Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake with Citrus Glaze: A Moist and Flavorful Delight

This Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the richness of olive oil with the bright, tangy notes of blood oranges. The cake is enhanced with a hint of lemon juice and a touch of vanilla, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With its tender crumb and beautiful presentation, this cake is sure to impress both in taste and appearance.

Why You’ll Love This: The combination of olive oil and blood oranges gives this cake a unique and sophisticated flavor profile. The olive oil adds a rich, moist texture that keeps the cake tender and delicious, while the blood oranges provide a vibrant citrusy burst. The addition of orange zest and vanilla bean paste further elevates the flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. This cake is easy to make and perfect for those who appreciate the harmony of sweet and tangy flavors.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a dessert for dinner parties, this cake is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Its elegant appearance and delicious taste make it a great choice for celebrations, gatherings, and even as a thoughtful gift.

Decoration Tips: For a stunning presentation, arrange thin slices of blood orange on top of the cake before baking. Once baked and cooled, drizzle a simple glaze made from blood orange juice and powdered sugar over the cake. Garnish with fresh blood orange slices, zest, or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance. Serving the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the overall experience.

Ingredients:

For Blood Orange Topping:

• 230g blood orange, sliced
• 13g blood orange juice
• 70g lemon juice
• 138g granulated sugar

For Olive Oil Cake:

• 200g good quality olive oil
• 3 eggs
• 200g granulated sugar
• 96g salted butter, melted
• 300g whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 200g all-purpose flour
• 70g bread flour
• 1 + 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp orange zest

Instructions:

Prepare the Blood Orange Topping:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the blood orange juice, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the blood orange slices to the saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the oranges are slightly softened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Olive Oil Cake:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Stir in the orange zest and whole milk, mixing until the batter is smooth.

Assemble and Bake the Cake:

1. Arrange the blood orange slices on the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
2. Pour the batter over the blood orange slices, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully invert it onto a serving plate so that the blood orange slices are on top.
2. For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from mixing powdered sugar and blood orange juice.
3. Garnish with fresh blood orange slices or zest, if desired.

Enjoy this Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake, a perfect blend of rich, moist texture and vibrant citrus flavor, ideal for any special occasion or as a delightful treat for yourself!