This orange olive oil cake brings together rustic charm and fresh, vibrant citrus. Yum!
One practical tip: when you zest the oranges, make sure to avoid the bitter white pith beneath the skin—it can throw off the taste.
For the best results, I recommend using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil—its fresh, fruity undertones make all the difference.
This cake comes out so attractively golden and loves a light drizzle of honey or a citrus glaze!
How to Make Giada Orange Olive Oil Cake
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Orange Zest
- 2/3 cup Orange Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan, and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt, and flour, ensuring they are well combined.
Step 3:
In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until fluffy.
Add the orange zest and orange olive oil, continuing to mix until combined.
Step 4:
Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two.
Beat until the batter is smooth.
Step 5:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Olive Oil
Using a high-quality orange olive oil makes a big difference in bringing out the citrus flavors in the cake.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensuring that your eggs and milk are at room temperature helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a better texture.
Test Doneness with a Toothpick
Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake near the end of baking, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Cool Before Slicing
Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack, preventing it from sticking and breaking apart.
Zest with Care
When zesting the orange, be careful not to include the bitter white pith, only the bright orange skin.
What to Serve with Giada Orange Olive Oil Cake
Fresh Berries
A generous serving of fresh berries can beautifully complement your Giada Orange Olive Oil Cake.
Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a hint of tartness and a burst of color to your plate.
Arrange them neatly around each slice to create an inviting contrast with the cake’s orange hue.
Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of this cake.
Ensure the cream is lightly sweetened to maintain the balance with the sweet citrus notes.
You can add a hint of vanilla to the whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Mascarpone Cheese
For something a little different, try serving with a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Its creamy, rich texture harmonizes well with the moistness of the cake.
You can enhance it by folding in a bit of orange zest.
Roasted Almonds
A sprinkle of roasted almonds can bring a savory crunch to your dessert experience.
They add texture and a nutty flavor, making every bite exciting.
Consider tossing them with a tiny pinch of salt or cinnamon for a special touch.
Mint Tea
If you’re looking for a drink pairing, consider serving with a refreshing cup of mint tea.
The soothing qualities of mint contrast with the cake’s sweetness.
It provides a calming element that pairs perfectly with the vibrant flavors of the dessert.
Variations and Substitutions
Citrus Variations
Feel free to get creative with your citrus choices!
Swap orange zest for lemon or lime for a zesty punch.
Mixing citrus types can also give your cake a unique flavor profile.
Sweeteners
Consider replacing sugar with honey or maple syrup.
These can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the cake.
The texture might change slightly but’ll still taste great!
Flour Alternatives
Experiment with almond or whole wheat flour.
Both add a nutty flavor and make for a heartier cake.
You may need to adjust the liquid slightly for perfect consistency.
Dairy Options
If you’re avoiding dairy, try using almond, soy, or oat milk instead.
They work just as well and won’t compromise on flavor!
Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Olive Oil Choices
Choose a mild olive oil for a subtle flavor.
If you prefer a more robust taste, go for a stronger, peppery oil.
This ingredient is the star, so select your favorite kind.
How to Store Leftover Giada Orange Olive Oil Cake
You’ve just baked the Giada Orange Olive Oil Cake, and there are leftovers—let’s talk storage!
Room Temperature Storage
You should place any leftover cake in a sealed cake box or a tin.
This method keeps it fresh for about two to three days.
The key is to find a cool, dry place where the temperature stays consistent.
Refrigeration
For those who want the cake to last a bit longer, refrigerating is your go-to method!
First, wrap the cake snugly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
This helps maintain its moistness and prevents it from absorbing unwanted odors from other foods.
Freezing The Cake
If you’ve baked more cake than you could handle at the moment, freezing is a lifesaver.
Use a tight wrap of plastic followed by aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
This technique allows you to enjoy fresh-tasting cake even weeks later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Olive Oil
Make sure you don’t use light olive oil for this cake recipe since it has been heavily processed and won’t give the right flavor.
Instead, choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil known for its fruity and floral qualities.
This will impact the taste significantly!
Over-mixing the Batter
When combining the ingredients, be gentle with the mixing.
If you over-mix the batter, you may end up with a dense cake and lose the light texture that makes this cake special.
Take your time and mix just until everything is combined.
Skipping the Zest
It’s easy to forget, but skipping the orange zest means missing out on that essential citrus zing!
The zest adds so much fresh flavor to the cake and pairs beautifully with the olive oil.
Be sure to add it to bring the cake to life.

Giada Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3 large Eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp Orange Zest
- 2/3 cup Orange Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan, and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt, and flour, ensuring they are well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until fluffy.
- Add the orange zest and orange olive oil, continuing to mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two.
- Beat until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.