Ah… Valentine’s Day…

I have to admit that after 26 years, Valentine’s Day does not have the same significance it did when we first met… There’s no need to show one another how much we love one another by buying overpriced roses, expensive chocolates, or overpriced diamonds…

No… today, it’s little things. Like baking a cake.

 

Orange Olive Oil Cake

We both have a penchant for desserts, and while I tend to get most of the credit for baking, Victor is a great baker – and I have never been displeased with what he has made.

Case in point: Orange Olive Oil Cake.

We usually have a couple of stray oranges in the fruit bowl this time of year, so Victor grabbed them and went to work.

Orange Olive Oil Cake

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • zest from 2 oranges, preferably organic
  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, good quality
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, strained (2-3 oranges)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse or granulated sugar for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F for 8″ pan or 350°F for 9″ pan. Lightly grease and flour the bottom and sides of the pan.

In a small bowl combine the flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.

Fit a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Whip the eggs on medium speed until foamy. Add the granulated sugar and orange zest and whip on high speed until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium, and with the mixer running, slowly add the olive oil. Mix until the oil is completely incorporated.

Add half the flour mixture and mix on low speed until blended. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the milk and orange juice and mix on low until blended. Add the remaining flour and mix just until incorporated.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle 2 tablespoons coarse sugar on top. Bake 8″ cake in preheated 325°F oven for 60-70 minutes or 9″ cake at 350°F for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached.

Cool the cake on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before removing the sides.

The cake is rich, flavorful, not too sweet, and the perfect after-dinner – or mid-afternoon – snack!

The perfect Valentine Gift!