Best Olive Oil Cake Recipes

LEMON-ROSEMARY OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH BLACKBERRY-RASPBERRY ICE CREAM AND A BLACK SEA SALT SUGAR COOKIE

Steps:

• For the blackberry-raspberry ice cream: Place the cream, milk, sugar and salt in a saucepan and bring to a low simmer.
• Whisk the eggs in a bowl. When cream mixture reaches 130 degrees F on a thermometer, quickly whisk in the eggs. Cook, stirring constantly, until the thermometer registers 170 degrees F. Remove from the heat and pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve.
• Whisk the blackberry puree into the custard, then cool over an ice bath. Transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Meanwhile, combine the raspberry puree and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by one-third. Let cool.
• When the ice cream is done churning, transfer it to a rectangular container. Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry mixture on top of the ice cream and swirl in with a butter knife. Freeze.
• For the lemon-rosemary olive oil cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan (or 8 individual springform pans) with vegetable spray.
• Combine the sugar and eggs in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment; mix just to combine. With the mixer on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, making sure the oil is well incorporated and emulsified.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl.
• In a second bowl or a measuring cup, combine the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest and rosemary.
• Add the flour to the stand mixer in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture (2 additions). Begin and end with the flour, and be sure to whisk well after each addition--the batter will be runny. Pour the batter in the prepared springform pan.
• Bake until the cake is a deep golden brown and bounces back when lightly pressed, 45 to 55 minutes (20 to 25 minutes for individual pans).
• Cool to room temperature on a rack, then remove the cake from the pan.
• For the lemon-rosemary glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and rosemary until a glaze consistency similar to heavy cream is achieved. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
• For the candied lemon peel: Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat.
• Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from the lemons; slice thinly.
• Blanch the lemon zest twice in boiling water, changing the water in between. After the second blanching, strain and add the lemon zest to the simple syrup.
• Bring the simple syrup to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the lemon zest sit in the simple syrup until translucent and cooled.
• For the black salt sugar cookies: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg and mix until combined. Add the salt and flour and mix until a dough forms.
• Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness, then cut out cookies using a raindrop-shaped cutter.
• Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with black sea salt and blue sanding sugar.
• Bake in a 350-degree oven until golden brown at the edges, 12 to 14 minutes.
• For the raspberry coulis: Combine the raspberry puree and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by one-quarter. Let cool.
• For the passion fruit coulis: Combine the passion fruit puree and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced by one-quarter. Let cool.
• To finish: Glaze the cake with the lemon-rosemary glaze and top with the candied lemon peel.
• Serve with the two coulis and the ice cream and cookies on the side.

LEMON-OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 9-inch springform pan with oil and line bottom with a parchment round; brush parchment.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest to thoroughly combine. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites over medium-low until foamy. Increase speed to medium-high; slowly add 1/3 cup granulated sugar, beating just until whites hold soft peaks, 3 to 4 minutes. In another large bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar on medium-high speed until thick, pale, and tripled in volume, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly beat in oil, then lemon juice to combine (mixture may appear curdled). Stir in flour mixture just to combine. Gently stir one-third of egg-white mixture into yolk mixture to lighten. Then gently fold in remaining egg-white mixture until no streaks of white remain (do not overmix). Transfer batter to prepared pan; gently smooth top with a spatula.
• Bake until cake is golden brown on top and springs back when lightly pressed, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool 15 minutes. Run a knife between sides of cake and pan to loosen. Remove sides of pan; let cool completely.
• Berries and Cream: Meanwhile, stir together berries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let stand at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. In another bowl, whisk cream until thick and silky but not holding peaks. Add mascarpone and remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Whisk just until soft peaks form.
• Dust top of cake generously with confectioners' sugar. Serve with macerated berries and whipped mascarpone cream. Cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.

OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 10-in. fluted tube pan. In a large bowl, beat eggs on high speed 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually beat in oil. Beat in ground almonds, milk, orange zest and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; fold into egg mixture. Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Cool in pan 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. For icing, in a small bowl, whisk confectioners' sugar and enough orange juice to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cake. If desired, sprinkle with almonds.

