Health & Wellness

Recipe: Sicilian Olive Oil Cake

Did You Know?

Olive oil is a healthier fat when compared to other options such as butter or margarine. It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to improve heart disease risk factors like cholesterol levels. And, olive oil may decrease the risk of cognitive decline—research shows that it can help fight tau protein buildup in the brain.

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs at room temperature
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1⅔ cups whole milk
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1½ cups flour, plus a little more for dusting the pan
  • ½ cup cornmeal (coarse is better)
  • ½ teaspoon each: baking powder and baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with oil, then sprinkle flour over it, tapping the bottom and sides until covered.
  2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until blended well. Add milk, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Stir well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients. Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until blended. Take care not to overmix; allow lumps.
  4. Pour batter into the cake pan. Place in center rack of oven. Check after 40 minutes. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes back clean or with just a few crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack.
  5. Run a knife around the perimeter and invert onto a serving plate. Serve with fruit, lemon curd, or eat it plain.

Nutrition 

Per serving: 240 calories, 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates (1g fiber), 15g fat (3g sat fat, 12g mono/poly), 113mg sodium