I love welcoming spring with a lemony dessert, and this Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cake certainly fits the bill. It’s bursting with a bold and zingy sweet-yet-tart lemony flavor complemented by fruity extra virgin olive oil. And the texture is the best combination of moist and fluffy!
This cake is easy to make and features everyday ingredients, so now you have no excuse to not make it :) You can serve it plain for an afternoon snack or even breakfast, or spruce it up for a special occasion with the strawberry compote and macerated strawberries (it’s simpler than it sounds!)
This post is sponsored by ALDI USA. Thank you for supporting the brands who help make my work possible!
Why you’ll love this lemon olive oil cake
10 simple everyday ingredients. This cake requires just 10 simple ingredients (10 ingredients even if you make the strawberry topping!). And you can find all of these baking essentials at your local ALDI store at great prices! I always buy organic cane sugar to ensure that it’s vegan, and at ALDI, the organic label does not come with an inflated price tag :)
Tender, light, and moist. I love using extra virgin olive oil in baking for its fruity yet grassy flavor that lends complex tasting notes, but also because it yields a fantastic texture. Think a soft, buttery, and tender crumb. And unlike cakes made with solid fats like butter, this cake stays super moist and doesn’t harden or dry out. The liquid nature and high fat content of olive oil lock in the moisture!
Perfect for spring. There’s something special about welcoming spring with a fruity, zesty dessert like this, especially when it features seasonal fruit. This cake features lots of lemons (juice and zest) and a double strawberry topping. I opt for organic strawberries, and at ALDI, that doesn’t break the bank :)
Easy and rustic but elegant. This cake needs just 20 minutes of prep time and 35ish minutes in the oven. And it doesn’t require any fancy cake equipment or complicated layers. At the same time, it’s elegant and grown-up, thanks to the rich fruity background notes from the olive oil. If you’re into cakes that are balanced in flavors and not overly sweet, this sweet-yet-tart cake is for you!
Easy to dress up. While this lemon olive oil cake is delightful on its own and perfect for an everyday dessert or afternoon tea, you can easily dress it up for a special occasion, like Mother’s Day. Try the strawberry topping recipe below for a classic strawberry-lemon combo that is bursting with freshness and seasonal flavors.
How to make this cake
Add the aquafaba (chickpea liquid) to a bowl and whip with a mixer until foamy.
Combine the extra virgin olive oil and organic cane sugar in a large bowl.
Mix together the oil and sugar until well combined, then fold in the whipped aquafaba and mix again.
Add in the vegan buttermilk (oat milk + lemon juice), 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix again until well combined.
Add in half of the dry ingredients (flour + baking powder + baking soda + salt) and mix on low speed until just combined.
Add in the remaining dry ingredients. Mix on low speed, then switch to mixing in by hand.
The finished batter should be light and airy. Do not overmix!
Pour the batter into a parchment paper-lined loaf pan. Bake at 350°F/176°C for 35-40 minutes.
Allow to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to further cool.
How to make the strawberry topping
The strawberry topping features (1) whole strawberries and (2) a strawberry compote. It’s bright, light, and sweet but not too sweet. It’s optional but a great way to enjoy strawberries as they come into season.
Wash 1 pound of strawberries. Hull the strawberries and slice in half (in quarters, if large).
Combine the strawberries, organic cane sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
Toss the strawberries well and keep half in the bowl to macerate. Transfer the other half to a small saucepan to make the strawberry compote.
Cook the strawberries in the saucepan for 15-20 minutes, until the berries have broken down and the sauce is syrupy.
Spoon the strawberry compote over the cooled lemon cake and top with the macerated strawberries. Finish with lemon zest.
PS: If you’re looking for a more special occasion lemon cake, this new Vegan Lemon Cake is a must-make! Tender, melts in your mouth, and oh-so special!
Tips for making this vegan lemon olive oil cake
Fresh lemon juice is essential
I always recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice in cooking and baking (the flavor from the plastic bottles doesn’t compare). But it’s especially important when lemon is a key ingredient, as in this lemon cake. Plus, you’ll need the zest from the lemons so there’s that.
At ALDI, you can find 2-pound bags of lemons that are really well-priced so you can always keep lemons on hand for baking and cooking!
Zest the lemons before juicing them
Just a helpful reminder – zest your lemons first before juicing them!
Weigh your ingredients, or spoon-and-level the flour
This recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, but the more important part is to weigh or measure your flour properly. If you follow my recipes and YouTube channel, you know I’m a big advocate of using a kitchen scale for all baking purposes, as it yields the most exact results.
If you don’t have a kitchen scale, do not scoop the flour out of the bag with your measuring cup. Instead, use the spoon and level method. Spoon your flour out of the bag/jar into the measuring cup until almost full, then use a butter knife to level it off. The latter method always leads to over-measuring flour, which can skew the results in baking. In this recipe, it will make the cake less tender and moist.
