Moist and Tender Vegan Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Olive oil cake is known for its subtle richness, delicate crumb, and natural flavor that shines through with every bite. 

This vegan version is moist, tender, and completely dairy-free, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. 

Made with plant-based ingredients and a straightforward one-bowl method, this olive oil cake is easy to prepare and keeps beautifully for days. 

Its golden color and soft texture make it a delightful alternative to heavier desserts.

Why This Vegan Olive Oil Cake Works So Well

This cake is celebrated for its simplicity and balance of flavors, with the olive oil lending both moisture and a subtle depth.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Naturally moist and tender without eggs or dairy
• Subtle, fruity olive oil flavor that pairs with citrus or spices
• Uses simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal effort
• Stays soft and fresh for days, making it great for baking in advance
• Perfect with powdered sugar, glaze, or fresh fruit

With a light citrusy note and the smooth, fruity taste of olive oil, this cake feels elegant yet approachable. It’s ideal for brunches, afternoon tea, or a simple, wholesome dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Olive Oil Cake

This recipe highlights good-quality olive oil and plant-based staples for the perfect texture and flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil (choose a mild, fruity variety)
• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange or lemon zest

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries or sliced citrus
• Simple glaze made from powdered sugar and citrus juice

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Vegan Olive Oil Cake

Making this olive oil cake is simple and requires no special equipment. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
   
2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
   
3. Combine wet ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, plant milk, orange juice, vinegar, vanilla extract, and citrus zest until smooth.
   
4. Make the batter
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
   
5. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   
6. Cool
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding toppings.

Simple Serving Ideas for Olive Oil Cake

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can make it extra special with these serving ideas:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish
• Drizzle with a citrus glaze made from lemon or orange juice and powdered sugar
• Top with fresh berries, figs, or sliced oranges
• Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vegan yogurt
• Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat

Easy Changes To Make This Cake Unique

This versatile cake can be customized with your favorite flavors and ingredients:

• Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a delicate nutty note
• Stir in ½ cup of chopped pistachios or almonds for texture
• Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for a citrus-poppy variation
• Use blood orange juice and zest for a bold color and flavor
• Top with a thin layer of vegan cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert

How to Store Vegan Olive Oil Cake

Olive oil cake keeps wonderfully moist, making it ideal for baking ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This moist and tender vegan olive oil cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. 

With its light citrus notes, soft crumb, and subtle richness, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. 

Serve it plain for an everyday treat or dress it up with fresh fruit and glaze for something truly special.

Moist and Tender Vegan Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Recipe by Jess Miller

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar

• ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil (choose a mild, fruity variety)

• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or lemon juice)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon orange or lemon zest

• Powdered sugar

• Fresh berries or sliced citrus

• Simple glaze made from powdered sugar and citrus juice

Directions

• Preheat the oven
• Mix dry ingredients
• Combine wet ingredients
• Make the batter
• Bake
• Cool