Make Ahead
Pearl's Lemon Olive Oil Cake (with Self-rising Flour)
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61 Reviews
Barb Y.
June 17, 2022
Love love love this recipe! It has become my go-to. I have made it for many people from dinner parties to funerals and everyone raves about it. I've used plain yogurt, lemon yogurt, even peach yogurt - whatever I have on hand. It is so so easy and the lemon drizzle when it comes out of the oven makes it outrageously lemony and good. Yes, sometimes it does sink in the middle and I was originally worried about that but I have found that it doesn't make any difference. It just becomes more densely lemon-y in that part of the cake. I love citrus flavor (lemon and orange) so naturally I love this recipe. But even others comment on it. My 6 year old granddaughter told me the first time she had it, "I could eat this WHOLE cake by myself! Definitely a great recipe! I've also had some of my grands help me make it and they are always so proud of their "accomplishment". Try it!
Janet B.
May 24, 2020
I baked this cake today with a disappointing result--a deep crater in the middle! It looked fine after 40 minutes, but was a bit jiggly and seemed to need more browning. After five more minutes, it had deflated badly. I'm sure it will taste all right, but I wanted it to look beautiful, too. I used a 9 inch Williams Sonoma Goldtouch pan, measuring all ingredients carefully.
Chimes
August 26, 2018
I made this for a brunch party and it was a hit! I made 1/3 extra batter and had enough for a loaf pan and a 9" springform (I buttered both, no paper). I did 1 1/4 c sugar for all of it and that was plenty. Don't scrimp on the syrup, that's where the lemon flavor comes from! This would be absolutely dreamy with lavender or rosemary added.
Lorraine
December 3, 2017
How to make this without self-rising flour?
Jaynerly
December 3, 2017
I am sorry I couldn’t tell you as I have only ever used self raising flour
Barb Y.
June 17, 2022
I've made it when I didn't have buttermilk. A quick google told me to sub 1 cup flour and 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt per cup of flour called for in the recipe. Results have still been delicious.
Barb Y.
June 17, 2022
Oops - I didn't mean buttermilk. I meant when I didn't have self-rising flour! Not sure how to correct my post above.
Karen B.
August 24, 2022
For each cup of self rising use 1 cup all purpose plus 1-1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt
Jaynerly
April 28, 2017
Hi Lydia, I have never tried to cut the cake into layers so I am afraid I can not answer that. If you try it as a layer cake though let me know if it works out.
Audrey H.
November 6, 2016
Loved this recipe. We cut the sugar to 1 1/4 cups and served with fresh, unsweetened whipped cream and blueberry compote. Will definitely be making this again!
lee K.
October 18, 2015
This cake is easy to make and I followed exactly the measurement required. So next time when I bake again, I know how much sugar to cut down. I love this olive oil cake and so moist. May be I can also substitute lemon with orange. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
[email protected]
December 24, 2014
I've just made this and I'm waiting for it to cool. Had to use ginger syrup because that's what I had on hand and I'm short on lemons. Can't wait to try! Used a 9" springform and failed to line it so there's a little spillage in the oven, but 45 minutes appears to have been perfect. Smells divine.
Dana
December 16, 2014
Thinking of making this recipe in smaller tins, to use as Christmas gifts... Has anyone tried doing this? What should I change the bake time to?
Brooke W.
September 30, 2014
Loved this but had to make some adjustments based on what I had at hand. I couldn't find a decent yogurt in the store so I used 3/4 cup sour cream with a smidge of buttermilk. My zester is packed away in storage so I couldn't add zest - however I added about half of a lemon's juice instead. I reduced the sugar to 1 cup instead of 2 cups. I also reduced the syrup by half. It only took about 30 minutes to bake as well!
andrea
March 12, 2014
I loved this cake. I used only 1 cup of sugar and greek youghurt and it was still sweet. remember because it has the sugar on the top also in the syrup. And I am from Wanaka in beautiful New Zealand
Jaynerly
May 23, 2014
I love that this cake still works with changes! Less sugar is always good! I visited Wanaka in 2000, spent a month in New Zealand loved it there so much!
Lisanne
February 24, 2014
This looks absolutely beautiful! I used Greek non-fat yogurt and cut sugar to 1 1/2 cups. Baked at 350 convection in a 10" spring form and it was done after 35 minutes. I am having a hard time waiting for it to cool as it smells so good! Just had a taste, Fab! This recipe is a keeper!!!
Jaynerly
March 2, 2014
Thanks for the feedback, I am also going to cut the sugar next time I make this!
SabrinaLVH
February 19, 2014
I'm not a baker and this was my first cake. It was so easy, moist, and delicious! I did make some changes as I didn't have everything on hand. I used honey vanilla Greek yogurt and baking soda+cream of tartar with my all-purpose flour since I didn't have self rising or baking powder. I also cut back on the sugar (1.5 c) and lemon juice (1/4 c). I also accidentally remembered the zest of 4 lemons, not 3. I poured into a 9" springform pan and baked for 45 minutes.
