By Wendy Stoltz, Florina Dobre / Last Modified On August 28, 2023

This moist and tasty gluten-free olive oil cake is the perfect cake. The olive oil adds a wonderful dimension of flavor and makes the best airy and light texture. With pops of orange from the zest and orange glaze this refreshing cake is a must try with your cup of coffee or tea!

This cake can be served plain, or go ahead and add the extra trimmings of seasonal fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar or indulge with some whipped cream.

Who doesn't love a good cake? Here's my favorite cakes for you to try. A tender, flavorful gluten-free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, or buttercream frosting. An easy gluten-free vanilla cake recipe that is tender and better than any bakery-style gluten-free cake. This gluten-free lemon cake will be the perfect addition to any holiday celebration.

If you're not sure which flour blends to use, here's my gluten-free flour blend article.

GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE RECIPE

This gluten-free olive oil cake is made with olive oil instead of butter. Now don't let this put you off! The flavor from the olive oil makes it such a great cake to make. The olive oil also makes it super moist and tasty.

This gf olive oil cake is so good as it can be kept plain and enjoyed with your cuppa of choice or dress it up with the suggestions further down for a special occasion.

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Easy to make - With a few simple ingredients, you'll have made this cake with ease.

The taste is so good - Baking with olive oil adds such a nice flavor to a cake recipe.

Perfect texture - With a light and airy crumb, this cake is enjoyed bite after bite.

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Flour - Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.  

Sugar - Granulated sugar

Oil - Use a good tasting and smelling extra virgin olive oil.

Eggs - large eggs at room temperature.

Extract - Use pure vanilla extract.

Orange - Fresh orange juice and fresh orange zest

Xanthan gum - Omit if your flour already contains gum.

Baking powder - Use gluten-free baking powder

Salt - Teaspoon of table salt.

Optional toppings - Powdered sugar, orange zest, whipped cream, fresh berries, and orange glaze.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Handheld mixer - I like this hand-mixer. Choose one that's got enough power and speed.

Round cake pan - I suggest an 8" round cake pan. 

If you have any questions about making gluten-free olive oil cake, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE

HOW TO MAKE THE GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease an 8” round pan and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar with the olive oil. Mix for about 1-2 minutes until well incorporated and creamy.
3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and orange juice and zest. Beat for 1 more minute.
4. Add the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if using), baking powder and salt. Beat until incorporated.
5. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
6. Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Then gently remove the cake from the pan and allow the cake to cool completely.
7. You can decorate the cake however you like. Some delicious ideas are powdered sugar and orange zest or whipped cream and berries or even a super easy orange glaze.

HOW TO MAKE THE ORANGE GLAZE

1. Combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Drizzle on top of the cake once the cake has cooled completely.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in gluten-free olive oil cake, please see the complete recipe below.

TIPS FOR MAKING GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE

Measure the flour correctly - To measure flour, use a scale or if you are using measuring cups, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it, don't scoop the measuring cup into the flour.

Use good olive oil - You don't need to buy the most expensive olive oil, just one that smells and tastes good.

Line the cake pan - Line the 8" cake pan with parchment paper, so it doesn't stick.

TIPS TO KNOW YOUR GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE IS BAKED PERFECTLY

Bake it for the correct time - When the cake pulls away from the sides of the cake pan, the cake is usually ready. You can also insert a toothpick and if it comes out clean it is ready.

Don't overbrown the top - If the cake is still cooking but getting too brown on top, use this trick! Place tented foil on top to stop further browning. 

WHAT IS OLIVE OIL CAKE?

It is a cake made with olive oil instead of butter.

IS OLIVE OIL GLUTEN-FREE?

Yes, olive oil is made from olives. As always check the ingredient labels. 

WHAT'S THE BEST OLIVE OIL FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE RECIPE?

I have used extra virgin olive oil. Make sure to use quality olive oil, as it gives the best flavor.

CAN I MAKE GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH ALMOND FLOUR?

I have not tried it. But almond flour is denser so I would suggest finding a recipe that has already been developed with almond flour in.

WHAT DOES OLIVE OIL DO FOR A CAKE?

It is a fat like other oils and makes your cake so moist. It also adds a bit of fruity flavor.

HOW DO I STORE GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE?

Store it on your kitchen counter for up to 3 days, preferably in a sealed cake container. This will ensure it remains fresh. I would not suggest you store it in the refrigerator as it will dry out.

CAN I FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE?

Yes, either freeze individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

CAN YOU MAKE GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can store it on the counter for up to 3 days.

WHAT CAN I SUBSTITUTE IN THIS GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE?

Dairy-free - This cake is naturally dairy free.

Egg-free and Vegan - You can use an egg replacer; I have not tried it, however.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GLUTEN-FREE OLIVE OIL CAKE 

Serve this gf olive oil cake with:

• Powdered sugar - Keep it plain and dust the top with powdered sugar.
• Orange zest
• Whipped cream - Freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Fruit - Fresh berries or fruit in season can be used.
• Orange glaze - recipe is above

You can also keep it plain and have it with a cup of coffee or tea. 

 Did you make this gluten-free olive oil cake recipe? Please leave me a comment below letting us know what you thought.