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Vegan olive oil orange and rosemary cake on a white plate with orange halves and fresh sprigs of rosemary on top with a slice on a smaller plate and a fork and cake server.

Rosemary, Olive Oil, and Orange Cake (Vegan)

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
Keyword: vegan orange olive oil cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
cooling time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 486kcal
Author: Cindy Rainey
Our Vegan Rosemary, Olive Oil, and Orange Cake is a real family favorite! This recipe brings together the fresh, zesty flavor of freshly squeezed orange juice with the aromatic touch of rosemary and the smooth richness of extra virgin olive oil. Baked to perfection in a 10-inch round cake pan, this cake is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a barbecue, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee or tea at home. Its light and moist texture, combined with its subtle yet distinctive flavors, make it a hit not just with vegans but with everyone who takes a bite. Let's get baking!
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Equipment

  • 10 inch cake pan

Ingredients

  • 7 Tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice plus more for the icing
  • Tablespoons orange zest more for topping
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour measured accurately
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup oat milk or other plant milk
  • ¾ cup olive oil extra virgin, light flavored
  • 2 Tablespoons agave nectar

Icing

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • more orange zest and/or rosemary for topping optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F Grease a 10” round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment. See the blog post for how to make a round cake pan liner.
  • Chop the fresh rosemary and zest then juice the oranges. Chop the fresh rosemary. Set all aside seperately.
  • Accurately measure the flour using the lighten, spoon, and swipe method. See the blog post for details. Use a large bowl to combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, chopped rosemary, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute and set aside.
    2 ¼ cups all purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, ½ teaspoon salt
  • In a smaller bowl mix together the wet ingredients. Mix the orange juice and zest, oat milk, olive oil, and agave nectar.
    7 Tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice, 1½ Tablespoons orange zest, ¾ cup oat milk, ¾ cup olive oil, 2 Tablespoons agave nectar
  • Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients all at once. Stir until smooth but don't over mix. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan in the oven immediately as the orange juice and baking soda will begin reacting.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown on the edges and the cake bounces back when lightly touched. Don't over bake or the cake will become dry.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  • Make the icing. In a measuring cup or other small bowl combine the powdered sugar with orange juice until icing is at a pourable consistency.
    ¾ cup powdered sugar, 2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • Pour the icing over the cake, tilting the cake to evening spread the icing around the top and start dripping down the sides. Optionally sprinkle some more orange zest on top.
    more orange zest and/or rosemary for topping
  • Allow to cool and set completely before cutting into 8-10 slices.
  • Best the same day but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The icing will get sticky after being stored in the fridge.

Notes

Plan on using three large juicy oranges to get the amount of juice you need. I always plan on one extra though just in case.
The flavor of the olive oil will come through in this recipe. Make sure to use a quality light-tasting olive oil that you enjoy the taste of. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 193mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 2mg