Capricorn Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Capricorn Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances citrusy brightness with the richness of olive oil.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-20T09:41:49.954Z

This cake is inspired by the bold flavors of blood oranges, offering a unique twist on traditional olive oil cakes. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy dessert at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

A Unique Twist on Traditional Cake

Capricorn Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake offers a refreshing departure from classic cakes. The use of blood oranges not only adds a striking hue but also infuses the cake with a distinct flavor profile that elevates it above standard desserts. The bright, zesty notes of citrus complement the rich, smooth texture of the olive oil, resulting in a well-balanced treat that is both indulgent and invigorating.

Using olive oil instead of butter introduces a unique richness and moisture to the cake, while also making it a healthier option. Olive oil is known for its heart-healthy properties, making this cake a guilt-free pleasure. This cake is perfect for those who appreciate gourmet flavors and want to impress their guests with something a little different at their next gathering.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This cake is versatile enough to shine at any event. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a festive holiday gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to a special dessert, the Capricorn Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake fits the bill. Its vibrant color and unique flavors make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table.

Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the experience. The cake also makes for delightful leftovers, remaining moist and flavorful for days. Its citrus notes make it an ideal dessert for spring and summer gatherings, bringing a taste of sunshine into your home.

Tips for the Perfect Bake

For the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This allows for better emulsification of the eggs and olive oil, contributing to a lighter cake texture. When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down, which can lead to a dense cake.

Don’t skip the zest! The zest of the blood orange gives the cake an aromatic quality that enhances its flavor. Additionally, always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Every oven is different, and you want to pull the cake out while it’s still moist but fully cooked.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh blood orange juice
  • Zest of 2 blood oranges
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons blood orange juice

Combine these ingredients for a deliciously moist cake.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the olive oil, blood orange juice, and zest, mixing well.

Combine and Bake

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the cake cools, mix powdered sugar with blood orange juice until smooth.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Capricorn Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake!

Storing Your Cake

To store your Capricorn Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to prolong its freshness, you can refrigerate it, though this may slightly alter the texture. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. This revives its moist texture and brings back the delightful flavors of blood orange and olive oil.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair your cake with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of Earl Grey tea, both of which complement the citrus notes beautifully. The effervescence of the wine cuts through the richness of the cake, while the bergamot in the tea harmonizes with the blood orange flavor, creating a delightful tasting experience.

For a more decadent option, serve it with a rich chocolate sauce or a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream. The combination of chocolate and orange is a classic duo that never fails to impress, providing a balance of flavors that tantalizes the palate.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?

Yes, you can substitute regular oranges, but the cake will have a different flavor and color.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be made a day in advance and glazed right before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary.

Capricorn Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Capricorn Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances citrusy brightness with the richness of olive oil.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  4. 3 large eggs
  5. 1/2 cup fresh blood orange juice
  6. Zest of 2 blood oranges
  7. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2-3 tablespoons blood orange juice

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the olive oil, blood orange juice, and zest, mixing well.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 05

While the cake cools, mix powdered sugar with blood orange juice until smooth.

Step 06

Once the cake is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before slicing.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g