Clementine Olive Oil Cake | Moist Citrus Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Bright citrus, rich olive oil, and a cloud of fresh whipped cream—this Clementine Olive Oil Cake is the kind of dessert that feels both elegant and effortless.
Made with fragrant clementine zest, extra virgin olive oil, and tangy buttermilk, this cake is incredibly moist with a tender crumb and a fresh citrus flavor in every bite. Finished with homemade clementine syrup, silky whipped cream, fresh clementine segments, and crushed pistachios, it's a beautiful dessert for holidays, brunches, birthdays, or simply celebrating citrus season.
If you're looking for a cake that's as stunning as it is delicious, this recipe belongs in your collection.
Why You'll Love This Clementine Olive Oil Cake
This citrus cake is simple enough for a casual weekend bake yet elegant enough for entertaining.
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Moist, tender crumb thanks to olive oil
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Bright, fresh clementine flavor
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Finished with homemade citrus syrup
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Light and fluffy cream cheese whipped cream
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Beautiful presentation with fresh fruit and pistachios
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Perfect for holidays, brunches, showers, or dinner parties
The olive oil gives the cake incredible richness while allowing the fresh citrus flavor to truly shine.
Ingredients
For the Cake
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3 large eggs, separated
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon fine sea salt
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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Zest of 3–4 clementines
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon fresh clementine juice
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1 cup extra virgin olive oil
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1½ cups buttermilk
Clementine Syrup
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup fresh clementine juice
Fresh Whipped Cream
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¼ cup cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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1½ cups very cold heavy cream
To Finish
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Peeled clementines
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Crushed pistachios
How to Make Clementine Olive Oil Cake
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, and set aside.
Step 2
Separate the eggs, placing the whites in one clean bowl and the yolks in another. Set the egg whites aside.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and clementine zest. Rub them together with your fingertips for about one minute until the sugar becomes fragrant and slightly damp. This releases the citrus oils for maximum flavor.
Step 5
Whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and fresh clementine juice.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking, then add the buttermilk.
Step 6
Add the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7
Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter in two additions to keep the cake light and airy.
Step 8
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9
While the cake bakes, prepare the clementine syrup.
Combine the sugar and fresh clementine juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Step 10
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes.
Brush the warm cake generously with the clementine syrup. The warm cake absorbs the syrup beautifully, creating an incredibly moist texture.
Step 11
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 12
Prepare the whipped cream by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Slowly stream in the cold heavy cream while mixing, then whip until soft-to-medium peaks form.
Step 13
Spread the whipped cream over the cooled cake.
Top with fresh clementine segments and crushed pistachios.
Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Olive Oil Cake
Rub the Sugar and Zest Together
This simple step intensifies the citrus flavor by releasing the natural oils from the zest.
Use High-Quality Olive Oil
A smooth, fruity extra virgin olive oil gives the cake incredible richness without overpowering the citrus.
Don't Skip the Syrup
Brushing the warm cake with homemade clementine syrup locks in moisture and adds another layer of bright citrus flavor.
Fold the Egg Whites Gently
This creates a lighter, fluffier cake while maintaining its signature moist crumb.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This cake is equally at home on a holiday dessert table, served for Mother's Day brunch, enjoyed with afternoon coffee, or shared during weekend gatherings with family and friends.
Pair each slice with fresh berries, espresso, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.
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The Feed Your Soul Difference
We believe that every recipe and every handcrafted treat should bring people together.
We take pride in our process, our facility, our team, our products, and our mission to give back. We bake integrity into everything we do.
Whether you're baking this bright and beautiful Clementine Olive Oil Cake or sharing one of our signature cookie collections with someone you love, we're honored to be part of your sweetest moments.
Enjoy!
Xo