Last Cake of the Year: Grand Marnier & Olive Oil Cake



I think 2010 was the year that I became a baker, or at least I've learned that I enjoy baking!
I used to claim I was a "non-baker", however, I think I turned out some pretty damn good stuff in the past year (if I do say so myself).

Here is my last cake of the year.......not to worry, there will be plenty more in 2011.

Always on a quest for the best olive oil cake, I came across this lovely recipe from SAVEUR magazine.



It hails from the Valpolicella region of Italy, where it is a signature dessert.

It is easy to put together, and if you happen to have a bottle of Grand Marnier, or orange liqueur hanging around, then life is grand.



Grand Marnier Olive Oil Cake (adapted from Saveur)

1 tbsp. butter
3 cups plus 2 tbsp. flour
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. lemon or orange zest
3/4 cup quality extra-virgin olive oil
2/3 cup milk
6 tbsp. Grand Marnier or other sweet citrus-flavored liqueur
1 tbsp. baking powder
confectioners sugar for dusting the top

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease an 11 cup bundt pan with butter then dust with 2 tbsp. of the flour, tapping out excess. (I did fine with a 10" springform pan, for easy removal). Set prepared pan aside.

2. Beat eggs and sugar together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale yellow, about 1 minute. Add remaining 3 cups flour, lemon zest, oil, milk, and liqueur and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Add baking powder and stir until thoroughly combined.

3. Pour into prepared cake pan and smooth out top with the back of the spoon. Bake until cake is deep golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Transfer cake to a wire rack to let cool completely, in its pan.



My kind of cake! The perfect breakfast slice.

Enjoy and have a HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

Comments

lisa is cooking said…
The orange flavor with the olive oil sounds great. Love the powdered sugar on top too. I want this for breakfast!
Anonymous said…
Looks beautiful and delicious - and EASY!!!
Now all I need is the booze.
A HAPPY, HEALTHY, PEACEFUL NEW YEAR TO YOU AND HENRY.
WITH LOVE,
Mil
Anonymous said…
Here's a toast, a brimming glass of evo, tipped to the tart queen! Looking forward to another great year of Stacey Snacks - 2011, thank you!
SarahB said…
This reminds me of that fantastic olive oil cake we had at Maialino!
Claudia said…
Just came by to wish you a happy 2011 and then you show me this cake. Which I have all the ingredients for so it's fate! Looking forward to more delicious days from your blog. May 2011 bring you all good things!
tasteofbeirut said…
Love this cake too! Could use a slice right about now!
April Dawn Bell said…
If you don't have a big bottle of Grand Marnier on hand, I've seen them sell those little bottles at Bevmo, you might need only one, two at the most. Good for if you don't use it much.
The Food Hunter said…
Perfect way to end the year...
The JR said…
You baked a lot of beautiful cakes this past year!