Who doesn’t love pound cake? This classic English dessert is so-named because its name is also its recipe: a pound of butter, a pound of flour, a pound of sugar (and some eggs).

I was looking for something rich and delicious like pound cake when I saw Anne Burrell of Food Network fame make olive oil cakes. I couldn’t wait to try them. The rich fruity taste of olive oil pairs well with summer fruits, and is healthier than butter, so I figured this was a win-win food discovery. Don’t get me wrong – I love butter and use it regularly in my kitchen. But. Like everyone else who is health conscious, these days I try to find ways to use liquid plant oils whenever I can. I also used agave nectar where Chef Burrell used white sugar, but you could also use your sweetener of choice.

I love both the taste and texture of olive oil in desserts. These cakes would be a fabulous pair with most any summer fruits – I had strawberries on hand this time, but plan to make these again and top with other fresh summer fruits. Up next?  Grilled Balsamic Peach Slices on top! So many summer fruits . . . so little time . . .

OLIVE OIL CAKES

Makes 10 individual cakes; Prep time 15 minutes; Cook time 40 minutes

5 large eggs, separated, plus two large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup agave nectar
Zest and juice from one lemon
1 tablespoon vanilla
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whip the egg whites and salt to stiff peaks stage. Set aside. Mix together the egg yolks, agave nectar, lemon zest and juice and vanilla. Whisk in the oil. Whisk in the flour. Gently fold egg whites into batter.

Spray 10 one-cup ramekins with oil. Fill ramekins 2/3 full with batter. Bake on a baking sheet in center of oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until lightly brown and firm in center. Let cool and then invert onto serving plates.

Serve frosted with a butter cream or cream cheese frosting and sliced fresh fruit or berries.

Other food bloggers do olive oil desserts:
Olive Oil Ice Cream, Desert Candy
Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Hiding Behind Dessert
Chocolate Olive Oil and Blood Orange Cupcakes, Love and Olive Oil
Chocolate Olive Oil Mousse, Undercover Cook
Olive Oil Apple Crisp, Kalyn’s Kitchen

– posted by Donna