Don’t overmix
When combining dry and wet ingredients, be sure to not overmix! Mix until the batter is just combined and then stop right there!
I use an electric mixer on low speed (since I already use it for the aquafaba). I find I’m less tempted to over-mix than when using a whisk, which requires more effort.
Add the dry ingredients in two stages
I add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches to produce the best cake texture. During the first mix, the dry ingredients get coated with the fat, helping to build some structure before inundating it with lots of liquid. During the second mix, the rest of the liquid is added, and it helps in producing a light cake with even rise.
In contrast, if you were to add the dry ingredients all at once, you’d have to mix the batter more vigorously to get them to incorporate. Vigorously beating a cake batter can lead to a dense texture and less tender fluffiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of olive oil should I use for this cake?
You want to use extra virgin olive oil, not a pure or regular olive oil. I use Simply Nature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from ALDI, which is a good quality yet affordable olive oil I like to keep on hand. The flavor will differ slightly depending on the brand and type of oil used. Be sure to use an oil that you enjoy the taste of–something you’d dip bread into or serve on a salad, for instance–as the olive oil is a key ingredient in this cake.
Can I substitute the aquafaba?
Aquafaba is one of the primary methods for getting this cake so tender and light without using cake flour, so you won’t get the same results using a different egg substitute.
How do I serve lemon olive oil cake?
For an everyday dessert that you can even enjoy for afternoon tea or breakfast, serve the cake plain. To dress it up, try the strawberry topping below (I LOVE lemon and strawberry together).
Or, you can make a simple lemon glaze instead of the strawberry topping. Just whisk together 1 cup powdered/confectioners sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice until you have a thick yet pourable glaze texture. If you want it to be thinner, add more lemon juice (or a spoon of plant-based milk).
Or, simply just dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
How do I store this cake?
If you’re making this cake plain or without the strawberry topping, store this cake in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic on the countertop for 3-5 days.
Making the strawberry topping? You can leave the glazed cake on the countertop for 1 day, but I recommend refrigerating it if your kitchen is very warm (it will stay good in the fridge for 2-3 days). If you want to extend the shelf life of this cake, store the strawberry compote and whole strawberries in the fridge, and store the cake separately on the counter. Spoon the strawberry topping on the cake as you slice it. This method keeps the cake freshest.
That’s all you need to know about making this lemon olive oil cake! Head to your local ALDI to stock up on baking essentials and if you try this recipe, leave a rating and review below with your feedback!
Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Ingredients
- 2 medium-large lemons*
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) Friendly Farms Original Oatmilk
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon (112g) Simply Nature Organic Cane Sugar
- 1/2 cup (112g) Simply Nature Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) or 8×4-inch (20×10 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper overhang to use as handles.
- Zest the lemons to get 1 tablespoon of zest. Set aside. You’ll use more zest to finish the cake (and if making the Strawberry Topping).
- Juice the lemons to get ¼ cup (60 mL) of juice and combine with the oat milk; set aside for 10 minutes to curdle. This is the vegan “buttermilk.”
- Pour the aquafaba into a medium bowl. Using a handheld electric mixer, whip the aquafaba on medium speed for 45-60 seconds, until uniformly foamy. Wipe the bowl out to use again in the next step.
- To the medium bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well to ensure the leaveners are well-combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and olive oil. Mix using the electric mixer until well combined. Add in the whipped aquafaba and mix again until incorporated. Add the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and vanilla, and mix again until combined.
- Add half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until well- combined. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat until almost smooth, then switch to a silicone spatula to finish combining. Important: do not overmix to prevent the cake from becoming dense. The finished batter should be light and airy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with the spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center top (insert the toothpick at a slight angle) comes out clean and the top is lightly golden. I always check a few minutes before 35 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack and cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Then use the parchment paper handles to lift the cake out of the pan and onto the wire rack and cool for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- If you made the strawberry topping, spoon the strawberry compote over the cooled lemon cake and then top with the macerated strawberries. Finish with some extra lemon zest on top.
Notes
Strawberry Topping
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454g) strawberries, hulled and cut in half (or into quarters if large)
- 3 ½ tablespoons Simply Nature Organic Cane Sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- Sea salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Toss well to combine.
- Transfer half of the strawberries to a small or medium saucepan. Keep the other half and allow them to macerate in the bowl.
- Cook the strawberries over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the berries break down and the liquid thickens into a syrup. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a simmer.
- Turn off the heat, then stir in the lemon juice.
This was fantastic! Made it for Easter and everyone loved it, including the very vegan wary. Followed the recipe exactly, easy to make and delicious. We served it with the strawberries and some coco whip cream.
