For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, finding satisfying and delicious desserts can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, the versatility of keto-friendly ingredients opens the door to a world of culinary possibilities. Enter the keto olive oil cake - a moist, flavorful, and surprisingly simple dessert that caters to both your sweet tooth and your dietary needs. This article explores various keto olive oil cake recipes, highlighting their unique characteristics and offering tips for achieving the perfect bake.
The Allure of Olive Oil Cake
Olive oil in cake? It might sound unconventional, but olive oil imparts a unique moistness and subtle flavor that elevates the cake to a new level. Unlike butter, olive oil contributes healthy fats, aligning perfectly with the ketogenic diet's principles. The result is a cake that is both decadent and guilt-free.
Key Ingredients for Keto Olive Oil Cake
The foundation of any successful keto olive oil cake lies in the careful selection of ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the essential components:
- Almond Flour: A staple in keto baking, almond flour provides a tender crumb and nutty flavor.
- Coconut Flour: Often used in combination with almond flour, coconut flour adds structure and helps absorb excess moisture.
- Sweetener: Keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit, or xylitol replace traditional sugar, providing sweetness without the carb impact.
- Olive Oil: Opt for a mild-flavored extra virgin olive oil to ensure it complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
- Flavorings: Extracts like vanilla or almond, citrus zest, and spices like cardamom enhance the cake's overall flavor profile.
Recipe 1: Simple Lemon Olive Oil Cake
This recipe showcases the bright and refreshing flavors of lemon, creating a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Lightly beaten eggs
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup (or keto-friendly alternative)
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 6-inch cake pan or springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Transfer to the prepared cake pan and press down gently with a spatula until the top is smooth and flat.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to set in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Top with powdered sugar or a lemon glaze before serving.
Recipe 2: Low Carb Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
For chocolate lovers, this recipe offers a rich and decadent experience while remaining keto-friendly.
Read also: Lemon Olive Oil Cake (Keto)
Ingredients:
- Almond meal
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Coffee (blended with boiling water)
- Eggs
- Sweetener
- Vanilla extract
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Prepare an 8 or 9-inch springform pan with butter and baking paper.
- Combine almond meal, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Blend the coffee with the boiling water.
- Beat the eggs, sweetener, vanilla extract, and olive oil for 2 minutes.
- Add the coffee mix and beat until blended.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined to form a smooth batter.
- Spoon into the cake pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until just cooked through. The sides should look set, but the center can still be slightly moist.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin, or serve warm.
- Optional: Top with chocolate ganache (recipe below).
Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat cream just below boiling point.
- Remove from heat and add chocolate.
- Stir until the chocolate has blended with the cream.
- Allow to cool before using. Drizzle over the cake before it thickens.
Recipe 3: Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake
This recipe combines the bright citrus notes of orange with the warm spice of cardamom, creating a harmonious and flavorful cake.
Ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Baking powder
- Xanthan gum
- Salt
- Cardamom
- Mandarin orange (whole, pureed)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Zest the mandarin orange and set the zest aside.
- Place the entire mandarin orange in a food processor and process until pureed.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the food processor with the orange puree. Combine.
- Pulse in the olive oil until combined.
- Add the almond flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt, and cardamom. Pulse until fully combined.
- Pour the cake mixture into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for a minimum of 20 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Top with sugar-free 7-minute frosting (recipe below).
Sugar-Free 7-Minute Frosting:
- Add water, almond extract, and powdered monk fruit to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Set to medium heat.
- Meanwhile, using an electric hand mixer, combine the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- When the water starts to boil, slowly add the water mixture to the soft peak egg whites while mixing with the hand mixer.
- Once you are done pouring, whisk for about 5 more minutes until stiff peaks form and the frosting has a glossy sheen to it.
- Fold in the orange zest and frost your cake as desired.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Keto Olive Oil Cake
- Use a Mild Olive Oil: The flavor of the olive oil will be present in the cake, so choose a mild-flavored extra virgin olive oil to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
- Don't Overbake: Keto cakes tend to dry out easily, so keep a close eye on the cake while it's baking and remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving, as this will help it retain its moisture and prevent it from crumbling.
- Add Moisture: Olive oil cakes are known for being moist. Yogurt is a great way to add more moisture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to create your own unique keto olive oil cake. Citrus zests, spices, and extracts can all be used to customize the flavor profile.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage. Wrap the Olive Oil cake in saran wrap two times to insure it does not get freezer burn. Thaw the cakes naturally in the refrigerator when ready to use.
Serving Suggestions
Keto olive oil cake can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Plain: Enjoy a slice of cake on its own for a simple and satisfying treat.
- With Yogurt or Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sugar-free whipped cream for added richness and flavor.
- With Berries: Fresh berries add a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the cake's flavor.
- With Frosting: frost it with Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting or a plain Cream Cheese Frosting.
- As a Layer Cake: Because of how moist and dense this cake is it would also be a great cake to use as a layer cake or celebration cake. Try it served with some Raspberry Chia Jam Spread and fresh whipped cream in between layers and frost it with chocolate ganache.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide