Hey there, fellow food lovers! Emma here from tastydwell.com, and boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a dessert that’s both simple to make and absolutely divine. Enter: the star of the show, a zesty, melt-in-your-mouth Gluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Cake. This cake is my secret weapon for everything from impromptu gatherings to a sweet end to a long week. It’s got that perfect balance of tang and richness, and the best part is, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share it with.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

As you know, my passion lies in creating recipes that bring comfort and deliciousness to your table. This cake started as a simple experiment and has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, especially since I’m always looking for ways to make life easier without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be approachable and fun. Ready to get started?
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Cake!
- Super Simple: From start to finish, this cake comes together in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with gluten-free flour, it’s a dream for anyone avoiding gluten.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of bright lemon and subtly fruity olive oil is a match made in heaven.
- Versatile: Delicious on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or served with fresh berries – the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful cake. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is straightforward, and you might already have most of these in your pantry .
PrintGluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Cake
A zesty gluten-free cake made with olive oil and bright lemon flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for gatherings or a sweet weeknight treat. Finished with optional powdered sugar and berries.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Gluten-Free
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
¾ cup Greek yogurt
3 large eggs, room temperature
5 tablespoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons lemon zest
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
mix in olive oil until fully incorporated.
Add Greek yogurt and eggs, mixing until smooth.
Stir in lemon juice and zest until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with fresh berries.
Notes
Use a bundt or springform pan if preferred. Substitute regular olive oil for milder flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum (I love using GFJules – affiliate link)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- scant ½ teaspoon baking powder (By scant, I mean just below the fill line. More exactly, use 1/4 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup olive oil, plus more for the pan (I prefer extra virgin olive oil for a subtle flavor, but if you want something milder, regular olive oil works great!)
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice (that’s about 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon)
- 4 teaspoons lemon zest (zest of 2 large lemons)
- Powdered sugar and fresh berries, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s bake this wonderful Gluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Cake! I’ve broken down each step to ensure perfect results every time:
- Prep Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil. I find it super helpful to cut out a round of parchment paper for the bottom, oil it too, and ensure the cake comes out easily. Set this aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure an even rise.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the olive oil, Greek yogurt, and eggs. Mix until just combined.
- Incorporate the Lemon: Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth. Remember, a little zest goes a long way!
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-38 minutes. Check at 30 minutes, and if the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cake cool in the pan for 30-45 minutes. Then, carefully turn it over onto a wire rack. Peel off the parchment paper and flip the cake back over to cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve it with fresh berries for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Lemon zester or grater
- Wire rack
Tips & Variations
Want to switch things up or avoid a common baking pitfall? Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe your own:
- Flour Power: Make sure you’re using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum. This helps with the texture.
- Lemon Love: Don’t be shy with the lemon zest! It adds so much flavor.
- Customize the Fruit: Other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix would be delicious served with this cake.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s also great for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack – or even for a delightful late night surprise.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt or even sour cream. For a different flavor, you can also experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits.
Serving Suggestions
This Gluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Cake is wonderful on its own, but here are some ideas to make it extra special:
- Simple Elegance: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Berry Bliss: Pair it with a medley of fresh berries! It makes a stunning presentation for any gathering.
- Coffee Companion: This cake is the perfect partner to a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- The Perfect Gift: This cake is a sweet offering for a party host or a kind gesture to a friend or family member.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving. Keep in mind that these can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The approximate nutrition facts are:
- Calories: Around 300-350 calories
- Carbs: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 15-20g
Conclusion
There you have it! A Gluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Cake that’s as easy as it is delightful. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this recipe as much as I do. It’s such a simple pleasure to bake a cake for yourself, a family member or a guest. If you are looking for other cake recipes to incorporate into your baking rotation, check out my recipe for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole and the best Chocolate Chip Cookies. Remember, life’s too short for boring treats. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin! Don’t forget to save this recipe, print it out, and share it with your friends and family. Happy baking!
FAQ Section (Schema Ready)
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! Just make sure it’s completely cooled. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How to make it ahead?
You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it, covered, at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries just before serving it.
Can I use a different type of flour?
For the best results, stick with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that already contains xanthan gum. This will give your cake the right texture. Using different flour may alter the texture of the cake.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its fruity flavor, but regular olive oil will also work. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be more subtle if you use regular olive oil.