This Rustichella Lemon Oil Cake is a light and fragrant dessert, infused with homemade lemony olive oil for a subtle citrus flavor. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for any occasion and ready in about 1 hour, plus time to prepare the lemon oil.
Jump to RecipeRustichella Lemon Oil Cake Recipe Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 10 oz. (1 1/4 cups + 2 Tbsp.) sugar
- 6 oz. (3/4 cup) lemony oil (recipe below)
- 4 large eggs
- 6 oz. (3/4 cup) milk
- 14 oz. (3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 oz. (2 Tbsp.) baking powder
- Butter and flour, for greasing the mold
For the Lemony Oil:
- Zest of 2–3 lemons (avoiding white pith)
- Juice of 2–3 lemons
- 6 oz. (3/4 cup) pure olive oil (or a 1:1 blend of extra-virgin olive oil and neutral vegetable oil)
How To Make Rustichella Lemon Oil Cake
- Make the Lemony Oil: Remove zest from lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith. Squeeze lemon juice into a saucepan and add zest and olive oil. Warm over medium-low heat until gently sizzling, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 1 hour, or overnight for stronger flavor. Strain, discarding zest, and reserve the oil.
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C/gas 6). Grease a 9-inch round cake mold (or similar) with butter, dust with flour, and tap out excess.
- Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, lemony oil, eggs, and milk. Whisk or mix with a hand mixer until well blended. Add flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft batter forms.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared mold, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the mold for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature.

Recipe Tips
- Why use lemony oil? Infusing olive oil with lemon zest adds a delicate citrus flavor that enhances the cake without overpowering it.
- How do I know the cake is done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden and springy.
- Can I make this ahead? Bake the cake a day ahead and store at room temperature. Prepare the lemony oil up to a week in advance and refrigerate.
- What if I only have extra-virgin olive oil? Blend it 1:1 with a neutral oil (like canola) to mellow its strong flavor, as per the recipe note.
What To Serve With Rustichella Lemon Oil Cake
This fragrant cake pairs wonderfully with:
- A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for elegance
- Fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a tart contrast
- A cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile, to complement the lemon
How To Store Rustichella Lemon Oil Cake
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Rustichella Lemon Oil Cake Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~15g
- Saturated Fat: ~2g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Fiber: ~1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods used.
FAQs
Yes, orange or lime zest and juice can replace lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Cake flour (12 oz.) can be used for a lighter texture, or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Yes, a 10-inch round or bundt pan works, but adjust baking time (check at 35–40 minutes).
Try More Recipes:
Rustichella Lemon Oil Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy12
servings20
minutes45
minutes300
kcalA light and fragrant lemon oil cake made with homemade lemon-infused olive oil, perfect for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
10 oz. (1 1/4 cups + 2 Tbsp.) sugar
6 oz. (3/4 cup) lemony oil
4 large eggs
6 oz. (3/4 cup) milk
14 oz. (3 cups) all-purpose flour
1 oz. (2 Tbsp.) baking powder
Butter and flour, for greasing
- For the Lemony Oil:
Zest of 2–3 lemons
Juice of 2–3 lemons
6 oz. (3/4 cup) pure olive oil (or 1:1 extra-virgin olive oil and vegetable oil)
Directions
- For lemony oil, warm lemon zest, juice, and oil over medium-low heat for 4 minutes until sizzling. Steep for 1 hour or overnight, then strain.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C/gas 6). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake mold.
- Mix sugar, lemony oil, eggs, and milk until blended. Add flour and baking powder, mixing to form a soft batter.
- Pour into mold and bake for 45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in mold for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Steep lemon oil overnight for stronger flavor.
- Store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Blend extra-virgin olive oil with neutral oil if needed.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- Serve with powdered sugar or whipped cream for extra flair.
