The Ultimate Moist Gluten-Free Orange Olive Oil Cake with Zesty Glaze (Vegan Option!)
Prepare to discover the most exceptional gluten-free olive oil cake recipe you’ve ever encountered! This delightful creation, crowned with a vibrant orange glaze, boasts an unbeatable combination of zesty orange flavor and a wonderfully soft, tender crumb that simply melts in your mouth. What makes it even better? With just a few simple ingredient swaps, you can easily transform this recipe into a delicious vegan gluten-free olive oil cake, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of pure joy.
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If you’re enchanted by the flavors and textures of this cake, you’ll also adore my Gluten-Free Blondies with White Chocolate, my bright and fruity Passionfruit Tart with Almond Crust, and for a refreshing twist, my Stone Fruit Salad with Goat Cheese and Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette!
Why This is The Best Gluten-Free Olive Oil Cake Recipe
This gluten-free olive oil cake, enhanced by a vibrant orange glaze, truly stands out from other gluten-free desserts. Its unparalleled moist texture is what first captivates, ensuring that every single bite delivers a soft, tender crumb that virtually melts in your mouth. The secret lies in the quality extra-virgin olive oil, which imparts a rich depth and an incredibly delicate texture, making the cake unbelievably moist and preventing the dryness often associated with gluten-free baking.
The fresh orange glaze, made with real orange juice and zest, is the perfect counterpart, adding a delightful tangy sweetness that brightens the cake’s rich base. The citrus notes complement the subtle peppery or fruity undertones of the olive oil, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is neither too sweet nor too heavy. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a gourmet experience that caters to everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, making it an instant favorite for any gathering or a simple indulgence. Its sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile and flawless texture make it the best gluten-free olive oil cake you’ll ever bake!
The Magic of Olive Oil in Baking: What it Does for Your Cake
Incorporating olive oil into your cake batter is a game-changer, especially for gluten-free recipes. Unlike butter, olive oil remains liquid at room temperature, contributing to an incredibly moist and tender crumb that stays fresh longer. It’s the key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture in this gluten-free olive oil cake.
Beyond moisture, olive oil imparts a subtle, complex flavor that can range from fruity and grassy to slightly peppery, depending on the type and quality of oil you choose. This nuanced flavor profile elevates the cake, adding a sophisticated dimension that butter often can’t replicate. Furthermore, olive oil is celebrated as a healthier fat option, packed with monounsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants, making your dessert not only delicious but also a bit more wholesome.
For those who appreciate the distinctive qualities of olive oil in baking, I highly recommend exploring my Rosemary Olive Oil Cake for an herbaceous twist, and my rich Chocolate Olive Oil Cake, a perfect indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts!
Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Orange Olive Oil Cake
Crafting this extraordinary gluten-free olive oil cake requires a careful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving its perfect texture and vibrant flavor. While the full ingredient list with precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Granulated Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness; sugar also contributes significantly to the cake’s moisture content and helps create that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Orange Zest: The finely grated outer peel of an orange is where most of its aromatic oils reside. Pressing it into the sugar before mixing releases these oils, infusing the cake with an intense, bright orange flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For this specific recipe, I’ve chosen a commercial 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend over single flours like almond flour. This ensures a consistent, fluffy, and tender texture, mimicking traditional wheat-based cakes. It’s crucial to measure your gluten-free flour by weight using a kitchen scale to avoid adding too much, which can lead to a dry, dense cake.
- Baking Powder: While the original recipe mentions baking soda, baking powder is often preferred in gluten-free baking for its reliable leavening action, helping the cake achieve a beautiful lift and airy texture. (Note: The provided recipe card specifies baking powder, so I’ll follow that. If the intent was soda, it needs clarification.)
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential. It doesn’t just add flavor; it balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in this gluten-free olive oil cake, making them pop.
- Eggs: Large, room-temperature eggs are vital for binding the ingredients, adding richness, and providing structure. If your eggs are cold, a quick trick is to submerge them in a bowl of lukewarm water for 15 minutes. For a vegan gluten-free olive oil cake, consider Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer or homemade flax eggs.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This is the star ingredient! The quality of your olive oil significantly impacts the cake’s flavor. I personally love this Italian olive oil, but feel free to use any good quality extra-virgin olive oil you genuinely enjoy. Since its flavor will be prominent, choose the best olive oil you can find for an truly exceptional result in your gluten-free olive oil cake.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake. You can easily substitute this with your favorite plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat, soy) to make a delicious vegan gluten-free olive oil cake.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For the most authentic and robust flavor, I highly recommend using pure vanilla extract. You can even make your own! Always double-check labels to ensure it’s gluten-free.
