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This Gluten-Free Vegan Olive Oil Cake is rich, fragrant, and incredibly simple to make. Using olive oil in the cake creates a subtly fruity flavor and moist texture, while the addition of maple syrup and plant-based yogurt makes it both vegan and refined sugar-free. It’s perfect for dessert, breakfast, or brunch and is made in just one bowl!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

60g (¼ cup) olive oil
230ml (1 cup) unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt (such as coconut, soy, or almond yogurt)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
8 tablespoons maple syrup (or any other liquid sweetener)
150g (1¼ cups) ground almonds (almond meal)
150g (1¼ cups) gluten-free flour blend (or plain flour if not gluten-free)
2 heaped teaspoons baking powder (ensure gluten-free if necessary)
¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 18cm (7-inch) springform baking tin and line it with baking paper.
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir in the ground almonds. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda. Mix well, adding a small splash of plant-based milk if the mixture seems too dry.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin, ensuring the baking paper is covering both the bottom and sides to prevent burning. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and an inserted skewer comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.

Nutrients

Calories: 301 per serving
Fat: 18g (28% of daily value)
Saturated Fat: 2g (10% of daily value)
Carbohydrates: 33g (11% of daily value)
Fiber: 4g (16% of daily value)
Sugar: 15g (17% of daily value)
Protein: 6g (12% of daily value)
Sodium: 40mg (2% of daily value)
Potassium: 74mg (2% of daily value)
Vitamin C: 5mg (6% of daily value)
Calcium: 120mg (12% of daily value)
Iron: 1mg (6% of daily value)

Why Olive Oil Works So Well in Cake

Olive oil is often used in Mediterranean baking and cooking, and it’s easy to see why it’s a perfect addition to this cake. The olive oil imparts a delicate, fruity flavor that’s not overwhelming, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. In this gluten-free vegan olive oil cake, it provides a moist and tender crumb, ensuring that each slice is soft and light.

Unlike butter, which can be heavy and add a distinct flavor to cakes, olive oil blends seamlessly into the batter, allowing the other flavors, such as the lemon and maple syrup, to shine through. Olive oil also has a lower level of saturated fat compared to butter, which makes it a healthier alternative in baking. This simple substitution adds complexity and a depth of flavor to the cake, while keeping it moist and indulgent.

The Role of Almonds and Flour in the Cake

This cake uses a combination of ground almonds (almond meal) and gluten-free flour blend, creating a tender and slightly nutty texture. Ground almonds not only add moisture to the cake but also provide a subtle nutty flavor that complements the richness of the olive oil. Almonds are also a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, adding a nutritional boost to this otherwise indulgent dessert.

The gluten-free flour blend ensures that this cake is suitable for those who need to avoid gluten, without sacrificing texture. The flour blend, when combined with the ground almonds, provides a perfect balance of moisture and structure. If you’re not gluten-free, you can easily substitute this flour blend with regular all-purpose flour for the same result.

Maple Syrup: A Sweet, Natural Alternative

One of the standout features of this cake is its use of maple syrup as a sweetener. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that provides a rich, caramel-like flavor, adding depth and complexity to the cake. Unlike refined sugar, which lacks nutritional value, maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and manganese, making it a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce refined sugar in their diet.

In this cake, the maple syrup also contributes to the overall moistness and tenderness of the crumb. The sweetness of the syrup balances perfectly with the slightly bitter undertones of the olive oil and the citrusy brightness from the lemon juice. Whether you’re making this for yourself or for guests, maple syrup ensures that the cake is sweet without being overly sugary.

The Subtle Brightness of Lemon

Lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness to this cake that cuts through the richness of the olive oil and maple syrup. It also enhances the overall flavor profile, bringing a layer of freshness to balance the nutty almonds and sweet syrup. The acidity of the lemon helps to elevate the flavors of the other ingredients, while its tartness provides a pleasant contrast to the naturally sweet maple syrup.

The use of lemon juice in this cake highlights the versatility of citrus in baked goods. Lemon pairs wonderfully with olive oil and almond flavors, creating a harmonious balance that makes every bite refreshing and satisfying.

Why Plant-Based Yogurt is a Great Choice

The plant-based yogurt used in this recipe serves multiple purposes: it adds moisture, tenderness, and a mild tang that complements the other ingredients. Whether you use coconut, soy, or almond yogurt, plant-based yogurts are a great vegan alternative to traditional dairy yogurt. They provide the same creamy texture and moisture, without the need for dairy products, making them perfect for vegan and lactose-intolerant diets.

The yogurt also helps to activate the baking powder and bicarbonate of soda in the recipe, contributing to the leavening process and ensuring a light, fluffy cake. The addition of yogurt, combined with the olive oil, gives the cake a slightly rich and tangy flavor, making it a perfect base for the lemon and maple syrup.

Baking the Cake

Once all the ingredients are combined into a smooth batter, the cake is baked at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes, resulting in a beautifully golden brown cake. It’s important to keep an eye on the cake toward the end of the baking time to ensure that it doesn’t over-brown. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

The baking time ensures that the cake is cooked through while retaining its moist texture. After it’s done baking, it’s important to allow the cake to cool before slicing. This helps the cake set properly, ensuring that each slice holds its shape and has the perfect texture.

Serving and Enjoying the Cake

This Gluten-Free Vegan Olive Oil Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s an excellent choice for dessert, but it’s also light enough to be served at breakfast or brunch. You can serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish, or add a dollop of coconut whipped cream or plant-based yogurt for extra creaminess.

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor, you could pair the cake with fresh fruit, such as berries or citrus segments, to enhance the freshness and bring a burst of color. This cake also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a great afternoon treat.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

This cake isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with healthy ingredients that provide nutritional benefits. Olive oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while ground almonds provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Maple syrup, a natural sweetener, contains antioxidants and essential minerals, and plant-based yogurt adds probiotics and calcium. The addition of lemon juice gives a vitamin C boost, which supports the immune system.

Together, these ingredients create a cake that’s not only satisfying but also nourishing, making it a great option for those who want to indulge without compromising their health goals.

Conclusion

The Gluten-Free Vegan Olive Oil Cake is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. With its moist, tender crumb, rich olive oil flavor, and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, this cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it. It’s a versatile dessert that works for any occasion—whether you’re serving it at a family brunch, bringing it to a dinner party, or enjoying a slice as a midday treat.

This cake is not only delicious but also vegan and refined sugar-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s a breeze to make in just one bowl, and the ingredients come together quickly for a fuss-free baking experience. The result is a moist, fragrant, and satisfying cake that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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