Keto Olive Oil Cake

Delicious Keto Olive Oil Cake: A Low-Carb Delight for Any Occasion

Transform your dessert experience with this exquisite keto olive oil cake, a perfect blend of rich flavor and healthy living. Crafted with fine almond flour, each moist slice boasts a mere 4g net carbs, making it an ideal indulgence for the holidays or any time you crave a guilt-free treat. This recipe promises a wonderfully dense, pound cake-like texture, subtle Mediterranean notes, and bright citrus undertones, all while adhering to your low-carb lifestyle.

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Close up of a slice on a plate

What Exactly is Olive Oil Cake?

The name “olive oil cake” is quite descriptive – it’s a cake where olive oil takes center stage as the primary fat, replacing traditional butter or other oils. This distinctive baking tradition likely originated in regions where olive groves flourish and olive oil is a staple in every kitchen, particularly around the Mediterranean. Unlike cakes made with butter, olive oil imparts a unique moistness and a nuanced flavor profile that can range from fruity and peppery to buttery and mild, depending on the type of olive oil used.

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Whole cake dusted with powdered sweetener

Traditional olive oil cakes vary significantly in texture; some are wonderfully light and spongy, while others are as robust and dense as a classic pound cake. For our keto version, we aim for that satisfyingly dense, moist crumb, reminiscent of a pound cake, without relying on gluten or unnecessary fillers like xanthan gum. You might be surprised to find that the olive oil flavor in the finished cake is incredibly subtle, often blending seamlessly with other ingredients to create a sophisticated, earthy background note. Instead of an overpowering olive taste, you’ll discover a harmonious balance where bright citrus notes from lemon zest and juice elevate the overall aroma and flavor, resulting in a cake that is both rich and refreshing.

Embracing the Keto Lifestyle with Olive Oil Cake

One of the many delightful aspects of this keto olive oil cake is its elegant simplicity. Once baked to golden perfection, there’s no need for elaborate glazes, heavy frostings, or complicated decorations. A delicate dusting of a confectioner’s sugar substitute is all it takes to make this cake presentation-ready. This minimalist approach not only saves time but also keeps the net carb count wonderfully low, allowing the natural flavors of the cake to truly shine.

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Slice served on a plate with garnish

Beyond its low-carb benefits, this versatile recipe adapts beautifully to various baking pans. I personally favor a springform pan for its effortless release, ensuring your beautifully baked cake comes out intact and pristine every time. However, don’t hesitate to get creative! Pour the batter into a decorative bundt pan for an impressive centerpiece, or use a muffin tin to create individual keto olive oil cupcakes – perfect for portion control and easy sharing. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this recipe to any occasion or preference.

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Whole cake in a pan

If you’re already a fan of rich, easy, and satisfying keto desserts, you absolutely must add this olive oil cake to your repertoire. And for those looking for more sweet inspirations, be sure to explore other delightful options like our keto blueberry dump cake. You’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious healthy eating can be!

The Power of Almond Flour in Keto Baking

This keto olive oil cake, made with almond flour, is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or elegance. It’s truly a beautiful creation you’ll be proud to present at Christmas gatherings, festive bridal showers, sophisticated brunches, or simply as a thoughtful treat when friends and family drop by for coffee. Its delicate appearance and delightful taste make it suitable for any special moment.

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Close up of cake texture

When embarking on your keto baking journey with almond flour, a crucial distinction to remember is the difference between almond flour and almond meal. While both are derived from almonds, they are not interchangeable in most baking recipes. Almond flour is made from blanched (skinless) almonds that have been finely ground, resulting in a light, airy texture that is perfect for delicate cakes and pastries. Almond meal, on the other hand, is typically made from unblanched almonds, retaining their skins, and is ground more coarsely. Using almond meal in this recipe would yield a gritty, less refined texture, compromising the smooth, tender crumb we’re aiming for. Always opt for finely blanched almond flour for the best results in this keto olive oil cake.

Maintaining Freshness: Tips for Your Low-Carb Cake

One of the practical advantages of this low-carb cake is its excellent keeping quality. Stored properly, it will remain deliciously fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prepping your weekly treats or enjoying over several days. To maximize its freshness and prevent it from drying out, it’s essential to protect the cake from air exposure. The best method is to seal it tightly in an airtight container or wrap it meticulously in food storage wrap. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to a month, allowing you to enjoy this delightful cake whenever a craving strikes.

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Two slices on a wooden board

Gluten-Free Excellence: A Classic with a Twist

Despite being completely gluten-free, this almond flour olive oil cake captures all the classic flavors and the rich, satisfying texture of a traditional olive oil cake. The absence of gluten does not detract from its charm; instead, it offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. The beauty of this recipe also lies in its adaptability, especially when it comes to citrus flavors. While lemon zest and lemon juice provide a wonderfully bright and tangy counterpoint to the olive oil, you’re encouraged to experiment.

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Cake in a springform pan before baking

Consider swapping lemon for fresh orange zest and orange juice to introduce a sweeter, sunnier note, or perhaps lime for a more tart and exotic twist. You could even infuse the olive oil with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a vanilla bean for an added layer of aromatic complexity. As your cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with an utterly drool-worthy aroma, a testament to the simple yet profound magic of baking with quality ingredients.

Essential Ingredients and Simple Steps for Your Keto Olive Oil Cake

Making this keto olive oil cake is a straightforward process, resulting in a truly impressive dessert. Below you’ll find an overview of the ingredients and instructions. For precise measurements and detailed steps, refer to the full recipe provided.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Net Carbs: 4 net carbs per serving
Calories: Approximately 365 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

  • Almond flour
  • Baking powder
  • Swerve confectioner’s sugar substitute (or your preferred keto-friendly powdered sweetener)
  • High-quality olive oil (extra virgin recommended for flavor depth)
  • Plain Greek yogurt (adds moisture and tenderness)
  • Large eggs
  • Lemon (for both zest and fresh juice)
  • Vanilla extract

Instructions:

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Mixing bowl with ingredients

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Close up of batter in a bowl

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare your springform pan by greasing it thoroughly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the wet and dry ingredients. Beat the mixture on high speed until it is completely smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps for a uniform cake texture.
  3. Carefully spread the prepared batter evenly into your well-greased springform pan.
  4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.
  5. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature in the pan before attempting to remove it. This prevents cracking and ensures the cake holds its shape.
  6. Before serving, lightly dust the cooled cake with additional confectioner’s sugar substitute for a beautiful presentation.

Keto Olive Oil Cake - Cake in oven after baking

Recipe Notes:

  • Calories: 365 Per Serving
  • Net Carbs: 4 Net Carbs Per Serving
  • The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. We cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.

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More Must-Try Keto Cake Recipes

If you’ve savored every bite of this keto olive oil cake and are eager for more low-carb baking adventures, we’ve got you covered! Here are some additional keto-friendly cake recipes that are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth:

  • Keto Chocolate Cupcakes With Peppermint Topping
  • Keto Gingerbread Bundt Cake
  • Low-Carb Pumpkin Pound Cake
  • Keto Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake