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Citrus Olive Oil Polenta Cake

The Ultimate Citrus Olive Oil Polenta Cake Recipe for Every Occasion

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

At its core, a Citrus Olive Oil Polenta Cake is a specialty cake that replaces a significant portion of traditional wheat flour with cornmeal, also known as polenta. This substitution creates a distinct yellow hue and a crumb that is far more robust than your average birthday cake. Instead of being fluffy and airy, it is dense in the best possible way—tender, moist, and substantial.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry ingredients

  • 1 cup fine cornmeal (polenta)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp baking soda

  • ¼ tsp salt

Wet ingredients

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (fruity, mild)

  • ¾ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional citrus syrup

  • ¼ cup orange or lemon juice

  • 2 tbsp sugar

For serving (optional)

  • Powdered sugar

  • Whipped cream or Greek yogurt

  • Fresh citrus slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
    Grease and line a 9-inch round pan with parchment.

  2. Mix dry ingredients
    In a bowl, whisk polenta, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. Mix wet ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale.
    Add olive oil, yogurt, citrus zest, juice, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

  4. Combine
    Gently fold dry ingredients into wet just until incorporated.

  5. Bake
    Pour batter into pan and smooth the top.
    Bake 40–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

  6. Optional syrup
    Heat citrus juice and sugar until dissolved.
    Spoon over warm cake for extra moisture and flavor.

  7. Cool & serve
    Let cool 15 minutes before removing from pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

This citrus olive oil polenta cake has a naturally moist crumb with a gentle crunch from the polenta. The olive oil adds depth without overpowering the citrus, and the flavors deepen beautifully as the cake rests—making it even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: ~320 kcal

Keywords: Orange Polenta Cake with Olive Oil, Mediterranean Cornmeal Cake, Zesty Italian Olive Oil Cake, Moist Lemon Polenta Bake

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Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/citrus-olive-oil-polenta-cake/