A vegan olive oil cake is a simple, plant-based dessert made without eggs or dairy, but packed with flavor and natural moisture. You replace butter with olive oil and get a rich, smooth & lighter wheaty-nuts taste. Bright citrus flavors like lemon or orange create a nice contrast that really emphasizes the delicate flavor of olive oil in the cake. These light, citrusy notes offset the richness and the cake finishes fresh to enjoy as a snack on the go or for special celebrations.
Unlike typical cakes, this one goes without animal products yet preserves its gentle, plush crumb. It is great for someone looking for a better dessert option if following a vegan diet.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this cake is a great recipe to have in your collection. It’s easy to make, uses basic ingredients, and works for any event—birthdays, brunch, or even a quiet evening treat. You don’t need difficult tools or unusual ingredients. Just a bowl, a whisk and a cupboard full of basics is all we need to get underway with it. The best part? It tastes just as good if not better then lots of traditional cake recipes. Once you try this vegan olive oil cake, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits
Making a vegan olive oil cake isn’t just about skipping eggs or butter—it brings real benefits to your kitchen and your health. Here’s why this recipe is worth adding to your regular rotation:
1. Naturally Moist Without Dairy
Olive oil gives the cake a soft, moist texture without needing any milk, cream, or butter. It keeps the cake tender even after a few days, which makes it great for meal prep or leftover snacks.
2. Plant-Based and Egg-Free
This cake is fully plant-based, making it suitable for vegans or anyone avoiding animal products. You don’t need to rely on special substitutes—simple ingredients like non-dairy milk and vinegar do the trick to help the cake rise and bind properly.
3. Heart-Healthy Fats
Unlike saturated fats found in butter, olive oil provides unsaturated fats that are known to be better for heart health. Swapping in olive oil can be a smarter choice if you’re aiming to reduce cholesterol or follow a Mediterranean-style diet.
4. Easy to Customize
Whether you love citrus, vanilla, or even almond flavors, this recipe gives you room to play. You can add orange zest, switch flours, or fold in nuts or fruit—making every version feel new and exciting.
5. No Fancy Equipment Needed
You can mix everything in a single bowl using just a spoon or whisk—no mixer needed. It’s a low-effort recipe that suits both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
6. Tastes Light but Satisfying
The flavor of olive oil is smooth and gentle, pairing well with sweet ingredients without being overpowering. The result is a cake that feels elegant, not heavy—ideal for serving at brunch or with afternoon tea.
7. Better Shelf Life
Cakes made with oil often stay fresh longer than those made with butter. Your vegan olive oil cake won’t dry out quickly, meaning you can enjoy it over several days without losing taste or texture.
Ingredients
Making this vegan olive oil cake requires just a few simple, everyday ingredients. These are all items you can likely find in your pantry or local grocery store. The beauty of this cake is its simplicity—no need for fancy ingredients, and it can be made with pantry staples you may already have. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour (or Almond Flour for Gluten-Free) – 1 ½ cups
The flour serves as the foundation for the cake, providing it with a light and tender texture. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour works beautifully here. - Baking Powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy. - Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
You’ll need sugar to add sweetness to balance out the natural flavors of the olive oil and citrus. - Salt – ½ teaspoon
Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
- Olive Oil – ½ cup
The star of this cake! Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich, fruity flavor. This is what keeps the cake moist and adds depth to the overall flavor. - Non-Dairy Milk – ½ cup
Any plant-based milk works here—almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk are all great options. - Fresh Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons
The lemon juice provides a lively, tangy note that balances the rich, smooth flavor of the olive oil. You can also use orange juice for a different citrus twist. - Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
Helps activate the baking powder for a nice rise, and its tang pairs well with the other ingredients. - Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor profile, making the cake feel more rounded and aromatic.
Optional Add-ins (for flavor variations):
- Zest of One Lemon or Orange – Adds extra citrus flavor and a lovely fragrance.
- Chopped Nuts – Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios make a great crunchy addition to the batter.
- Dried Fruit – A handful of raisins or dried cranberries can add a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Vegan Olive Oil Cake
This simple recipe yields a perfectly moist cake with just a few easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square baking pan with olive oil or fit it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk extra virgin olive oil, your preferred non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until completely emulsified.
Step 4: Add Citrus
Gently stir in fresh lemon juice – this bright acidity perfectly offsets the olive oil’s richness.
Step 5: Create the Batter
Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture in three parts, gently folding with a rubber spatula after each addition until just combined. The batter should be uniform with no visible dry patches.
Step 6: Pan Preparation
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking vessel, gently nudging it into the corners with your spatula to create an even layer that reaches all sides.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is perfectly baked when a wooden skewer inserted near the center emerges with just a couple of moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cooling Process
Allow the baked cake to remain in its pan for exactly 10 minutes – this crucial resting period helps set the crumb structure before transferring to a cooling rack to prevent any moisture retention.