I just can't believe my first try was such a success! Thank you for such a wonderful recipe (and so easy! Way better than the labors of love I've eaten).
I just can't believe my first try was such a success! Thank you for such a wonderful recipe (and so easy! Way better than the labors of love I've eaten).
Jaynerly
March 2, 2014
Great that you cut back the sugar, I've been meaning to do that myself to see how it turned out!
AnnieHynes
January 21, 2014
I made this cake tonight and it is soooo moist and good. The lemon flavor is profound. I made it in an 8" cake tin oiled. I used Greek yogurt (low fat) with 2 1/2 lemon (s) zest and 1/2 a lime zest. Will make this ALOT!!! Loved!
Nancy H.
January 1, 2014
Hi - lovely texture and flavour - came out a bit on the dark side - but will definitely make again. Will be a 'go to' recipe because it tastes good and I don't have to remember to take butter out to soften before making :-) thanks for this recipe.
C S.
December 12, 2013
I just made this and I was licking the spoon before I put the cake In the oven! I used greek yogurt and lined the bottom with wax paper and sprayed around it with cooking spray. I used Meyers lemons and it so moist and delicious! What a winner! Will make times over.
aargersi
December 12, 2013
I made this for a luncheon yesterday and it was a complete and utter HIT - set upon and completely consumed. Everyone LOVED it. I am making it again this weekend, maybe even twice, for parties. I used a 9" springform and baked for 45 minutes and it was perfect - I did put parchment in the pan and I used meyer lemons because our trees are covered. Fantastic!!!
Sandra
December 11, 2013
Wonderful cake. I also have an overly hot oven so I had to bake it longer at a lower temp. My family loved it even without the lemon juice. Perfect for tea or coffee.
Jaynerly
December 11, 2013
Thank you, I'm so glad you liked it, we also enjoy it both with or without the lemon juice.
Michelle
December 10, 2013
So, I baked mine for 45 minutes and it was black on the top and sides. I've not noticed a problem with my oven being too hot so I am not sure what happened. I used a round, 8" metal cake pan.
Jaynerly
December 11, 2013
Oh what a shame, I've never had that happen and also use a 8 inch metal pan. Oven temperatures do vary so much, this cake takes about 55 minutes in my oven.
Elizabeth H.
December 9, 2013
Should we use plain American yogurt, or Greek-style yogurt? Thanks!
Jaynerly
December 9, 2013
I think plain American is the same as plain yoghurt here, that's what I use. Greek yoghurt would work if that's all you have though, it's a very un-fussy cake!
pawla.marie
December 9, 2013
OK--I see now that it says lined 8" springform tin. That makes sense. You need to click on "see more" in the author's notes to get those instructions. Looks great, will try. I will probably use some cooking spray rather than lining. Thanks!
Denice T.
December 9, 2013
Yes please tell us what size cake tin do you use. Does make a huge difference if the right size tin is not used
pawla.marie
December 8, 2013
Please--what size cake tin/pan? This makes a huge difference in terms of getting it to come out right. Thanks!
Gret
December 8, 2013
This will be perfect for our long New Years week thru weekend, as we'll be having welcome company this whole time.They will love it! But, what do you mean by cake tin? Is it a round 8", or is it a 9" one layer cake pan?
Also, do I have to use my electric mixer, or did you do it by hand? THANKS!
Also, do I have to use my electric mixer, or did you do it by hand? THANKS!
Jaynerly
December 9, 2013
I use a round 8 inch spring form tin. You can use your mixer but it will also come together easy enough by hand! It's a good size cake so should be great for your weekend- enjoy!
Annerieke W.
January 30, 2013
This is a truly amazing cake - have made it many times now and is always a winner! I always use olive oil from our own olive trees (Bethlehem, Palestine)and local yogurt and lemons which adds to the joy of eating this. Thank you Jaynerly!
Jaynerly
December 8, 2013
How fabulous to have your own olive trees! Thank you so much for commenting here, I'm glad you like this cake!
Annerieke W.
December 9, 2013
thank you for your reaction, jaynerly. i realized just now that one of the reasons that this is such a fab cake for us is also that its based on oil rather than butter, butter is VERY expensive here (about 200 grams for 5 dollars) and not so good, whereas olive oil is free (except for our days spent picking them ;)) and very good for you too!
FoodieTina
February 12, 2012
I made this, subbing in whole wheat flour for half of the flour in the recipe and cut back a bit on the sugar, which made for a denser cake. used Meyer lemons. It seemed like 1/2 c. of lemon juice was way too much - even after sitting for a while there was still juice pooling in the pan - might cut back to 1/4 c. juice next time.
Jaynerly
April 11, 2012
Sorry there seemed too much juice for you, I have never made it with whole wheat flour. It is quite a moist cake, but I really like that, for me the best part is the damp lemony bits where the juice catches.
Sandra
July 25, 2013
Thanks for this feedback, FoodieTina. I follwed your adjustments and it turned out just the way i like 'em.
nogaga
July 17, 2011
As soon as I can find decent lemons I'm going for this! I love olive oil cakes. Many thanks for this recipe!
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