As beautiful as it is mouthwatering, this orange olive oil cake is perfect for celebrating the holidays and special occasions throughout the year! The signature olive oil makes the cake light and moist – and the apples, seasoned with brown sugar and cinnamon, add deliciously warm flavor and texture. Plus, arranging the apples slices is a fun, creative moment. The result is a true showstopper for the holiday table!

Prep Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 55 mins Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Olive Oil Cake

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Spiced Apple Topping

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 large apple (e.g., Honeycrisp), sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

Instructions

To make the Olive Oil Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and zest until thick and pale (about 1 minute).
4. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, then the orange juice, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
5. Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
6. Pour into the prepared cake pan.
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the center sets and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack.

To make the Spiced Apple Topping

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized.
4. In the last minute of cooking, add the orange juice to help deglaze the pan and for brightness.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

To Decorate the Cake

Arrange the warm spiced apple slices in a spiral pattern in the center of the cake, overlapping slightly, like flower petals. Let the rim of the cake peek through the edges for contrast.

Recipe Courtesy of Have A Plant.