Olive Oil Cake

My grandmother (Oma) was an amazing cook. Everything this woman prepared, was delicious. She cooked with all her heart and fed anyone that came through her door.  Oma didn’t own a single cook book, instead, she cherished a few handwritten recipes from her mother. She prepared simple dishes with simple ingredients. We never had a fancy meal. Roasted chicken, oven potatoes and carrots was our Sunday meal. Occasionally, we had apple strudel or plum cake for dessert. Frosting was reserved for birthday cakes, and she never sweetened whipping cream.

My grandmother’s grocery shopping looked very different than what’s in the typical grocery cart today.  Once a month, Oma and Opa did their “big” shopping. Their cart was filled with sugar, flour, olive oil, lettuce, apples, dry beans, fresh carrots, potatoes, milk, eggs,  fresh bread and fresh meats.  Today’s grocery shelves are packed with all kinds of boxes and bags, pouches and cans.  I’m not judging here, just noticing the changes.

This olive oil cake reminds me of the simple cakes my grandma used to bake. It’s quick and easy to make, without any “fancy” ingredients. The cake is so moist and delicious and tastes even better the second or third day. I love it with a cup of coffee. Never say no to cake for breakfast, right?!

You could frost it or add things like chocolate chips, blueberries, nuts, etc., but to me,  this cake is pretty in its own simple way.

Olive Oil Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups sugar

3 eggs

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3/4 cup whole milk

2 tsp grated orange zest

Juice of one orange (about 1/4 cup)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-inch springform pan (or a regular 9-inch bake pan) with a thin layer of olive oil. Line  the bottom with parchment paper.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

In a separate bowl mix sugar and eggs until creamy, about 3 minutes.

Add olive oil, milk, orange zest, and juice.

Fold in flour mixture.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until the top of the cake is golden brown and a knife inserted into center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes.