Description
The Lemon Olive Oil & Thyme Cake is a unique twist on the traditional cake recipes that rely heavily on butter. Instead, this cake uses extra virgin olive oil, which makes it rich and moist while offering a subtle yet delicious earthy flavor. The addition of fresh lemon zest and juice balances the cake’s richness with a refreshing citrusy tang. Finally, fresh thyme leaves add an aromatic, herbal note that complements the citrus perfectly, creating a beautiful, flavorful balance in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60g) almond flour (optional for texture)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round or loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whip eggs & sugar: In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (2–3 min).
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in lemon zest, olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, thyme, and vanilla.
- Combine: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40–45 min, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool in pan for 10 min, then transfer to wire rack.
- Glaze (optional): Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake and sprinkle with thyme.
Notes
This lemon olive oil and thyme cake is fragrant, moist, and perfectly balanced with a subtle herbal twist. It’s ideal for afternoon tea, a light dessert, or even a special breakfast treat. Serve it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Lemon olive oil cake, Thyme lemon cake, Olive oil thyme cake, Mediterranean lemon cake, Zesty olive oil cake