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Orange-Walnut Olive Oil Cake with Sweet Yogurt

Olive oil cakes are popular in Italy, where they are typically made with orange-flavored liqueurs. This version replaces the alcohol with orange juice (and zest), and calls for brown sugar instead of the more refined granulated variety. Use extra-virgin olive oil if you prefer a more pronounced fruitiness. This cake was made with an 8-by-2-inch round “professional” pan; the batter can also be baked in a standard 9-by-1 1/2-inch cake pan.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 8

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
1 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest, plus more for garnish, and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 2 to 3 oranges)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
2 large eggs
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup plain Greek-style yogurt (2 percent)
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush an 8-by-2-inch round cake pan with oil, then dust with flour; tap out excess. Line bottom with parchment; oil parchment. Pulse walnuts in a food processor until finely ground (do not overprocess).

    Step 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together orange zest, flour, baking powder, salt, and ground walnuts. Make a well in the center of flour mixture and stir in eggs, brown sugar, orange juice, and the oil until just moistened; do not overmix.

    Step 3

    Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in pan 10 minutes; turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely, top side up. Meanwhile, stir together yogurt and confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Before serving, dust cake with confectioners’ sugar, then slice into wedges. Pass sweet yogurt alongside. Garnish yogurt and cake slices with more orange zest, as desired.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 4

    (Per Serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 442

    Step 6

    Saturated Fat: 11.5g

    Step 7

    Unsaturated Fat: 11g

    Step 8

    Cholesterol: 55mg

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 51g

    Step 10

    Protein: 8.5g

    Step 11

    Sodium: 423mg

    Step 12

    Fiber: 2g

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