Pro Tips and Variations for Vegan Olive Oil Cake
Take your vegan olive oil cake to the next level with these expert suggestions and creative adaptations:
Pro Tips for Success
1. Select Your Olive Oil Wisely
Since olive oil is the star ingredient, choose an extra virgin variety with pleasant fruity notes. Harsh, bitter oils will dominate the cake’s delicate flavor.
2. Temperature Matters
Let chilled ingredients sit out until they’ve lost their chill – this helps them blend seamlessly when combined. Cold liquids can cause the oil to separate, resulting in an uneven batter.
3. Mix with Restraint
Stir the batter only until you no longer see dry flour streaks. Excessive mixing develops gluten, which can make your cake tough rather than tender.
4. Perfect Baking Time
Begin testing at 30 minutes by inserting a skewer near the center. When it emerges with a couple of dry crumbs (no wet batter), your cake is perfectly baked.
5. Proper Cooling Technique
Let the cake settle in its pan for 10 minutes before transferring. This allows the structure to set while preventing moisture buildup.
Creative Variations
Citrus Boost
Amplify the bright flavors by incorporating 1 tablespoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest into your wet ingredients.
Chocolate Transformation
To chocolate lovers: swap out ¼ cup flour for Dutch cocoa powder. The deep cocoa notes play beautifully against the olive oil’s fruitiness.
Berry Burst
Toss 1 cup of fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries) with a spoonful of flour before gently mixing them into the batter for even distribution.
Nutty Crunch
Enhance texture by mixing in ½ cup of toasted chopped nuts (try almonds or pistachios) or decorating the surface before baking.
Elegant Bundt Style
Bake in a greased Bundt pan for 35-40 minutes, then let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum to maintain the ideal cake structure.
Serving Suggestions for Vegan Olive Oil Cake
Once your vegan olive oil cake is perfectly baked and cooled, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, making it a versatile dessert for different occasions. Whether you’re serving it for a casual afternoon treat or a special celebration, here are some ideas on how to serve your cake.
1. Top with a Simple Glaze or Frosting
A light glaze or frosting can elevate your cake’s presentation and add extra flavor. Whip up a zesty lemon glaze by blending confectioners’ sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice to a silky consistency. Artfully pour the glaze over your completely cooled cake to create a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness. Alternatively, you could make a vegan whipped cream or a coconut cream frosting to complement the olive oil’s richness.
2. Serve with Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is the perfect partner for the mild, citrusy flavors of the cake. Serve slices of your vegan olive oil cake alongside seasonal fruits like berries, citrus slices, or even a fruit compote. Strawberries, raspberries, and oranges make particularly good pairings, adding freshness and juiciness that balances the cake’s richness.
3. Pair with Vegan Ice Cream or Sorbet
For a truly indulgent dessert, serve your cake with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or citrus sorbet. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream complements the moist, fluffy cake, while the citrus sorbet can enhance the cake’s refreshing notes.
4. Dust with Powdered Sugar
For a quick and simple finish, dust your vegan olive oil cake with a little powdered sugar. This timeless technique lends subtle sophistication while letting the cake’s authentic taste shine through. You can also sprinkle a few fresh lemon or orange zest shavings on top for a pop of color and added citrus flavor.
5. Pair with a Hot Beverage
A slice of vegan olive oil cake is perfect alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. Try pairing it with herbal teas, such as chamomile or ginger-lemon, to enhance the light and citrusy notes of the cake. If you’re more of a coffee drinker, the cake pairs beautifully with a vegan latte or black coffee for a satisfying, balanced dessert experience.
6. Serve as a Special Breakfast or Brunch Treat
While it’s perfect for dessert, vegan olive oil cake also makes a great addition to a weekend brunch. Its light texture and subtle sweetness make it an excellent choice for pairing with avocado toast, fresh smoothies, or a side of granola and non-dairy yogurt.
7. Create a Cake Layer for Special Occasions
If you’re looking to serve something more extravagant, try using the vegan olive oil cake as a base for a multi-layered cake. You can stack the cake with layers of vegan frosting, fresh fruit, and even coconut flakes for an impressive showstopper at birthdays or holiday gatherings.
With these serving suggestions, your vegan olive oil cake is bound to be a hit for any occasion, from casual snacks to special celebrations. Feel free to get creative and adjust the accompaniments to suit your preferences or the season.
Conclusion for Vegan Olive Oil Cake
The vegan olive oil cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings together the richness of olive oil with the fresh, zesty notes of citrus. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or an experienced chef, this cake is an easy-to-make treat that delivers exceptional flavor and a light, moist texture.
With the use of olive oil versus regular butter this recipe not only makes the cake ideal for those who follow a plant based diet, but also give a healthier version of things without loosing any taste. Habilidad de tener la cake For you – variabilidad de la receta a tener a aliarse en varios cuales son del gusto de sabor, de lemon y orange Poderse ms gourmet ones like chocolate por ejemplo. And also it’s free from egg and dairy making it excellent suitable for multiple diets with preferences.
