Savory Cheese & Olive Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances tangy cheese, briny olives, and a moist, tender crumb, then the Savory Cheese & Olive Cake will quickly become your new favorite. This cake offers a unique twist on traditional loaf recipes—imagine biting into a soft, salty slice bursting with rich flavors that brighten up your tea time or casual snack moments. Every mouthful brings a delicious harmony of textures and tastes that feels both homey and just a little bit special, making it a standout on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of the Savory Cheese & Olive Cake lies in its simplicity, with just a handful of ingredients that work together to create that perfect savory bite. These essentials not only provide the base and structure but also infuse the cake with character, color, and moisture that keep it irresistibly tender.

• Eggs: Act as the binding agent, giving the cake its rich texture and helping it rise.
• Milk: Adds moisture, ensuring the cake stays soft without feeling heavy.
• Oil: Contributes to the cake’s tenderness and keeps it moist for days.
• Flour: The foundation for the cake’s structure; using all-purpose flour is perfect here.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, creating a light crumb.
• Olives: Bring a salty, briny pop of flavor with every bite; pitted and roughly chopped work best.
• Grated cheese: Melts throughout, adding a luscious, savory richness that defines this cake.

How to Make Savory Cheese & Olive Cake

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and whisking them thoroughly with the milk and oil. This simple combination forms the moist base of the cake and ensures that the dry ingredients will come together smoothly for a tender crumb.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Next, sift or mix together the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. This step helps distribute the raising agent evenly throughout your batter, ensuring the cake rises consistently and has a lovely light texture.

Step 3: Fold Everything Together

Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix—this will keep the cake tender rather than tough. Then, add in the chopped olives and grated cheese, folding them in evenly to spread those bursts of flavor throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pour your batter into a greased or lined cake tin and bake at 175°C for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center emerges clean. This baking time ensures a moist, slightly dense cake that’s packed with flavor in every forkful.

How to Serve Savory Cheese & Olive Cake

Garnishes

While the cake itself shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate it to a whole new level. Alternatively, a light drizzle of olive oil or a scattering of additional grated cheese on top before serving adds an inviting finish that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or with marinated olives on the side, echoing the cake’s olive flavor. It also complements a bowl of warm soup, making it a versatile companion at lunch or light dinner gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond serving it sliced on a plate: try cubing the Savory Cheese & Olive Cake and offering it as part of a tapas board, alongside cured meats and cheeses. It also works wonderfully as a base for open-faced mini sandwiches, topped with fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers, adding color and extra flavor to your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Savory Cheese & Olive Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to two days, making it a convenient option for snacking or quick meals.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake successfully by wrapping it well in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to a month without losing its delightful texture and flavor—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your cake back to life after storage or freezing, gently warm it in a preheated oven at 160°C for about 10 minutes. This reawakens the cheese’s gooey goodness and gives the crust a pleasantly crisp finish, as if it were freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in the Savory Cheese & Olive Cake?

Absolutely! Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or gruyere work wonderfully. Feel free to experiment to suit your taste—just remember that stronger cheeses will add more intense flavor.

Are there substitutions for the olives?

If you’re not an olive fan, sun-dried tomatoes or chopped roasted peppers can add a similar savory touch. Just be mindful of moisture content so the cake doesn’t become too wet.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture or rise.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Use the classic skewer test: insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.

Can this cake be eaten warm or only at room temperature?

While the Savory Cheese & Olive Cake is delicious at room temperature, warming it slightly enhances the melted cheese experience and brings out the olives’ flavor even more. It’s lovely either way!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add an enchanting savory option to your baking repertoire, the Savory Cheese & Olive Cake is just the ticket. It’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and so comforting that it feels like a warm hug in cake form. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it a staple for every tea time and snack occasion from now on.