We wanted our olive oil cake to have a light, fine-textured, and plush crumb, with a subtle but noticeable olive oil flavor. Whipping the sugar with the whole eggs, rather than just the whites, produced a fine texture that was airy but sturdy enough to support the olive oil–rich batter. To emphasize the defining flavor, we opted for a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil and supplemented its fruitiness with a tiny bit of lemon zest. A crackly sugar topping added a touch of sweetness and sophistication. 

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups (8 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt 
• 3 large eggs 
• 1 1/4 cups (8 3/4 ounces) plus 2 tablespoons sugar 
• 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest 
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup milk

Before You Begin

For the best flavor, use a fresh, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Our favorite supermarket option is California Olive Ranch Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If your springform pan is prone to leaking, place a rimmed baking sheet on the oven floor to catch any drips. Leftover cake can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to three day’s

Procedure

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch springform pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in bowl.
2. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip eggs on medium speed until foamy, about 1 minute.
3. Add 1 1/4 cups sugar and lemon zest, increase speed to high, and whip until mixture is fluffy and pale yellow, about 3 minutes.
4. Reduce speed to medium and, with mixer running, slowly pour in oil. Mix until oil is fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
5. Add half of flour mixture and mix on low speed until incorporated, about 1 minute, scraping down bowl as needed.
6. Add milk and mix until combined, about 30 seconds.
7. Add remaining flour mixture and mix until just incorporated, about 1 minute, scraping down bowl as needed.
8. Transfer batter to prepared pan; sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over entire surface.
9. Bake until cake is deep golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out with few crumbs attached, 40 to 45 minutes.
10. Transfer pan to wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes.
11. Remove side of pan and let cake cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Cut into wedges and serve.