Sunshine on a Plate: Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake Recipe

This Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake is a celebration of simple, vibrant flavors. It’s a cake that evokes memories of sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes, with the bright citrus notes of orange dancing alongside the subtle earthiness of olive oil and the rustic charm of cornmeal. It’s a versatile cake, perfect for a casual brunch, an afternoon tea, or even a light dessert. What sets this cake apart is its moist, tender crumb, achieved through the combination of olive oil and the slightly coarse texture of cornmeal. The orange zest and juice infuse every bite with a burst of freshness, making it a truly delightful treat. This recipe is easy to follow and requires ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s embark on this baking journey and create a cake that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

## Why This Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake is Special

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this particular combination of ingredients works so beautifully:

* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil adds a depth of flavor that butter simply can’t replicate. It contributes to the cake’s moistness and provides a subtle fruity note that complements the orange perfectly. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results, but avoid anything too intensely flavored. A mild to medium-bodied olive oil is ideal.
* **Orange:** The orange zest and juice are the stars of the show, providing a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that awakens the senses. The zest contributes essential oils that add a concentrated orange flavor, while the juice provides moisture and a tangy sweetness.
* **Cornmeal:** Cornmeal adds a slightly grainy texture and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the cake beyond the ordinary. It also contributes to the cake’s rustic appearance. You can use fine or medium-ground cornmeal for this recipe. Avoid using coarse cornmeal, as it may make the cake too gritty.
* **The Absence of Butter:** Unlike many traditional cakes, this recipe relies solely on olive oil for its richness and moisture. This makes it a lighter and healthier alternative to butter-based cakes.
* **Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:** This cake proves that you don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to create something truly special. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to bake this delicious Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake:

* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup (120g) yellow cornmeal (fine or medium ground)
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (240ml) good quality extra virgin olive oil
* 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges)
* Zest of 2 oranges
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **Optional Glaze:**
* ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

## Equipment Needed

* 9-inch round cake pan or Bundt pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Whisk
* Spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Zester
* Juicer
* Cooling rack

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own stunning Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake:

**1. Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center.
* Grease your 9-inch round cake pan or Bundt pan thoroughly with olive oil or cooking spray. You can also dust it with flour or cornmeal to prevent the cake from sticking. This is crucial, especially if you’re using a Bundt pan with intricate designs.

**2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the baking powder and baking soda will work properly to create a light and airy cake.

**3. Whisk Together Wet Ingredients**
* In a separate bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the olive oil and sugar until well combined. The mixture will be pale yellow and homogenous. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then whisk in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.

**4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. The batter should be smooth with no large lumps.

**5. Bake the Cake:**

* Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
* Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of pan you’re using. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.

**6. Cool the Cake:**

* Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and allows it to cool evenly.

**7. Prepare the Optional Glaze (While the Cake Cools):**

* While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.

**8. Glaze the Cake (Optional):**

* Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can also pour the glaze over the entire cake if you prefer a more generous coating. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

**9. Slice and Serve:**

* Slice the Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake and serve. This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of fresh fruit.

## Tips for Baking the Perfect Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature eggs allows them to emulsify more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Use a Light-Colored Cake Pan:** Dark-colored cake pans tend to absorb more heat, which can cause the cake to bake unevenly and potentially burn around the edges. Use a light-colored cake pan for even baking.
* **Check for Doneness:** The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
* **Cool Completely Before Glazing:** Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing. If the cake is still warm, the glaze will melt and become runny.
* **Use Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice:** Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best flavor. Avoid using bottled orange juice, as it can contain added sugars and preservatives.
* **Zest Carefully:** When zesting the oranges, be careful to avoid the white pith, which is bitter. Only zest the outer layer of the orange peel.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. Similarly, if you like a sweeter cake, you can add a little more sugar.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment!** You can add other spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a warmer flavour.

## Variations and Additions

This Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking with these variations and additions:

* **Lemon Olive Oil Cake:** Substitute lemon zest and juice for the orange zest and juice for a bright and zesty lemon cake.
* **Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake:** Use grapefruit zest and juice for a slightly more tart and complex flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Add Dried Fruit:** Add ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the batter for a chewy and fruity twist.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a touch of chocolatey goodness. White chocolate chips would pair particularly well with the orange flavor.
* **Rosemary Infusion:** Infuse the olive oil with fresh rosemary by gently heating it with a sprig of rosemary for a few minutes. Remove the rosemary before using the olive oil in the recipe. This will add a subtle herbal note to the cake.
* **Add Poppy Seeds:** Add 2-3 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients for a slightly nutty flavor and a visually appealing texture.

## Serving Suggestions

This Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways:

* **As a Brunch Treat:** Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
* **With Afternoon Tea:** It’s a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.
* **As a Light Dessert:** Enjoy it after a light meal or as a sweet treat any time of day.
* **With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:** Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.
* **With Fresh Fruit:** Serve it with a side of fresh berries, sliced peaches, or other seasonal fruits.
* **Dusted with Powdered Sugar:** For a simple and elegant presentation, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

## Storing Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it is completely cooled before storing it.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, the cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
* **Freezer:** The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 350-400 per slice
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 3-4g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 4-5g

## Conclusion

This Olive Oil, Orange, and Cornmeal Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of olive oil, orange, and cornmeal creates a unique flavor and texture that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine on a plate!

Enjoy the process of baking and savor every bite of this delicious cake! Don’t hesitate to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy baking!