Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

Enjoy the light and refreshing flavor of this Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake, perfect for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-20T09:53:52.193Z

This Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake is a delightful twist on traditional cakes, combining the bright flavor of Meyer lemons with the rich, smooth texture of olive oil. Perfectly moist and incredibly fragrant, it’s an ideal dessert for any gathering.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Bright and zesty flavor from fresh Meyer lemons
  • Moist and tender crumb thanks to olive oil
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients

A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

This Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake is not just a delightful treat, but a versatile dessert that suits any celebration. Whether you're hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, this cake fits seamlessly into the occasion. Its light and refreshing flavor makes it an ideal choice for spring and summer gatherings, yet it also brings a warm, comforting essence during the cooler months.

The zesty notes of Meyer lemons elevate the cake, providing a unique twist on traditional olive oil cakes. The bright yellow hue of the cake can bring a sense of joy to your table, making it visually appealing and inviting. No matter the event, your guests will be impressed by this beautiful and delicious creation.

The Benefits of Using Olive Oil

Olive oil is not only a key ingredient in this cake, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Unlike butter, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Incorporating olive oil into your baking not only enhances the flavor but also adds a moistness that is hard to achieve with other fats. This results in a cake that is tender and flavorful, making each bite a delightful experience.

Furthermore, using olive oil gives this cake a unique depth of flavor that complements the tartness of the Meyer lemons beautifully. The fruity notes in the olive oil enhance the overall taste profile, creating a harmonious balance between sweet and tangy. This cake is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When it comes to serving your Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake, the possibilities are endless. For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the dessert to new heights, adding creaminess that perfectly contrasts with the cake's texture.

For a delightful beverage pairing, consider serving this cake with a chilled glass of sparkling water infused with lemon slices or a refreshing herbal tea. The combination of flavors will enhance your dessert experience and leave your taste buds dancing. Enjoying this cake with friends and family will surely create lasting memories.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice

Mix all the ingredients well to ensure a smooth batter.

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before slicing.

Serve and enjoy your delicious Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake, it's important to use fresh Meyer lemons. Their unique sweetness and mild tartness make them ideal for this recipe. When zesting, be sure to only use the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith can introduce a bitter flavor. Additionally, let the cake cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly and doesn’t run off.

Another tip is to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can affect the final product. Use a kitchen scale if possible for precise measurements, especially for the flour and sugar. This will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this cake in advance, storing and freezing options are available. The Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake can be kept at room temperature for up to three days if covered tightly with plastic wrap. If you wish to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to three months when frozen.

To thaw, simply transfer the cake to the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Once thawed, you can re-glaze it for freshness or enjoy it as is. This flexibility makes it a perfect dessert to prepare ahead of time for busy occasions.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Yes, but Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic, so the flavor will be slightly different.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months. Thaw it before glazing.

→ What can I substitute for olive oil?

You can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, but the flavor will differ slightly.

Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Enjoy the light and refreshing flavor of this Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Classic Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1/2 cup olive oil
  8. 1/4 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
  9. Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
  10. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 06

While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.

Step 07

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before slicing.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g