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soft slice of powdered sugar dessert cake on ceramic plate with gold fork in sunlight

Easy Not Too Sweet Dessert Cake for Any Occasion

Chef Roberto, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while holding a plate of freshly made pasta garnished with basil.Roberto
A light dessert cake with gentle sweetness and a soft crumb. Simple to make and perfect for everyday desserts, coffee breaks, or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine Italian-Inspired
Servings 10 slices
Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Hand Mixer or Whisk
  • Cake pan
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter

  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil or neutral oil
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
  • Add oil, milk, vanilla, and zest and whisk until combined.
  • Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
  • Cool briefly, then transfer to rack to cool completely.

Notes

This cake is intentionally lightly sweet. Adjust citrus zest to taste.
Keyword easy dessert cake, everyday dessert recipe, light italian style cake, not too sweet cake