Light and Airy Cardamom Orange Olive Oil Cake

A fragrant and tender cardamom orange olive oil cake with a luscious honey- orange glaze. Perfectly balanced in flavor and effortless to make!

There’s something special about a simple, fragrant cake that fills your kitchen with warmth. This Cardamom Olive Oil Cake is one of those recipes- light, tender, and bursting with bright citrus and warm spice. The combination of fruity olive oil and a sweet honey-orange glaze makes this cake both elegant and comforting. Its perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Moist and Tender – Olive oil and yogurt keep this cake soft for days.
• Warm and Fragrant – Cardamom brings a floral warmth that pairs beautifully with orange.
• Naturally Sweetened – The honey in the glaze enhances the cake’s natural flavors.
• Easy to Make – No mixer required—just whisk, bake, and enjoy!

The Magic of Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice that adds an unmistakable depth of flavor to baked goods. With its slightly citrusy, floral, and peppery notes, it enhances both sweet and savory dishes. In this cake, cardamom pairs beautifully with orange, complementing its bright acidity and creating a well-rounded warmth in every bite. Unlike cinnamon or nutmeg, which can sometimes dominate, cardamom provides a gentle yet complex spiced undertone that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Combined with olive oil and honey, it brings a rich, aromatic quality that makes this cake truly special.

Flavor Substitutions

If you’d like to experiment with different flavors, here are some great substitutions:

• Citrus Alternatives – Swap orange zest and juice for lemon or grapefruit for a slightly different citrus profile.
• Spice Variations – Replace cardamom with cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a different warmth.
• Oil Choices – Instead of olive oil, try coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor or melted butter for a richer taste.
• Sweetener Swaps – Use maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Option – Replace yogurt or sour cream with coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Cardamom Orange Olive Oil Cake is a simple yet elegant breakfast or dessert, with a balance of warm spice, bright citrus, and natural sweetness. The honey-orange glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. I hope you love this cake as much as I do—let me know if you give it a try!

Print Pin Recipe

Cardamom Orange Olive Oil Cake

A fragrant and tender Cardamom Orange Olive Oil Cake with a luscious honey-orange glaze—perfectly balanced in flavor and effortless to make!

Course Dessert

Servings 8

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose floud
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil preferable extra virgin
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice about 2 oranges
• 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Honey Orange Glaze

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 tsp orange zest optional
• a pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan or loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, olive oil, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
• Add the orange zest, orange juice, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes (for a round cake) or 45-50 minutes (for a loaf) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze

• In a small saucepan, combine honey and orange juice over low heat.
• Stir gently and let warm for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest and a small pinch of salt.
• Let the glaze cool slightly, then drizzle or brush it over the cooled cake.

Serving & Storage

• Serve at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for later.