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
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1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
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½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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¾ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp fine sea salt
Wet ingredients
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¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
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¾ cup (180 ml) extra-virgin olive oil (fruity, not bitter)
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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¾ cup (180 ml) hot brewed coffee or hot water
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2 oz (60 g) dark chocolate (70–85%), finely chopped or melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Finish
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Flaky sea salt (Maldon-style)
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Optional: powdered sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
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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