This simple, yet flavorful, cake highlights the richness of the olive oil, while the polenta adds a unique texture that is quite satisfying.
This Olive Oil Polenta Cake came to being after I was asked by Olive Central to develop a recipe using South African Olive Oil. A request I gladly accepted. My immediate idea was to take the oil into a sweet realm. Either ice cream or a gluten free bake.
This simple cake is surprisingly delicious. The olive oil adds a definite richness, making the cake moist, rich and definitely moreish. The polenta adds texture to the cake which I think adds interest to the usual almond meal bakes. Some people might find it the polenta too gritty but I like it . Remember the polenta is raw when it goes into the cake so it is worthwhile pulsing it in a food processor to a finer texture.
It definitely requires the sharpness of the berries when serving to cut the richness of the cake and add a splash of colour.
Olive Oil Polenta Cake with Raspberries
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 300 g 11 ounces caster sugar (extra fine sugar or superfine sugar)
- 250 g 9 ounces polenta (pulse for a few minutes in your food processor to get a finer grain)
- 200 g 7 ounces ground almonds
- zest of two lemons
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 4 eggs (beaten)
- 225 ml 8 ounces extra virgin olive oil
- double cream for serving
- raspberries for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C (356 F)
- Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) loose-bottomed cake tin.
- Combine the dry ingredients and zest in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the eggs and beat well.
- Pour in the olive oil and mix well to ensure a smooth batter.
- Bake for 75 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. (If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with some tin foil.
- Allow to cool in the tin before removing.
- Serve with a dollop of double cream or whipped cream and a few raspberries
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of olive oil should I use for the Olive Oil Polenta Cake?
For the best flavor, use high-quality South African olive oil, as this recipe was developed specifically to highlight its richness.
How can I make the polenta smoother before adding it to the cake batter?
Pulse the raw polenta in a food processor to achieve a finer texture, which will help reduce any grittiness in the final cake.
Why should I serve the cake with raspberries?
The sharpness of the raspberries complements the richness of the olive oil cake and adds a vibrant splash of color, enhancing both taste and presentation.
