Description
To put it simply, the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Olive Oil Cake is a masterclass in flavor contrast. It is a single-layer, rustic cake that prioritizes quality ingredients over fussy decorations. Unlike a traditional sponge cake which can sometimes be dry and airy, this version is dense, dark, and incredibly moist. The use of high-quality cocoa powder combined with melted dark chocolate ensures a double hit of cocoa intensity.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ tsp baking soda
½ tsp fine sea salt
Wet ingredients
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
¾ cup (180 ml) extra-virgin olive oil (fruity, not bitter)
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup (180 ml) hot brewed coffee or hot water
2 oz (60 g) dark chocolate (70–85%), finely chopped or melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Finish
Flaky sea salt (Maldon-style)
Optional: powdered sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
Prep the pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment.Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk sugars and olive oil until smooth and glossy.
Add eggs one at a time, whisking well. Stir in vanilla.Add chocolate & liquid
Stir in melted (or finely chopped) dark chocolate.
Slowly whisk in hot coffee or water—batter will be thin.Combine
Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined.Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.Cool & finish
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack.
Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt while still warm.
Notes
For an elegant finish, dust the cake lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar just before serving. A drizzle of warm chocolate ganache or a spoonful of whipped mascarpone enhances the richness, while fresh berries or candied orange peel add a bright contrast to the deep chocolate and sea salt flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360 kcal
Keywords: Salted cocoa olive oil dessert, dairy-free chocolate cake with oil, moist dark chocolate olive oil sponge, Mediterranean chocolate salt cake