1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and whisk until evenly combined.
4. Combine:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar if needed. Drizzle over the cooled cake and sprinkle with lemon zest if using.
8. Serve:
- Once the glaze has set, the cake is ready to be served. Enjoy it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for an extra special treat.
Tips:
- Choosing Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The olive oil not only adds moisture but also imparts a fruity note that complements the lemon.
- Lemon Zest: When zesting your lemon, be sure to only get the yellow part of the skin. The white pith beneath is bitter and could affect the flavor of your cake.
- Storage: This cake keeps well at room temperature for a couple of days, covered. You can also refrigerate it for longer storage.
This Lemon Olive Oil Cake is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delicious. Its light, citrusy flavor paired with the richness of olive oil makes for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.