Olive Oil Chocolate Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, rich chocolate cake infused with the subtle fruitiness of olive oil, perfect for cocoa lovers and suitable for vegetarian dessert menus.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1/3 cup light olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • confectioners' sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
  3. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt with a fork.
  4. Add the cold water, olive oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract; blend well until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into the greased pan.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the center springs back when gently pressed.
  7. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  8. Turn the cake out onto a serving plate and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder. If you don't have light olive oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. For a richer texture, use a combination of all-purpose flour and almond flour. Remember to sift the dry ingredients to avoid clumps and ensure an even bake.

Serving Suggestions

Dust the cooled cake with confectioners' sugar for an elegant touch. This Olive Oil Chocolate Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It also complements a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for an after-dinner treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold as a delightful treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Olive Oil Chocolate Cake contains roughly 203 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

203 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 6.4g 8% DV
Carbs 40.4g 15% DV
Fiber 14.2g 51% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 425.1mg 18% DV
Potassium 613.3mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 16.3mg 18% DV
Calcium 75.7mg 6% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Just ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to help with the cake's structure.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips make excellent additions. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan. Keep in mind that this may slightly affect the baking time.

How can I make this cake more chocolaty?

To intensify the chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder by an extra tablespoon or two. You can also include a layer of chocolate ganache on top for an extra decadent finish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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