This Healthy Lemon Olive Oil Cake is a refreshing and light dessert, perfect for welcoming springtime with its bright and zesty flavors. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and olive oil creates a moist and airy texture, while almond flour adds a nutritious boost. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup, this cake is a wholesome and delicious choice for those seeking a healthier dessert option. Optional powdered monk fruit adds a subtle sweetness without the added sugar, making this cake a guilt-free indulgence.
Why You'll Love This: This cake is incredibly easy to make and requires just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. The use of almond flour ensures a tender and moist crumb while adding protein and healthy fats. The olive oil provides a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon, creating a sophisticated taste profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you're enjoying it as a light dessert, a snack, or even a breakfast treat, this lemon olive oil cake is sure to delight.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for springtime gatherings, brunches, and picnics, this lemon olive oil cake is versatile and elegant. It's also perfect for celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, Easter, or Mother’s Day with its light and refreshing flavor. This cake can easily be dressed up with a dusting of powdered monk fruit or served plain for a more rustic presentation. It's a wonderful option for those following gluten-free or dairy-free diets, making it a crowd-pleaser for various dietary needs.
Decoration Tips:
- Monk Fruit Dusting: Sift powdered monk fruit over the top for a delicate, snowy finish that adds a touch of sweetness.
- Lemon Slices: Garnish with thin lemon slices or zest curls for a vibrant and citrusy decoration.
- Edible Flowers: Add a few edible flowers like pansies or violets for a beautiful, spring-inspired look.
- Berry Topping: Serve with fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and added flavor.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Optional: 2 tbsp powdered monk fruit (see notes)
- Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 7-inch cake pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the almond flour, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If using, sift powdered monk fruit over the top of the cooled cake.
- Serve: Cut the cake into slices and enjoy!
Notes: As an alternative to powdered sugar, monk fruit sweetener can be used and ground into a fine powder using a blender. This provides a sugar-free option for dusting the cake, maintaining its light and healthy profile.
Enjoy this Light and Fluffy Healthy Lemon Olive Oil Cake, a delightful treat that brings the freshness of spring to your table in the most delicious way!