Craving a rich, moist, and decadent cake that’s bursting with flavor? This Chocolate Olive Oil Cake is exactly what you need.
Infused with the delicate notes of olive oil and paired with the richness of cocoa, this cake is the perfect balance of fruity and chocolatey goodness.
The addition of cardamom cream and crunchy pistachios takes it to the next level, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients List
Cake Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (180ml) extra-virgin olive oil, more for greasing the pan
- ½ cup (70g) good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (120ml) boiling water
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1⅓ cups (165g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup (195g) super fine sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Cyprus flake salt (or flaky sea salt)
Cardamom Cream Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
For Serving:
- 1 teaspoon dried rose petals (optional)
- ½ cup (65g) chopped unsalted pistachios
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with ease, here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls—one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: You can use an electric mixer to make the process faster, or a whisk will do if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
- 9-inch Cake Pan: A standard 9-inch round cake pan works best for this recipe. Make sure to grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Small Saucepan: For boiling the water and cocoa powder together to create a smooth batter.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for the right texture, so make sure you measure your ingredients carefully.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy, a hand mixer or stand mixer can save you a lot of time and effort.
Cake Preparation
The secret to a moist and fluffy Chocolate Olive Oil Cake lies in the careful preparation of the batter. Follow these steps to create a smooth, rich batter that bakes up perfectly every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Cocoa Mixture
Begin by adding the unsweetened cocoa powder to a small saucepan. Pour in the boiling water and whisk together until the cocoa is fully dissolved. This will create a smooth and glossy chocolate mixture that will infuse your cake with a deep, rich flavor. Once combined, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the batter.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. The olive oil adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, while the eggs help create structure and stability. Beat the mixture until it’s light and slightly fluffy—about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or whisk.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and superfine sugar. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients, ensuring that your cake rises evenly without lumps.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can cause the cake to become dense, so be sure to fold the batter rather than stirring vigorously. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, add the cooled cocoa mixture and continue folding until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared 9-inch cake pan. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should rise beautifully and develop a rich, dark color.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is important to allow the cake to set and avoid any crumbling when slicing.
Cardamom Cream and Assembly
The cardamom cream is the perfect finishing touch for this cake. It adds a fragrant, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the olive oil and chocolate. Follow these steps to make your cardamom cream and assemble the cake.
Step 1: Make the Cardamom Cream
In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream (or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option) with the ground cardamom. Using a hand whisk or a mixer, beat the cream until it reaches soft peaks. The cardamom will infuse the cream with a warm, spicy undertone, making every bite of your cake even more irresistible. Once it’s whipped, set the cream aside in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Step 2: Slice and Prepare the Cake
Once the Chocolate Olive Oil Cake has cooled completely, carefully slice it into layers if you wish (though this cake is delicious as a single-layer cake as well). If you’re feeling creative, you can even frost the cake with the cardamom cream, spreading it evenly across the top and sides for a smooth finish. Alternatively, you can simply dollop the cream onto each slice when serving.
Step 3: Garnish with Pistachios and Rose Petals
For a stunning presentation, sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the cake. The crunchy, salty pistachios contrast perfectly with the rich, moist texture of the cake. If you have dried rose petals on hand (optional), sprinkle them over the top for a touch of elegance and an extra pop of color. These garnishes elevate the look of the cake, making it not only taste amazing but also visually appealing.
Serving and Storing the Cake
This Chocolate Olive Oil Cake is perfect for serving at any gathering or as a special treat. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its depth of flavor and unique combination of ingredients. Here’s how to serve and store it for maximum enjoyment.
Step 1: Serving the Cake
To serve, slice the cake into generous pieces. If you frosted the cake with the cardamom cream, you can serve each slice with an extra dollop of the whipped cream on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and, if you like, a few dried rose petals for a festive touch. The cake is incredibly moist, so a little goes a long way—each bite is rich and satisfying.
If you’re serving it for a special occasion or dinner party, consider pairing the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert experience. The flavors also shine on their own, so you can enjoy it without any additions for a more simple indulgence.
Step 2: Storing the Cake
After serving, you may have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep the Chocolate Olive Oil Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake remains incredibly moist and flavorful for a few days after baking, so you can enjoy it for multiple servings.
Step 3: Freezing the Cake
If you’d like to store the cake for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or reheat it gently in the oven for a warm treat. You can also freeze individual slices for easy grab-and-go servings whenever you want a sweet bite!
Conclusion
This Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with cardamom cream and pistachios is a showstopper dessert that combines the best of both worlds—rich chocolate flavor and the unique, fruity notes of olive oil. It’s an ideal cake for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests. The cardamom cream adds an unexpected twist, while the crunchy pistachios provide a delightful texture contrast. With proper storage, you can enjoy this cake for several days or even freeze it for later enjoyment.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making this delicious and elegant cake, you can experiment with different toppings or fillings to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, this cake is sure to be a crowd favorite!
