If you are searching for a vibrant, moist dessert that balances warm spices with bright citrus, look no further than this Cardamom Spiced Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe. This cake is an absolute celebration of flavors—where aromatic cardamom mingles effortlessly with zesty orange and the rich silkiness of olive oil. It’s light yet satisfying, subtly sweet with honey, and boasts a tender crumb thanks to creamy Greek yogurt. The result is a cake that feels elegant but is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for cozy afternoons or special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single slice of orange cake with a soft, moist texture is placed in the center of a white plate. The cake has a golden brown crust with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. Next to the cake, there are two bright orange slices, adding a fresh touch. A small silver fork is placed to the right side of the slice. The plate sits on a blue and white striped cloth over a white marbled surface. In the background, the rest of the cake is slightly blurred but visible, showing a round shape with the same golden brown color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe is essential and thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and appearance. From the luscious olive oil that keeps the cake tender, to vibrant orange zest that brightens every bite, these items come together without fuss but with maximum flavor impact.

Extra-virgin olive oil (3/4 cups): Adds richness while keeping the cake moist and tender with a subtle fruity undertone.
Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Packs a punch of fresh citrus aroma and brightness that lifts the entire cake.
Fresh orange juice (1/4 cup): Provides natural acidity and juiciness, enhancing the orange flavor and tenderizing the crumb.
Honey (3/4 cup): A natural sweetener that imparts gentle floral notes instead of overwhelming sweetness.
Large eggs (3): Give structure and richness to the cake, binding the ingredients together perfectly.
Full-fat Greek yogurt (1 cup): Contributes creaminess, moisture, and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
Ground cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): The star spice that brings an exotic, warm aroma and distinctive flavor to this cake.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a cozy depth that complements the cardamom without stealing the show.
Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon) and baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Work together to create a light, fluffy texture with a gentle rise.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the cake, providing structure without heaviness.
Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that adds subtle sweetness and visual appeal.
Extra honey and orange zest (optional for serving): To drizzle and sprinkle on top, giving your presentation an irresistible glow and extra bursts of flavor.

How to Make Cardamom Spiced Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by lining a 9-inch circular cake pan with parchment paper for easy release later on. Grease the pan generously with olive oil—not only on the paper but also up the sides—to prevent sticking and add richness around the edges. Set your oven rack in the top third position and preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Spices

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly grated orange zest, fresh orange juice, honey, three large eggs, and smooth full-fat Greek yogurt. To this vibrant mixture, add the warm cardamom and cinnamon, kosher salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is where your cake’s characteristic warmth and moisture begin to build, so take a moment to enjoy the fragrant blend forming.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until the batter is well-combined and smooth, with no flour streaks. The batter will be thick but pourable, beautifully glossy from the olive oil. This balance of ingredients is key to achieving the cake’s tender yet structured crumb.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden hue, and the scent will be nothing short of inviting.

Step 5: Cool and Unmold

Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes—this resting period helps the structure set and makes it easier to remove. Run a knife around the edges, invert the cake onto a cutting board, then flip it back onto your serving dish for a perfect presentation.

Step 6: Dust and Serve

For a simple, lovely finish, dust the top generously with confectioners’ sugar using a fine mesh sieve. This final touch adds a subtle sweetness and makes the cake visually stunning. Slice into eight pieces and serve warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with extra honey and sprinkled with more orange zest for bursts of aromatic flavor.

How to Serve Cardamom Spiced Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe

A round orange cake with one slice removed sits on a clear glass plate, revealing a warm, golden interior. The top of the cake is dusted with white powdered sugar and small orange zest pieces are scattered across it. Around the plate, there are multiple bright orange slices and hollowed-out orange halves placed on white parchment paper, which covers a white marbled surface. To the left of the cake, a jar of honey with a honey dipper rests near a small bowl of ground spice. A striped cloth napkin holds a silver cake server and a black-handled knife. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this cake is how well it welcomes simple garnishes. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar is classic, but don’t hesitate to add glistening honey drizzles—these give a shiny, sticky glaze and amplify the floral notes from the honey inside. A sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest on top brings a final pop of refreshing brightness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with fresh berries, a dollop of lightly whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla or cardamom-infused ice cream makes for a lovely balance. The cool creaminess offsets the warm spices beautifully and elevates your dessert experience without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Cardamom Spiced Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe on rustic wooden boards or vintage ceramic plates for an inviting, homey look. Consider layering slices with fresh fruit and edible flowers for a brunch centerpiece, or cut into small squares for elegant tea party finger foods. This cake’s natural charm and vibrant colors lend themselves well to creative plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays fresh wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Its olive oil base helps retain moisture, so you won’t have to worry about it drying out quickly.

Freezing

If you want to keep the cake longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it keeps well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth and aroma, reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Drizzle with a little extra honey afterward, and you’ll have a slice that tastes like fresh from the oven all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute another oil for the olive oil?

While you can use other oils like canola or vegetable oil, extra-virgin olive oil imparts a unique fruity depth that’s key to the flavor of this cake. For the distinctive taste of this Cardamom Spiced Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe, stick to olive oil if possible.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

Regular plain yogurt can be used as a substitute, though full-fat Greek yogurt works best to provide creaminess and moisture. If you use regular yogurt, drain it first or reduce any added liquids slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary in texture and rise.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Underbaking will make it too gooey in the middle, so be patient and start checking around the 45-minute mark.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based yogurt alternative and ensure your honey is vegan or substitute it with maple syrup. The texture may be slightly different, but the lovely flavors will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

This Cardamom Spiced Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels both comforting and elegant, simple yet impressive. Once you make it, you’ll want to bake it again and again to share with friends and family. With its enchanting blend of spices and bright citrus, it’s a cake that invites warm conversations, cozy moments, and happy smiles. Give it a try—you might have just found your new favorite cake.