Olive Oil & Rosemary Lemon Cake Recipe
(Small, elegant, and deeply aromatic.)
The perfect companion for a quiet afternoon tea.
Ingredients.
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 150ml extra virgin olive oil (high quality)
- 100ml whole milk
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, very finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
How to Make This.
- Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the olive oil, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the finely chopped rosemary. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: Whisk 100g powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Tips.
- Oil Quality: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Its flavor will be subtle but present, so choose one you enjoy the taste of.
- Rosemary Prep: Make sure the rosemary is chopped very finely so you get the aroma without large, woody bits in your cake.
- Don’t Over-mix: Mix until the flour just disappears to keep the cake light and tender.
Why Make This?
Olive oil cakes are a revelation for those used to butter-based sponges. They are more moist, have a unique fruity depth, and actually improve after a day or two. The rosemary adds a “grown-up” twist that makes this cake feel like it came from a high-end bakery.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS.
- Serve a slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea or a crisp glass of white wine.
- Garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of lemon.
- Excellent as a light dessert after a Mediterranean-style meal.
More Baking Recipes.
You May Also Like.
Bold, vibrant, and full of warmth, the Thai Red Curry with Sweet Potato Recipe is a plant-based dinner that genuinely excites. Perfect for any night of the week.
A well-organized kitchen makes the whole cooking process more joyful. Our Kitchen Organization guide will help you build a space that works as beautifully as it looks.
Cooking is an act of love, and our Poetcore Kitchen & Romantic Living guide is here to help you lean into that fully, with beauty and intention at every turn.
“You could check out The Spruce for unique kitchen styles.“