If you’ve been searching for a delightful yet wholesome dessert, this Vegan Orange Cake with Olive Oil Recipe is a must-try. It’s a beautiful celebration of fresh citrus flavor and the silky richness of olive oil, resulting in a moist cake that’s light yet incredibly satisfying. This recipe proves you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a cake that feels indulgent and bursts with bright, vibrant notes of orange in every bite. Whether you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself, this cake is a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several baking ingredients arranged neatly. Starting from the top left, there is a white bowl full of white sugar, next to a whole orange placed slightly to the right. To the right of the orange is a small white pitcher with a light orange liquid inside. Below these, to the left, is a glass jar filled with a golden liquid honey, and next to it on the right is a large white bowl filled with white flour with a dollop of a soft white substance on top. Below the honey jar is a glass cup with a creamy beige liquid, and next to it are two small glass bowls, one with a pale brown paste and the other with white powder. At the bottom left of the image, two small metal measuring spoons with wooden handles rest on the surface. Finally, to the right of the spoons is a small white dish with two white powders side by side. The setup looks clean and organized for baking preparation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a special role, coming together to balance texture, moisture, and flavor in this vegan dessert. You’ll find pantry staples combined with fresh orange elements that brighten and elevate this Olive Oil Cake to something truly memorable.

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the cake, providing structure and tenderness.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Adds lightness and helps create a delicate crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweetness, making the flavors pop.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with baking soda for that perfect lift and fluffy texture.
Non-dairy milk (3/4 cup): Moistens the batter and keeps it vegan while lending subtle creaminess.
Olive oil (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the cake with rich fruitiness and moistness unlike any other fat.
Cane sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens naturally, harmonizing with the orange flavors without overpowering.
Freshly squeezed orange juice, strained (1/4 cup): Delivers zesty brightness and fresh acidity straight from the fruit.
Unsweetened applesauce (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, substituting for eggs.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the citrus with warm aromatic notes.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle nutty undertone that complements orange perfectly.
Orange zest (2 teaspoons): Packs a powerful citrus punch that enhances both aroma and flavor.

How to Make Vegan Orange Cake with Olive Oil Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing an 8 or 9-inch springform pan ensures your beautiful cake releases easily after baking. This little prep step helps set the stage for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed so your cake rises evenly with a consistent crumb. Taking the time to mix these first might seem small, but it’s key to perfect texture.

Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk your non-dairy milk, olive oil, cane sugar, fresh orange juice, applesauce, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest. Whisk until the olive oil is fully emulsified, creating a smooth and fragrant liquid blend. This mix is where the moisture and luscious aroma come alive.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly. You want to ensure no dry flour patches remain, but be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy. Pour this batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Place your pan on the middle rack and bake for about 30 to 32 minutes if using a 9-inch pan. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted right in the center comes out clean. This signals the perfect balance of moistness without being dense or undercooked.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

Let the cake cool completely in the pan atop a cooling rack. Once cool, remove the sides of the springform pan for an impressive presentation. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, slice, and get ready to enjoy the fresh, tangy, and moist slices that make this Vegan Orange Cake with Olive Oil Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Vegan Orange Cake with Olive Oil Recipe

A single layer orange cake with a light golden brown texture is shown, topped with a thin dusting of powdered sugar that gives a soft white contrast. The cake slice is placed on a small white plate, held by a woman's hand using a gold-colored spatula. The background includes a white marbled surface with sliced bright orange citrus fruits around, adding pops of vibrant orange color. The full cake sits on a white marble standing plate in the background, maintaining a clean and fresh setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is a classic and elegant finish. Alternatively, scatter a few candied orange peel strips or fresh orange segments on the side to intensify the citrus vibes. Toasted almonds or a drizzle of vegan glaze also add beautiful texture and extra flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit compote. These sides keep the dessert feeling bright and balanced, perfect after any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, consider slicing the cake into bite-sized squares for a pretty dessert platter. Layered with vegan cream and thin orange jam between slices, this cake can transform into an impressive layered dessert. Serving it with edible flowers or elegant little mint leaves creates that wow factor with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vegan Orange Cake with Olive Oil Recipe stays fresh at room temperature for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. Keeping it out of direct sunlight maintains its moistness and prevents the zest from drying out, ensuring every bite remains as satisfying as the first.

Freezing

To keep this cake longer, slice it and freeze the portions individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes beautifully for up to two months without losing that luscious texture or citrus punch. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For a just-baked feeling, warm individual slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back the olive oil’s soft, velvety texture and intensifies the orange aroma, making it perfect for a quick breakfast treat or cozy tea time snack.

FAQs

Can I use other types of oil instead of olive oil?

While olive oil is essential to this recipe’s unique flavor profile, you can substitute with mild-flavored oils like avocado or grapeseed oil. However, keep in mind you might lose some of the fruity, rich notes olive oil provides, which makes this cake so special.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, this Vegan Orange Cake with Olive Oil Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. If you want to make it gluten-free, try a gluten-free baking flour blend, keeping an eye on texture and moistness since gluten-free flours behave differently.

Why do you use cornstarch in the batter?

Cornstarch lightens the texture by reducing some of the chewiness that flour alone would produce. It helps the cake stay tender and soft, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth rather than feeling heavy or dense.

Can I make this cake without an orange zest or juice?

The orange zest and juice are critical to the bright citrus flavor in this recipe. Omitting them would result in a much blander cake. If you can’t find fresh oranges, bottled pure orange juice and dried zest (used sparingly) can work in a pinch, but fresh is best.

How vegan is this cake? Are there any hidden animal products?

This cake is 100% vegan. It uses applesauce as an egg substitute and non-dairy milk, with no dairy or animal-based ingredients included. It’s a dependable choice for those following a vegan lifestyle without sacrificing taste or texture.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Vegan Orange Cake with Olive Oil Recipe because it’s a beautiful example of how simple, plant-based ingredients can come together and create something extraordinary. It’s fresh, moist, and bursting with natural orange essence that feels like a little sunshine in cake form. Whether it’s for a special occasion or an everyday treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy every lovely slice!