ALMOND CITRUS OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil an 8-inch-diameter cake pan. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, eggs, and zests in a large bowl until pale and fluffy. Beat in the milk. Gradually beat in the oil. Add the flour mixture and stir just until blended. Stir in the almonds. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Place cake pan on baking pan to collect any possible spills. Bake until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 35 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool for 15 minutes. Remove cake and place on serving platter, top side up. Sift powdered sugar over the cake.
• To make the citrus compote: Stir the orange peel, blossom water, and 2 tablespoons of accumulated juices from the segmented fruit in a small bowl to blend. Arrange the orange and grapefruit segments decoratively in a wide shallow bowl. Pour the blossom water mixture over. Cover and let stand 15 minutes for the flavors to blend.
• Cut the cake into wedges and spoon the citrus compote alongside.

ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
• Mix together the sugar and eggs in a medium bowl with a hand mixer on medium speed until blended and light. Drizzle in the olive oil and vanilla and mix until light and smooth. Add the orange juice and zest and mix well. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in another medium bowl. Add the flour mixture half at a time to the wet ingredients and mix on low just to incorporate. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the cake cool 15 minutes, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.

BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE OIL UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a round loose-bottomed 9-inch (23-centimeter) cake pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and water to make a thick paste. Spread this thinly and evenly onto the base of the cake pan and set aside.
• Zest 1 orange and add this to a large bowl with the superfine sugar. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until the zest is evenly distributed. Set aside.
• Slice both oranges as thinly as you can with the skin on and arrange the slices on top of the brown sugar base in the cake pan. You can cut some of the slices in half to create a different pattern and to fill in all the gaps.
• Add the yogurt to the bowl with the superfine sugar and whisk briefly to combine. Whisk in the eggs and olive oil. Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt until smooth. Gently pour the batter on top of the orange slices, being careful not to disturb the oranges underneath.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sponge is firm to the touch and golden brown. Leave the cake in its pan to cool completely before attempting to turn it upside down. Serve with creme fraiche.

LEMON OLIVE-OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Grease springform pan with some oil, then line bottom with a round of parchment paper. Oil parchment.
• Finely grate enough lemon zest to measure 1 1/2 teaspoons and whisk together with flour. Halve lemon, then squeeze and reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
• Beat together yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until thick and pale, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add olive oil (3/4 cup) and reserved lemon juice, beating until just combined (mixture may appear separated). Using a wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture (do not beat) until just combined.
• Beat egg whites (from 4 eggs) with 1/2 teaspoon salt in another large bowl with cleaned beaters at medium-high speed until foamy, then add 1/4 cup sugar a little at a time, beating, and continue to beat until egg whites just hold soft peaks, about 3 minutes.
• Gently fold one third of whites into yolk mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
• Transfer batter to springform pan and gently rap against work surface once or twice to release any air bubbles. Sprinkle top evenly with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar. Bake until puffed and golden and a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center of cake comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool cake in pan on a rack 10 minutes, then run a thin knife around edge of pan and remove side of pan. Cool cake to room temperature, about 1 1/4 hours. Remove bottom of pan and peel off parchment, then transfer cake to a serving plate.

