Cara Cara Olive Oil Cake with Yogurt and Citrus Glaze

This Cara Cara olive oil cake is light, moist, and gently citrusy, made with yogurt for tenderness and finished with a simple citrus glaze. The olive oil keeps the crumb soft and fragrant, while Cara Cara oranges add a subtle sweetness and blush-toned citrus flavor.

It’s the kind of cake that works just as well for a casual afternoon slice as it does served with coffee or a cocktail, it’s easy and the olive oil combined with cara cara citrus is easily elegant.

Why I love Olive Oil Cakes

Olive oil cakes have a way of staying soft for days without feeling heavy. They’re not overly sweet, and the flavor improves as the cake rests. Using yogurt in the batter adds just enough tang and keeps the crumb tender without making the cake dense.

This combination works especially well with citrus.

This recipe is perfect for citrus season when orange fruit is abundant, and includes olive oil a readily available pantry staple.

Why I Chose to use Cara Cara Oranges for this Olive Oil Cake

Cara Cara’s are slightly sweeter than other varieties of oranges and their color is a beautiful shade of light pinkish red. The flavor of the cara cara; cuts through the bitterness of yogurt included in this recipe, beautifully.

If you bake using citrus during the winter season, they are worth seeking out at your local supermarket.

A Note on the Citrus Glaze

I kept the recipe for the glaze light, it’s intended to add a punch flavor, elevating the citrus that is cooked into the olive cake and bringing layered flavors of orange forward from the first bite of cake.

You can drizzle the glaze over the cake, or spread with a brush for an even coating.

How to Serve this Cake

I enjoyed this cake with tea (it’s just as delicious eaten with coffee). If you would like another cake option filled with fruit and yogurt, try my Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread.

Serve up a slice with some stewed fruit and yogurt.

This cake can be served as a simple dessert after dinner.

This cake recipe is simple to bake up, so keep the serving simple. Minimal citrus glaze and a simple fruit side with yogurt or whipped cream is all this little olive oil nibble needs.

Cocktail Pairing

A citrus-forward cocktail pairs naturally with this cake.

A Cara Cara gin and light rosemary citrus cocktail works especially well, echoing the orange notes without overwhelming the dessert. For something warmer, a vanilla or honey old fashioned makes a nice contrast.

How to Store the Cara Cara Olive Oil Cake

Because of the inclusion of olive oil and yogurt in this cake; the cake stores well for several days at room temperature. The citrus flavor actually deepens after a day, making this a great make ahead option.

How to Make Cara Cara Olive Oil Cake

Mix all wet ingredients together in a small bowl.

In a larger bowl combine dry ingredients.

Add liquid bowl to dry ingredients and mix.

Pour into baking dish and bake until done.

Finish with citrus glaze.