- Orange Extract: This optional ingredient provides an extra boost of intense orange flavor. If you don’t have it, simply increase the amount of orange zest for a similar effect. As with all ingredients, confirm it’s gluten-free. For more citrus-infused delights, explore my collection of recipes with lemon curd!
Once the cake is baked and cooling, we’ll whip up a super easy and incredibly flavorful orange glaze to finish it off!
- Powdered Sugar: The base of our glaze, powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) provides sweetness and the necessary structure for a smooth, pourable consistency. Sifting it is key to avoiding lumps.
- Fresh Orange Juice: This is what gives the glaze its amazing, bright, and tangy fresh orange flavor. Using freshly squeezed juice will yield the best taste and aroma.
- Orange Zest: A little extra orange zest in the glaze further brightens the citrus notes, adding depth and visual appeal.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract complements the orange beautifully, adding a layer of warmth to the glaze.
- Pinch of Salt: Just like in the cake batter, a tiny bit of salt in the glaze helps to enhance and balance the overall flavor.
See the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Baking
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience and the final outcome of your orange gluten-free olive oil cake. I highly recommend using an 8-inch round cake pan for this recipe. My personal favorite is the Wilton 8-inch round cake pan, which ensures even baking. To prevent sticking and guarantee an easy release, it’s a good idea to line the greased cake pan with parchment paper.
For mixing, you’ll need a sturdy whisk to combine dry ingredients and incorporate wet ones smoothly. A rubber spatula is indispensable for scraping down the sides of your large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated without overmixing.
Finally, a wire rack is crucial for cooling the cake properly. It allows air to circulate around all sides, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and helping the cake cool evenly before applying the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off cleanly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Cake
While the recipe card below provides detailed step-by-step instructions, complete with full ingredient measurements and a helpful recipe video, here’s an overview of the simple process to create this delicious gluten-free olive oil cake!
Step 1: Infuse the Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and fresh orange zest. Use your fingers or a spatula to thoroughly press the orange zest into the sugar. This crucial step releases the essential oils from the zest, deeply infusing the sugar with intense orange flavor.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. Add your measured 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt to the orange-infused sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are uniformly combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients (Part 1). Now it’s time for the wet ingredients. First, pour in the extra-virgin olive oil and mix it into the dry ingredients until just combined. Then, add the room-temperature eggs, one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until fully incorporated. This gradual addition helps emulsify the batter.
Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Liquids. Finally, mix in the whole milk (or your chosen plant-based milk) and the vanilla and orange extracts. Mix until the batter is smooth and just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten in gluten-free flours, leading to a tougher cake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared 8-inch round cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This usually takes about 35 minutes, but oven temperatures can vary.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve. Once the cake is completely cooled (this is important to prevent the glaze from melting), whisk together all the orange glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth. Spread the glorious orange glaze evenly over the top of the cooled cake, allowing it to drip attractively down the sides. Slice and enjoy your moist, flavorful gluten-free treat!
Hint: For the best moist texture, begin checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended bake time. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, even with olive oil!
How to Make a Delicious Vegan Gluten-Free Olive Oil Cake
If you’re looking to enjoy all the delights of this incredible gluten-free cake while adhering to a vegan diet, you’re in luck! Converting this recipe into a vegan gluten-free olive oil cake is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few simple substitutions that won’t compromise on flavor or texture.
First, ensure you use a **dairy-free milk** alternative. Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work wonderfully and contribute to the cake’s moist crumb without any dairy. Second, replace the regular eggs with a reliable **vegan egg replacer**. My top recommendations include Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer, which is convenient and effective, or you can easily make flax eggs at home (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes until gel-like, for each egg). Flax eggs add a slight nutty flavor and good binding properties.
Lastly, to ensure your cake is truly vegan-friendly, make sure to use organic granulated sugar. Conventional granulated sugar is sometimes processed with bone char, making it unsuitable for a strict vegan diet. By making these mindful swaps, you’ll achieve a vegan gluten-free olive oil cake that is just as moist, flavorful, and tender as the original, ready to impress all your guests!
Storage and Freezing Tips for Your Orange Olive Oil Cake
To keep your delicious orange gluten-free olive oil cake fresh and moist, proper storage is key. At room temperature, on the kitchen counter, this cake will stay wonderfully fresh for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and maintains its tender texture and vibrant flavor.
