
Sometimes the simplest bakes are the most reliable. This Olive Oil Cake is made with everyday ingredients — yoghurt, eggs, flour, sugar, and olive oil — and comes together in one bowl.
The result is a light sponge with a delicate crumb. You can keep it plain or add a few finishing touches, like fresh strawberries, lemon zest, or a dusting of icing sugar. It works well for anything from a casual brunch to a picnic.
Olive Oil Almond and Orange Cake
For something a little more special, this Olive Oil, Almond and Orange Cake combines ground almonds with citrus for a richer texture and a brighter taste.
Topped with slices of caramelised orange, it makes a striking centrepiece without being overly complicated. It’s well suited to spring gatherings — Easter, birthdays, or anything that calls for a slightly more considered dessert.
Why Olive Oil Cakes Work Well in Spring
Olive oil cakes tend to suit the season naturally. They’re lighter than many butter-based bakes, but still satisfying, and they pair well with the citrus and fruit that come into season at this time of year.
They also keep their moisture for longer, which makes them useful if you’re baking ahead for a gathering or sharing with others.
For more recipes and ideas using olive oil, take a look through our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Olive Oil Cakes
Will the cake taste of olive oil?
It depends on the type of cake. In some recipes, like a classic olive oil cake, extra virgin olive oil adds a gentle, fruity note. In others, such as carrot cake, a milder olive oil works better if you’d prefer a more neutral taste.
What type of olive oil works best for baking?
It depends on the bake. Extra virgin olive oil suits cakes where you want a bit more character, while lighter varieties are better for a softer, more neutral result.
Do olive oil cakes stay fresh for longer?
They do. Olive oil helps the cake hold its moisture, so it stays soft for a few days when stored properly.
Can olive oil cakes be made ahead of time?
Yes. Many olive oil cakes are actually better the next day, which makes them a good option if you’re baking for a gathering.