Clementine Yogurt Olive Oil Cake Recipe: Light, Luscious, and Perfectly Tangy!

Bursting with the natural sweetness of clementines and the subtle richness of olive oil, this Clementine Yogurt Olive Oil Cake is a dreamy dessert that combines moist, tender crumbs with a citrusy zing.

The yogurt adds a creamy tang that balances the flavors beautifully, making it a versatile treat that shines on its own or paired with complementary sides.

For a well-rounded dessert experience, enjoy a slice of this cake with a comforting Mocha Blended Drink or serve it with a spoonful of Baked Apples for an extra touch of decadence. These pairings highlight the cake’s unique flavors while adding a warm, cozy element to your table.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too):

The baked clementine yogurt olive oil cake resting on a wire rack placed over the white marble cooktop, cooling and ready to be sliced and served.

  • Bright Citrus Flavor: The zesty clementines make every bite feel like sunshine.
  • Delightfully Moist: Olive oil and yogurt create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Perfectly Balanced: The subtle richness of olive oil complements the sweet and tangy notes of the fruit.
  • Simple Elegance: It’s an easy recipe that feels sophisticated enough for special occasions.
The baked clementine yogurt olive oil cake resting on a wire rack placed over the white marble cooktop, cooling and ready to be sliced and served.

Clementine Yogurt Olive Oil Cake Recipe

This moist, flavorful clementine yogurt olive oil cake combines citrusy zest, Greek yogurt, and olive oil for a light yet rich dessert. Serve with vanilla yogurt or fruit for a perfect treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 235 kcal

Equipment

  • 8.5×4.5 loaf pan
  • Baking spray
  • Microplane grater
  • Whisk
  • Medium bowl
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Wire Rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 clementines or 1 orange
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Sanding sugar optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8.5×4.5 loaf pan with baking spray.
  • In a bowl, add sugar and zest the clementines over it using a microplane. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until the oil is released and fragrant.
    A mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop containing sugar and freshly zested clementine peel, with hands rubbing the zest into the sugar to release fragrant oils.
  • Peel the clementines, cut out the segments, and set aside on a paper towel.
    Peeled clementines with their bright orange segments neatly arranged on a paper towel, set on the white marble cooktop, prepared for the recipe.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    A medium bowl on the white marble cooktop filled with flour, baking powder, and salt, as they are whisked together evenly.
  • Whisk the yogurt into the sugar mixture.
    A mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop showing yogurt being whisked into the sugar and zested clementine mixture, creating a creamy base.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating vigorously until smooth. Stir in vanilla and orange extract.
    Eggs being cracked and added one at a time into the sugar-yogurt mixture in a mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop, with a whisk nearby.
  • Add the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
    The dry ingredients being added to the wet sugar-yogurt mixture in a mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop, ready to be gently whisked.
  • Use a spatula to stir in the olive oil and clementine segments.
    A spatula folding olive oil and clementine segments into the smooth cake batter in a mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired.
    Cake batter being poured into a prepared loaf pan on the white marble cooktop, with a light sprinkle of sanding sugar on top for added texture.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    A loaf pan in the oven on the white marble cooktop, with the clementine yogurt olive oil cake developing a golden, crusty top as it bakes.
  • Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
    The baked clementine yogurt olive oil cake resting on a wire rack placed over the white marble cooktop, cooling and ready to be sliced and served.

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories235 kcal
Carbohydrates32 g
Fibre1 g
Fat10 g
Protein4 g
Sugar20 g

10 Tips for Perfect Clementine Olive Oil Cake!

  1. Zest First, Juice Later: Before juicing the clementines or orange, zest them to extract maximum flavor. Zesting after juicing can be tricky.
  2. Use Fresh Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds moisture and tanginess. Make sure it’s fresh for the best texture and flavor.
  3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and yogurt to room temperature before mixing. This ensures better blending and a smoother batter.
  4. Don’t Overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
  5. Choose Quality Olive Oil: Use a light, high-quality olive oil for a smooth flavor that complements the citrus notes without overpowering them.
  6. Grease Your Pan Well: Prevent sticking by thoroughly greasing the cake pan and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
  7. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt ensures a lump-free, airy batter.
  8. Customize the Sweetness: Sanding sugar on top is optional, but it adds a beautiful crunch and sweetness. Skip it for a less sugary cake.
  9. Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake after baking. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.
  10. Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to let the flavors fully develop and avoid crumbling.

This olive oil cake is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. Happy baking!

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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