BLOOD ORANGE CHOCOLATE OLIVE OIL CAKE RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Zest all 5 blood oranges and divide between 3 separate small bowls: 2 bowls should contain the zest of 1 orange each, and 1 bowl should contain the zest of 3 oranges. Set aside the 2 bowls with less zest for later use.
• Add the olive oil to the bowl with the zest of 3 oranges. Set aside for 30-60 minutes to infuse.
• Juice 3 of the oranges and set aside 3 tablespoons of juice for the glaze. Reserve the remaining orange juice in a liquid measuring cup. You should have about ½ cup. (120 ML)
• Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚F).
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the sugar, blood orange olive oil (with the zest), ½ cup (120 ml) of the blood orange juice, water, and white vinegar. Whisk until the batter is smooth with no lumps.
• Lightly grease the bottom and sides of an 8-9-inch (20-22 cm) round cake pan with olive oil, and place a parchment round in the bottom of the pan. (To make the parchment round, tear off an 18 x 13-inch (45x33 cm) piece of parchment paper. With a long edge closest to you, fold down the top right corner to meet the bottom edge. Press down on the long side of the triangle to flatten, then turn so that side is facing you and fold in half, bringing the points together. Turn again so the long side of the new triangle is on top and fold in half twice more. Flip the cake pan upside down and hold the pointy end of the triangle at the center of the pan. Trim the excess parchment that extends past the edge of the pan. Flip the pan, unfold the triangle, and place the parchment round in the bottom).
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
• While the cake bakes, prepare the toppings: Cut the top and the bottoms off the 2 remaining zested oranges. Using a paring knife, carefully remove the skin and pith from the oranges until you are left with just the flesh. Turn each orange on its side and cut into ¼-inch (6 mm) wide rounds. Place the rounds between 2 paper towels to blot some of the excess juice. This will allow them to stick to the glaze more effectively.
• Make the glaze: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Add the reserved zest of 1 orange, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of blood orange juice. Whisk into a glaze. It should be thick, but spreadable.
• Remove the cake from the oven. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet to cool completely.
• Once the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Decorate the top with the orange slices, pistachios, and remaining orange zest.
• Enjoy!

ROSEMARY, OLIVE OIL AND ORANGE CAKE

Steps:

• At least 6 hours before you plan to ice the cake, prepare the crystallized rosemary: Brush rosemary on all sides with a little of the egg white and then dip it in the sugar, so the needles are lightly coated on all sides. Set aside on a wire rack to dry. Repeat with remaining rosemary.
• Make the cake: Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit/160 degrees Celsius. Generously grease a 9-inch/23-centimeter Bundt pan with half the butter and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Butter again, generously, and then flour it, tapping away the excess.
• Put olive oil, superfine sugar, orange zest and chopped rosemary leaves in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed until combined, then add eggs, one at a time. Whisk for another minute, until thick, then add sour cream and mix until combined on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and the whisk.
• Sift flour, baking powder and salt together into a small bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the olive oil mixture and mix until combined. Increase speed to high and whisk for 1 minute.
• Scrape batter into the Bundt pan and smooth the top with a small spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until cake is cooked and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. (You may want to trim the cake at this stage, if it rises unevenly, to allow it to sit flat on the plate.)
• Prepare the icing: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice and confectioners' sugar until smooth. When the cake has cooled, drizzle icing on top, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake, then top with the crystallized rosemary and serve.

OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan using extra-virgin olive oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. Oil the parchment and flour the pan, shaking out any excess flour.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer set on high, beat the sugar, eggs and lemon zest until very thick and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer still running, slowly drizzle in the oil and beat until incorporated, another 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low, and add milk and lemon juice. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smooth the top using an offset spatula and sprinkle the top with about 2 tablespoons sugar.
• Bake the cake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool for 20 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to release the sides of the cake from the pan. Invert the cake onto a plate and then flip it back over onto the rack to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Grate zest from 2 oranges and place in a bowl with sugar. Using your fingers, rub ingredients together until orange zest is evenly distributed in sugar.
• Supreme an orange: Cut off bottom and top so fruit is exposed and orange can stand upright on a cutting board. Cut away peel and pith, following curve of fruit with your knife. Cut orange segments out of their connective membranes and let them fall into a bowl. Repeat with another orange. Break up segments with your fingers to about 1/4-inch pieces.
• Halve remaining orange and squeeze juice into a measuring cup. You will have about 1/4 cup or so. Add buttermilk or yogurt to juice until you have 2/3 cup liquid altogether. Pour mixture into bowl with sugar and whisk well. Whisk in eggs.
• In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gently whisk dry ingredients into wet ones. Switch to a spatula and fold in olive oil a little at a time. Fold in pieces of orange segments. Scrape batter into pan and smooth top.
• Bake cake for about 55 minutes, or until it is golden and a knife inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then unmold and cool to room temperature right-side up. Serve with whipped cream and honey-blood orange compote, if desired.

