Lemon Olive Oil Cake

A good lemon olive oil cake is one of those perfect desserts - simple to make, pantry-friendly, but with a depth of flavour that feels far more elevated than the ingredient list suggests. The olive oil keeps it impossibly moist, the lemon zest brings brightness, and the soft crumb makes it the kind of cake you can serve for anything: slow Sundays, afternoon tea, or a dinner-party dessert with a dusting of icing sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (190g) plain flour
  
  

• 1 cup (200g) caster sugar
  
  

• 1 tsp baking powder
  
  

• ½ tsp baking soda
  
  

• Pinch of salt
  
  

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  
  

• ½ cup (120ml) high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
  
  

• ½ cup (120ml) milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  
  

• ⅓ cup (80ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  
  

• Zest of 2 large lemons
  
  

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
  

• Icing sugar, for dusting
  
  

• A little extra lemon zest
  
  

• Greek yoghurt or vanilla ice cream to serve
  
  

Method

1. Prep the tin: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.

4. Bring it together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, but don’t overmix or you’ll lose that beautiful tender crumb.

5. Bake: Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden, and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean

6. Cool & finish: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar and a sprinkle of lemon zest if you like.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with thick Greek yoghurt for something fresh and tangy.
  
  

• Or serve cool with vanilla ice cream for a more classic dessert feel.
  
  

• Add extra lemon syrup (1:1 lemon juice + sugar) brushed over the warm cake if you want a wetter, citrus-forward finish.
  
  

The Recipe’s Health Benefits

• Lemon: Packed with vitamin C and naturally occurring antioxidants, lemons support collagen formation, skin brightness, and immune balance. The zest contains citrus flavonoids that help combat oxidative stress and contribute to the cake’s fresh, uplifting flavour.

• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, both linked with heart health, cellular resilience, and reduced oxidative stress. Using olive oil instead of butter keeps the cake light, moist, and aligned with Mediterranean-style longevity nutrition.

• Eggs: A natural source of protein, B vitamins, and choline, key for cellular energy, neural function, and supporting stable mood and cognitive clarity. They also create the cake’s tender structure without needing heavy fats.

• Milk (or dairy-free alternative): Adds softness and moisture while providing calcium and essential minerals. Dairy-free options like oat or almond milk keep the texture gentle while still offering micronutrient support.

• Lemon Juice + Zest Together: This pairing delivers both acidity and aromatic oils, supporting digestion and providing a dose of natural polyphenols. The bright flavour also reduces the need for excessive sweetness.

Product Spotlight

Since this recipe leans into simplicity and natural flavour, it pairs well with a spotlight on daily essentials that support cellular pathways behind the scenes, particularly TMG-B Complex.

TMG-B Complex supports healthy methylation, a process involved in energy production, detoxification, nervous-system balance, and the regulation of hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. In a world where stress, poor sleep, and environmental exposure can all increase methylation demand, TMG-B provides an accessible, foundational layer of support.

Inside, it combines key nutrients that work together:

• Trimethylglycine (TMG) to support natural methylation cycles
  
  

• Vitamin B12 for energy metabolism and cognitive function
  
  

• Folate (5-MTHF) to assist cellular repair and normal red blood cell formation
  
  

• Vitamin B6 for nervous-system health and neurotransmitter production
  
  

Taken daily, TMG B-Complex helps maintain the processes that underpin long-term energy, mood balance, and cellular health, making it a practical support system alongside your lifestyle and nutrition habits.