Best Apple Cake Olive Oil Recipe Simple & Delicious
Want a healthier, ultra-moist apple cake? Apple cake olive oil replaces butter for tender texture and rich flavor. Bake this smart swap today
Picture this: a golden, tender cake bursting with juicy apple chunks and infused with the subtle richness of olive oil. This apple cake olive oil recipe delivers incredible moisture without butter, creating a healthier dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Unlike our popular banana bread recipe, this cake stays perfectly moist for days thanks to olive oil’s natural preserving properties. Get ready to fall in love with this simple, family-friendly treat!
Table of Contents
What is Apple Cake Olive Oil?
Ever wondered why olive oil in a sweet cake sounds so intriguing? This delightful dessert combines the Mediterranean tradition of using olive oil in baking with classic American apple cake comfort. The olive oil creates an incredibly moist texture while allowing the apple flavors to shine brighter than traditional butter-based cakes. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – and this cake is your golden ticket! Ready to surprise your taste buds?
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake Olive Oil
Incredibly Moist Texture That Lasts
The star quality of this apple cake olive oil recipe is its exceptional moisture retention. Olive oil creates a tender crumb that stays fresh for up to a week, unlike butter cakes that dry out quickly. Each bite melts in your mouth with chunks of sweet, caramelized apples throughout.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Making this cake at home costs a fraction of bakery prices while delivering superior quality. You’ll use simple pantry staples and fresh apples to create a dessert that rivals expensive cafe treats. The olive oil eliminates the need for softening butter, making preparation even more convenient.
Aromatic Spices and Fresh Apple Flavor
Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla complement the natural sweetness of apples, while olive oil adds subtle richness without overwhelming the fruit flavors. Unlike our chocolate chip cookies recipe, this cake celebrates natural ingredients with minimal processing. Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery?

How to Make Apple Cake Olive Oil
Quick Overview
This apple cake olive oil recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction. The olive oil creates an incredibly tender, moist texture that butter simply can’t match, while fresh apples provide natural sweetness and delightful texture contrast.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serves: 12 slices
Key Ingredients for Apple Cake Olive Oil
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Add-ins:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil and dust lightly with flour, tapping out excess. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. Make sure there are no lumps – this ensures even distribution of spices throughout the cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should be glossy and uniform in color.
Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold together until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a tender cake.
Add the Apples
Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apples will release moisture during baking, creating pockets of sweetness.
Bake to Perfection
Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before cutting. This helps it set properly and prevents crumbling when sliced.
What to Serve Apple Cake Olive Oil With
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For afternoon tea, pair with coffee, chai, or herbal tea.
Create a stunning brunch spread by serving alongside fresh fruit salad and Greek yogurt. The cake also complements cheese boards – try it with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for an unexpected sweet-savory combination.
For special occasions, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Cake Olive Oil
Choose the Right Olive Oil
Use mild or light olive oil rather than robust extra virgin varieties. Strong olive oil can overpower the apple flavors. If you only have extra virgin, it will still work but may add a slightly stronger flavor.
Apple Selection Matters
Granny Smith apples provide tartness that balances sweetness, while Honeycrisp offers natural sweetness and maintains texture during baking. Avoid Red Delicious as they become mushy when cooked.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Fold ingredients just until combined – lumps are your friend here!
Room Temperature Ingredients
Bring eggs and milk to room temperature for better incorporation and smoother batter. Cold ingredients can cause the olive oil to seize up.
Test for Doneness Properly
The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. The cake continues cooking from residual heat after removal from the oven.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to one week. The olive oil keeps this cake moist longer than butter-based cakes.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The cake is equally delicious at room temperature or slightly warmed.
For best texture, avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as cold temperatures can slightly firm the olive oil and change the cake’s tender crumb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the olive oil with other oils?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil in equal amounts. However, olive oil provides the best flavor and moisture retention for this recipe.
What’s the best type of apple for this cake?
Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet cake. Honeycrisp and Braeburn are also excellent choices.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. The cake should also spring back lightly when touched.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes! Try adding diced pears, fresh cranberries, or even blueberries. Keep the total fruit amount around 3 cups for best results.
Why is my cake too dense?
This usually happens from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, don’t pack it down.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy alternative in equal amounts.
How can I make the cake more moist?
The olive oil already makes this cake incredibly moist, but you can add 2 tablespoons of applesauce or an extra tablespoon of milk for even more moisture.
Nutrition Information
Nutrient | Per Slice (1/12 of cake) |
---|---|
Calories | 285 |
Total Fat | 14g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Cholesterol | 47mg |
Sodium | 195mg |
Total Carbs | 38g |
Dietary Fiber | 2g |
Sugars | 25g |
Protein | 4g |
Vitamin C | 3mg |
Potassium | 95mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Creative Variations to Try
Transform this basic recipe into exciting variations! Add ½ cup caramel chips for a caramel apple version, or swirl in cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Create a spiced version by adding ½ teaspoon ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon cardamom. For chocolate lovers, fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
Make individual cupcakes by dividing batter among 18 muffin cups and baking for 18-22 minutes. Perfect for lunch boxes and parties!
Try a streusel topping by mixing ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter before baking.
The Science Behind Olive Oil in Baking
Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that create a different texture than butter’s saturated fats. This results in a more tender, moist crumb that stays fresh longer.
The emulsification properties of olive oil help bind ingredients while allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Unlike butter, olive oil doesn’t solidify when cool, maintaining the cake’s soft texture even when refrigerated.
Olive oil also contains natural antioxidants that help preserve the cake’s freshness and provide subtle health benefits compared to traditional butter cakes.
This apple cake olive oil recipe proves that sometimes the best innovations come from simple substitutions. The Mediterranean tradition of using olive oil in baking creates a cake that’s not only delicious but also stays moist for days longer than traditional recipes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to fill your home with the comforting aroma of apples and spices, this recipe delivers every time. Save this recipe, share it with friends, and don’t forget to tag us when you make your own version!