LEMON OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Coat the parchment with cooking spray.
• Thinly slice 2 lemons and remove the seeds; set aside for topping. Grate the zest of 2 lemons. Squeeze enough of the lemons to measure 1/2 cup juice.
• Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Beat 1 cup granulated sugar, the olive oil, eggs, lemon zest, 1/4 cup lemon juice and the vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until combined and creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk. Increase the mixer speed to medium high and beat until combined, about 1 minute.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool 40 minutes in the pan, then remove to the rack to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the topping: Put the lemon slices in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then drain. Return the lemon slices to the saucepan and repeat the boiling process two more times. Return the lemon slices to the saucepan and add 1 cup water, the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so the liquid gently simmers; cook until the liquid is syrupy and the lemon slices are tender and translucent, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Make the glaze: Combine the confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a bowl until smooth, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice if the glaze is too thick. Spoon the glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Remove the candied lemon slices from the syrup, letting the excess drip back into the saucepan. Arrange on top of the cake.

SPICED ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil and flour a loaf pan.
• Beat eggs in a bowl until lightened in color. Add sugar, olive oil, orange zest, and five-spice powder and beat until smooth. Fold flour, baking powder, and salt into egg mixture until batter is just mixed. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove cake from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

SPICED OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH ORANGE GLAZE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the dry cake ingredients, including ground spices. In another bowl, whisk the oil, milk, eggs, rum, orange zest and juice until smooth.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. To prevent clumps, stir together starting from the center of the bowl, gradually drawing in the dry ingredients. Mix just until smooth. The batter will be thick. Pour into the prepared loaf pan.
• Bake in the center of the oven for 1 hour, rotating after 30 minutes. When done, the cake will be just firm and dry on top and a tester inserted into the center will come out clean.
• Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a measuring cup with a pouring spout, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons orange juice until smooth. The texture should be runny; add more orange juice if needed.
• Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn out. While it is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top, making messy, Jackson Pollock-style zigzags by moving the cup back and forth over the cake. Let cool completely to set.

FLOURLESS OLIVE OIL CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Coat bottom of a 9-in. springform pan with cooking spray. Top with a sheet of parchment paper; secure springform ring on top and lock in place., In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over simmering water, stir chocolate and oil until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and espresso powder. Set aside. , Beat eggs and 1/2 cup sugar on high speed until eggs are pale; set aside. Beat remaining 1/2 cup sugar into chocolate mixture. Add egg mixture and beat until combined (batter will be thick). Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake until puffed and set, 25-30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners' sugar; serve with toppings as desired

CHOCOLATE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Grease your springform pan with a little oil and line the base with parchment paper.
• Measure and sift the cocoa powder into a bowl or pitcher and whisk in the boiling water until you have a smooth, chocolatey, still runny (but only just) paste. Whisk in the vanilla extract, then set aside to cool a little.
• In another smallish bowl, combine the almond meal (or all-purpose flour) with the baking soda and pinch of salt.
• Put the sugar, olive oil, and eggs into the bowl of a freestanding mixer with the paddle attachment (or other bowl and whisk arrangement of your choice) and beat together vigorously for about 3 minutes, until you have a pale-primrose, aerated, and thickened cream.
• Turn the speed down a little and pour in the cocoa mixture, beating as you go, and when all is scraped in, you can slowly tip in the almond meal (or all-purpose flour) mixture.
• Scrape down, and stir a little with a spatula, then pour this dark, liquid batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the sides are set and the very center, on top, still looks slightly damp. A cake tester should come up mainly clean but with a few sticky chocolate crumbs clinging to it.
• Let it cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack, still in its pan, and then ease the sides of the cake with a small metal spatula and spring it out of the pan. Leave to cool completely or eat while still warm with some ice cream, as a dessert.

