There are cakes that simply satisfy a sweet craving. And then there are cakes like this Vegan Mediterranean Maple-Apple Olive Oil Cake — the kind that comes out of the oven with a delicate, slightly fruity aroma, a moist, tender crumb, and thin slices of caramelized apple arranged across the top, finished with a gentle drizzle of maple syrup that catches the light beautifully. This is that cake. The one that feels at home with afternoon coffee or as the elegant finish to a dinner party. The one where good olive oil does as much work as the apples and maple do.
This cake takes its inspiration from the olive oil cakes found throughout Mediterranean baking, where good quality olive oil replaces butter to create a cake with a distinctively moist crumb and a subtle, savory-edged richness that pairs beautifully with fruit and natural sweeteners. Thin apple slices are arranged across the top before baking, caramelizing gently in the oven, and the whole cake is finished with a light maple glaze.
What makes this cake so outstanding is the olive oil itself — a good, flavorful extra virgin olive oil contributes a subtle fruitiness and richness that is genuinely different from butter, producing a cake that tastes sophisticated and a little unexpected in the best possible way, while staying moist for days after baking.
This recipe is 100% vegan, ready in about an hour, and absolutely wonderful served slightly warm with a cup of tea or coffee.
Recipe Information
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 40 mins | 60 mins | 10 | ~310 kcal |
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cup (180ml) good quality extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup (180ml) maple syrup
- ¾ cup (180ml) plant milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
For the Topping
- 1 medium apple, very thinly sliced (unpeeled)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, for brushing
- ½ tsp cinnamon
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan and line the base with parchment paper.
- Make the plant buttermilk. Combine the plant milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, plant buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Make the batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Fold in the finely diced apple.
- Arrange the topping. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the thin apple slices in a circular, slightly overlapping pattern over the surface. Brush with the tablespoon of maple syrup and dust with cinnamon.
- Bake. Bake for 38–42 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the apple slices on top are tender and lightly caramelized. Cover loosely with foil partway through if the apple slices begin to brown too quickly.
- Cool and glaze. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Whisk together the maple syrup and lemon juice for the glaze and brush gently over the top of the cooled or slightly warm cake.
Pro Tips
- Use a good quality, flavorful extra virgin olive oil — its character genuinely comes through in the finished cake and is part of what makes this cake special.
- Slice the apples for the topping very thinly so they cook through and caramelize properly in the baking time rather than staying firm.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, to keep the crumb tender.
- Cover the apple topping loosely with foil if it begins browning too quickly before the cake has fully baked through.
Why Olive Oil Cakes Work So Well
Olive oil cakes are a beloved tradition throughout Mediterranean baking, prized for producing an exceptionally moist, long-lasting crumb that improves over the first day or two after baking. Unlike butter, olive oil remains liquid at room temperature, which helps keep the finished cake tender for days, while a flavorful extra virgin variety adds a subtle complexity that pairs particularly well with fruit and warm spices like cinnamon.
Flavor Variations
- Orange Olive Oil Cake: Add the zest of an orange to the batter and replace some of the plant milk with fresh orange juice for a citrus-forward version.
- Pear and Maple Cake: Replace the apple with thinly sliced pear for a softer, more delicate fruit topping.
- Walnut Apple Cake: Fold ½ cup of chopped toasted walnuts into the batter for added texture and nuttiness.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~310 kcal | 3g | 42g | 2g | 14g |
Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; the cake stays moist thanks to the olive oil.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed cake, well wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before glazing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the olive oil make the cake taste savory?
Used in this proportion alongside maple syrup and cinnamon, the olive oil adds richness and a subtle complexity rather than a noticeably savory flavor — the cake still tastes distinctly sweet and dessert-like.
Can I use a milder olive oil?
Yes — a milder extra virgin olive oil produces a more neutral-tasting cake, while a robust, fruitier oil will come through more distinctly in the finished flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the crumb may be slightly more delicate.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Tag us on Instagram and Facebook — we love seeing your plant-powered creations. Looking for more elegant vegan cake and dessert recipes? Browse all recipes on Easy Vegan Recipes — new recipes posted every single week!