That combination sounds heavenly, Ashley! We’re happy to hear everyone loved the cake.
I followed the recipe exactly (without the topping): delicious!
Hi Guillaume, we’re so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a review :)
Super delicious and easy to make. Even my in-laws who don’t understand vegan, loved it!
We’re over the moon to hear everyone enjoyed the cake, Sandy. Thanks for your kind words!
…Absolutely unreal. I made this with the strawberry topping and literally started to tear up after the first bite. It tastes just like strawberry lemonade and like summer. I ended up making two more loaves and gave one as a birthday gift. You nailed this recipe! I’ll be keeping this in my back pocket of favorite desserts ever.
Hi Mary, Lovely to hear the cake was a hit. :) Thank you so much for such a fantastic review! Appreciate you taking the time!
I made this for our 21st Wedding Anniversary. Since it’s not strawberry season, I made blueberry compote instead from frozen blueberries. So moist and the perfect amount of sweetness and lemoniness. Delish!
Awesome, Tania! Happy Anniversary! We’re honored this recipe was a part of your celebration. :)
This was brilliant. Easy to cook and perfectly moist and delicious. A crowd pleaser for sure.
That’s so great to hear, Lou! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!
Absolutely delicious!
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Ilissa!
After making this lemon loaf for a friend to which rave reviews were given, I knew I had to make it again as a thank you gift for a work colleague. Following the recipe exactly and not overmixing will yield a perfectly moist and tender loaf. Perfect to enjoy during the hot summer months1
Samantha, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!
This is so yum! This time I did 1 cup white flour and 3/4 wheat flour in an effort to cut down a bit on the refined white flour. The batter was very dense as I poured in so I was worried. But it came out so delish! I think even better than first time where I did all white!
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Sarah!
This is sooooo good!!! Tastes like a lemon pound cake but better! A huge hit with non vegans too! I’ve made this multiple times too, which goes to show how good it is!
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Natalya!
This is sooooo good!!! Tastes like a lemon pound cake but better! A huge hit with non vegans too!
Thanks for sharing, Natalya!
Just what I was looking for. I’m a vegan, but I love cake. I’ll do it today. I promise!
We hope you loved the cake, Edith!
I’d like to make this GF. Is the flour you recommend self rising or regular cake flour?
Hi Julie, I haven’t tried this recipe with gluten-free flour, but we have tried a few similar loaves with gluten-free flour. We like a 50:50 mix with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and a superfine almond flour. Several readers have made our loaves using just gluten-free all purpose flour and had good results as well. Enjoy!
Hi
Can I use almond milk instead of oat milk?
Hi there Teresa, yes that would work just fine!
This looks perfect for Easter brunch! Silly question about the aquafaba… do you measure 1/4 cup of the liquid and then beat and incorporate all of the foam or beat a bunch of the liquid and then measure out 1/4 cup of foam?
Hi there Elizabeth, you measure out the aquafaba before whipping it :) We hope you enjoy the cake!
Delicious! Made it twice!
But both times I had the same problem… the batter collapsed after being removed from the oven. I followed the recipe exactly. Would you be willing to help me somehow?
Hi there Miriam, we are glad you love the recipe! The cake could be collapsing for a variety of reasons. Did you put the cake in the oven right when you finished mixing it? Are you placing the cake in the middle rack of the oven? Using only 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder? Using a 9×5 or 8×4-inch pan? Let us know so we can be of more help!
I made this Lemon Cake and it was amazingly tasty. Would it still work if I tripped the recipe to make a 3-layer 6-inch cake?
I love this cake! I’ve made it twice – the first time I made it exactly as written. The second time I modified it for what I had – I used a mix of lemons and oranges, left out the aquafaba, and increased the juice/oat milk by 1/4 cup to replace the aquafaba. I didn’t add the strawberry topping but added a lemon glaze instead. It turned out perfectly the second time as well, just as light and fluffy and delicious as the first time. I’ll probably continue leaving out the aquafaba in the future because I didn’t notice a difference.
Glad you loved the cake, Melissa!
Omg! This recipe is the lemony heaven I’ve been looking for. I poured my batter into muffin cups and baked for 20 minutes at 190°C (370°F), and they turned out perfect – so fluffy, and perfectly moist. Thank you for sharing this beauty, and for everything that you do! Your videos on youtube brings me so much joy and inspiration :)
Hi Elin, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipes and videos! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!
I’ve made this before as-is and it was lovely! I’d like to make it again in an 8×8 dish to have more of a “snacking cake” instead of the loaf. Do you have any idea about how I would adjust the baking time?
So good to hear you loved it, Chelsea! If you’re cooking in a larger pan, increase the heat by 25 F degrees and decrease the baking time. The cake will be thinner but the taste and texture should be fine!