This cake’s subtle, sweet taste and soft crumb make it the perfect accompaniment to everything from fresh fruit, and vegan ice cream, to the most basic powder dusting. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether offered as a special dessert at family ceremonies, an upscale dessert at dinner parties, or even a pleasant addition to your brunch table.
With its ease of preparation and delicious outcome, the vegan olive oil cake will undoubtedly become a go-to recipe for both everyday enjoyment and special events. But on top of that, it’s also a foundation for creativity, giving you room to experiment with an awful lot of flavors and textures whilst staying easy and wholesome.
Go make it today and feel the joy of baking a cake that is just as enjoyable to make as it is to devour!
For more information on the health benefits of olive oil, you can refer to this comprehensive article by Harvard Health: Is extra-virgin olive oil extra healthy?
Vegan Olive Oil Cake
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour or Almond Flour for Gluten-Free – 1 ½ cups
- The flour serves as the foundation for the cake providing it with a light and tender texture. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour works beautifully here.
- Baking Powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
- The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
- You’ll need sugar to add sweetness to balance out the natural flavors of the olive oil and citrus.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
- Olive Oil – ½ cup
- The star of this cake! Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich fruity flavor. This is what keeps the cake moist and adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Non-Dairy Milk – ½ cup
- Any plant-based milk works here—almond milk oat milk, or soy milk are all great options.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons
- The lemon juice provides a lively tangy note that balances the rich, smooth flavor of the olive oil. You can also use orange juice for a different citrus twist.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
- Helps activate the baking powder for a nice rise and its tang pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor profile making the cake feel more rounded and aromatic.
Optional Add-ins (for flavor variations):
- Zest of One Lemon or Orange – Adds extra citrus flavor and a lovely fragrance.
- Chopped Nuts – Walnuts almonds, or pistachios make a great crunchy addition to the batter.
- Dried Fruit – A handful of raisins or dried cranberries can add a touch of sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square baking pan with olive oil or fit it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk extra virgin olive oil, your preferred non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until completely emulsified.
Step 4: Add Citrus
- Gently stir in fresh lemon juice – this bright acidity perfectly offsets the olive oil’s richness.
Step 5: Create the Batter
- Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture in three parts, gently folding with a rubber spatula after each addition until just combined. The batter should be uniform with no visible dry patches.
Step 6: Pan Preparation
- Transfer the batter to your prepared baking vessel, gently nudging it into the corners with your spatula to create an even layer that reaches all sides.
Step 7: Baking Time
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is perfectly baked when a wooden skewer inserted near the center emerges with just a couple of moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cooling Process
- Allow the baked cake to remain in its pan for exactly 10 minutes – this crucial resting period helps set the crumb structure before transferring to a cooling rack to prevent any moisture retention.
Video
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 260 kcal per slice (estimated)
FAQs about Vegan Olive Oil Cake
1. What is a vegan substitute for oil in cake?
If you’re looking to replace oil in a vegan cake, several healthy options work well. Many bakers use unsweetened applesauce as an alternative, which maintains moisture in baked goods while cutting down on oil content. Mashed bananas, avocado, and even non-dairy yogurt can also be used, depending on the flavor and texture you’re aiming for. Each alternative brings its own unique quality, so experimentation is key to finding your perfect match.
2. Is olive oil cake healthier than regular cake?
Olive oil cake is often considered a healthier choice compared to traditional butter-based cakes. Extra virgin olive oil contains heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, and using it instead of saturated fats can support better cholesterol levels. When paired with other whole food ingredients and less refined sugars, it can be a lighter and more nourishing dessert option.
3. How do you make Kylie Jenner’s olive oil cake?
While Kylie Jenner hasn’t officially released her own recipe, her well-known appreciation for olive oil cake—often lemon-scented and dusted with powdered sugar—is inspired by traditional Italian and Mediterranean versions. These cakes are usually made with simple ingredients like flour, olive oil, sugar, lemon zest, and eggs (which can be substituted with flax or chia eggs for a vegan version). You can recreate the essence of this style by sticking to minimal ingredients and focusing on bold, clean flavors.
4. Can you use olive oil in vegan baking?
Absolutely. Olive oil is a fantastic choice for vegan baking. It acts as a great replacement for butter or margarine, providing moisture, richness, and a subtle fruity flavor. It works especially well in cakes, muffins, and quick breads. For best results, choose a mild or light olive oil when you want the flavor to be more neutral.
5. Why is olive oil generally not used in baking?
Olive oil isn’t as common in baking primarily due to its distinct flavor, which can be noticeable in delicate baked goods. Many traditional recipes also favor butter for its texture and familiarity. However, in Mediterranean baking and many modern recipes, olive oil is valued for its health benefits and ability to create moist, tender textures—especially when paired with complementary ingredients like citrus or nuts.
Explore More Delicious Vegan Treats!
If you enjoyed this Vegan Olive Oil Cake, you might also love our Sugar-Free Brownie Recipe. It’s a delightful dessert that’s both indulgent and health-conscious.