If you wish to enjoy your cake for a longer period, it freezes exceptionally well. For freezing, first ensure the cake is completely cooled and the glaze has set. Then, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Properly wrapped, this cake can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature, and it will taste as fresh as the day it was baked!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten-Free Olive Oil Cake
Absolutely, pure olive oil is naturally gluten-free and entirely safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Olive oil is derived from olives, which contain no gluten proteins. However, it’s always a good practice to check the label, especially if you’re purchasing flavored or blended oils, to ensure there has been no risk of cross-contamination during processing or added gluten-containing ingredients. But in its pure form, olive oil is a wonderful, safe ingredient for a gluten-free diet. Nutrition Disclaimer
Keeping gluten-free cakes moist is a common challenge, but easily overcome with the right techniques. Key strategies include using ingredients that add and retain moisture, such as oils (like olive oil!), yogurt, applesauce, or mashed bananas. Incorporating a blend of various gluten-free flours (like a 1-to-1 blend that often contains rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch) instead of a single gluten-free flour can also significantly improve texture and moisture. Adding a little extra liquid than you might in traditional baking can help. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter and, most importantly, avoid overbaking. Baking just until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs will ensure a tender, never-dry gluten-free cake.
Olive oil cake often presents a healthier alternative to many traditional cakes, primarily due to its fat content. Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to help lower bad cholesterol levels. It also contains beneficial antioxidants. In contrast, many traditional cakes rely heavily on butter, which is high in saturated fats. By choosing olive oil, you’re opting for a fat source that supports cardiovascular health and provides additional nutritional benefits, making it a more wholesome dessert choice. Nutrition Disclaimer
Absolutely! While orange provides a classic and delightful flavor, this gluten-free olive oil cake is wonderfully versatile. You can easily substitute the orange zest and juice with other citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit. Lemon would create a brighter, tarter cake, while grapefruit would offer a sophisticated bittersweet note. Just be sure to use fresh zest and juice from your chosen citrus for the best flavor impact.
Top Baking Tip for Gluten-Free Success
The single most important tip for consistent results in gluten-free baking is to measure your flour by weight, not volume. Don’t forget to use a kitchen scale instead of scooping flour with a measuring cup! This simple step guarantees accurate measurements and is the best way to prevent your cake from turning out dry or dense.
More Delicious Gluten-Free Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for other fantastic gluten-free recipes that are just as delightful and easy to make? Try these amazing options from my kitchen:
- Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peach Sorbet
- Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit
- Almond Lemon Cookies
If you try this exceptional recipe, I would absolutely love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! Your feedback is so wonderfully appreciated and helps me continue to share these delicious recipes. And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Gluten-Free Orange Olive Oil Cake with Zesty Glaze
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Equipment you may need
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8-inch round cake pan – for even baking and perfect shape.
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Whisk – for thoroughly combining dry ingredients.
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Parchment paper – to line the pan and prevent sticking.
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Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate liquid and small ingredient measurements.
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Mixing bowls – one large for the batter, one medium for the glaze.
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Cooling rack – for even cooling and glaze application.
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Food scale – essential for accurately measuring gluten-free flour by weight.
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Rubber spatula – for scraping bowls and ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (12 g) orange zest – from about 1 ½ oranges, for vibrant flavor
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar – for sweetness and moisture
- 1½ cups (222 g) 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend – measured by weight using a kitchen scale or with the spoon and level method for best results
- 1½ teaspoons (6 g) baking powder – for leavening and lift
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt – to enhance flavors
- ¾ cup (162 g) extra-virgin olive oil – plus more for brushing the cake after baking, choose a good quality oil
- 3 large eggs – at room temperature for better emulsion (or vegan egg replacer)
- ⅔ cup (158 ml) whole milk – or milk of your choice (dairy-free for vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon (2 ml) pure vanilla extract – for depth of flavor
- ½ teaspoon (2 ml) orange extract – optional, to boost orange flavor
For the Zesty Orange Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar – sifted, for a smooth glaze consistency
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice – or more as needed for desired consistency, freshly squeezed is best!
- 1 teaspoon orange zest – packed, to intensify orange flavor
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract – to round out the sweetness
- pinch salt – for flavor balance
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by spraying it thoroughly with baking spray and lining the bottom with a circle of parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange zest and granulated sugar. Using your fingertips, vigorously press and rub the zest into the sugar for a minute or two. This action releases the fragrant oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with intense orange flavor.1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons orange zest
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To the bowl, whisk in the 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.1½ cups 1-to-1 gluten-free flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt
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Now, gently incorporate the wet ingredients. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and mix until just combined. Then, add the room-temperature eggs (or vegan egg replacer) one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until fully incorporated. Follow with the milk and both pure vanilla extract and orange extract, mixing until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.3 large eggs, ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ⅔ cup whole milk, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon orange extract
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Scrape the cake batter into the prepared 8-inch pan. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack, remove the parchment paper, and gently brush the top with a little extra olive oil (this adds another layer of moisture and flavor). Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack before glazing.
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While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the vibrant glaze evenly over the top. Serve and enjoy!2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, pinch salt
Video
Notes
Storage and Freezing: This orange gluten-free olive oil cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping it wonderfully moist. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