LEMON-RHUBARB OLIVE-OIL BUNDT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a 10‐to‐15‐cup Bundt pan with oil; generously sprinkle with sanding sugar to fully coat (do not tap out excess).
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together oil, egg yolks, 1 cup granulated sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest and juice. In a third bowl, beat egg whites on low until foamy.
• Increase speed to medium‐high and gradually add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stir oil mixture into flour mixture just to combine. Stir one‐third of egg‐white mixture into batter, then gently fold in remaining egg‐white mixture just until no streaks remain (do not overmix).
• Toss rhubarb with remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar to evenly coat. Fold rhubarb mixture into batter, then transfer to pan; smooth top with a spatula. Bake until cake is golden brown on top and a wooden skewer inserted into center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes (if top is browning too quickly, tent with foil).
• Let cool in pan on a wire rack 20 minutes, then invert onto a plate or stand and let cool completely before slicing and serving. Cake is best served the day it's baked, but can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.

OLIVE OIL ORANGE CORNMEAL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Grease the bottom and sides of an 8-inch round cake pan; line with parchment paper. Grease top of paper.
• Beat 1 cup sugar, eggs, olive oil, and orange juice together in a large bowl until smooth; add flour, cornmeal, orange zest, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to lightly mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining sugar over the top of the batter.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes. Cool cake in the pan for 20 minutes. Run a knife along the inside edge of the pan to loosen cake. Invert pan onto a plate to remove cake from pan. Use plate to again invert the cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

ZUCCHINI OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH MANDARIN ORANGE GLAZE AND WALNUT OLIVE BRITTLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a Bundt cake pan using cooking spray, and then dust with flour to coat it completely, tapping out any excess flour.
• Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg into a medium bowl and set aside.
• In an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the eggs, sugar and olive oil on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Then beat in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, and then mix for 30 seconds. Turn the mixer to low and beat in the zucchini and walnuts until they are completely incorporated.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a tester inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake has begun to pull away from the sides of the pan.
• Serve with the Mandarin Orange Glaze and Walnut Olive Brittle.
• In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the sugar and 4 tablespoons water. When the water has evaporated, the sugar will begin to caramelize. When it reaches a medium golden brown, add the mandarin orange juice. Next, whisk in the butter and heavy cream. To finish the sauce, add the mandarin orange segments.
• Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or with an oiled sheet of foil.
• Heat the sugar and 1/4 cup water in a deep, heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir slowly with a fork until melted and pale golden in color. Gently swirl the pan and stir in the walnuts and black olives. Then immediately pour the caramel onto the prepared baking sheet, tilting the sheet to spread the caramel as thin as possible. Cool the brittle completely at room temperature. Break into small pieces with a spoon.

UPSIDE-DOWN BLOOD ORANGE AND ROSEMARY OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Combine the brown sugar, butter, rosemary and the finely grated zest of 1 blood orange (about 1 teaspoon) in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted, the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a full boil, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to spread evenly (it's OK if the caramel looks grainy).
• Finely grate the zest of 1 blood orange into a large bowl and set aside. Cut the ends off 3 of the blood oranges, then remove the skin in strips working to expose the flesh all the way around the fruit. Slice the oranges into 1/8-inch-thick rounds and remove any seeds. Arrange the slices over the brown sugar in the pan, overlapping them slightly as needed so that no sugar can be seen. Set aside.
• Add 1 cup of the granulated sugar and the olive oil to the bowl with the orange zest and whisk to combine. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until lightened, about 4 minutes. Add the flour, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix until just combined, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk and continue whisking until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure everything is incorporated.
• Carefully pour the batter over the orange slices in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly, about 30 minutes. Run a small knife or offset spatula around the edge of the cake to loosen. Invert a large plate or serving platter on top of the pan and flip to unmold. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment. Juice half of the remaining orange (save the other half for another use). Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons of the blood orange juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to a small saucepan and stir with a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns rust colored around the edges, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and fold in the pistachios until well coated and shiny. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet, breaking up any large clumps with a wooden spoon and allow to dry completely, about 15 minutes.
• Chop or crush the candied pistachios with a heavy glass to break up any larger pieces. Sprinkle the pistachios around the rim of the cake before serving.