Fig and orange olive oil cake
There’s something truly special about baking with olive oil. It brings a Mediterranean warmth and richness to desserts — subtle, fragrant, and deeply nourishing. This olive oil cake with orange and figs is more than just a treat; it’s a wholesome, hormone-supportive dessert that fits beautifully into a balanced, gluten-free lifestyle.
Made with almond flour, tapioca starch, and coconut flour, it’s naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense — making it perfect for women who want to support hormone balance and energy through real, whole-food ingredients, and for children with gluten sensitivities who still deserve something delicious and safe to enjoy.
Why This Cake Supports Women’s Health?
1. Olive Oil for Hormonal Balance and Skin Health
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, supporting healthy hormone production, stable energy, and radiant skin. These healthy fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and balance inflammation — crucial for women’s overall wellbeing.
2. Almond Flour for Protein and Steady Blood Sugar
Almond flour adds a dose of plant-based protein and minerals like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E, which nourish the nervous system and promote stable energy levels. It helps keep blood sugar balanced — a key factor in hormone health.
3. Orange and Figs for Antioxidants and Fiber Fresh orange zest and juice bring vitamin C for collagen production and immune support, while figs add natural sweetness and fiber, supporting digestion and gut health — both essential for balanced hormones and detoxification.
4. Gentle on Sensitive Tummies This recipe skips gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, making it gentle on the digestive system — great for both women with inflammatory sensitivities and children with gluten intolerance.
The texture is soft and moist, with a golden hue from the olive oil and the orange zest. Every bite feels vibrant and light — fragrant with cardamom and citrus. It’s a cake you can feel good about serving your family — from a weekend brunch to a healthy afternoon snack or a celebration dessert.
How to Serve It? Top with fresh figs, berries, or a light drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Pair it with herbal tea for a calm moment of self-care — or with a cup of milk (dairy-free or otherwise) for the little ones.
This olive oil cake proves that healthy baking can be deeply satisfying. It’s a beautiful example of how simple, real ingredients — full of natural fats, fiber, and flavor — can come together to nourish both body and soul.
RECIPE
Ingredients
6 eggs
160 ml extra virgin olive oil
60 g coconut sugar
350 g almond flour
130 g tapioca starch (or tapioca flour)
40 g coconut flour
15 g baking powder
20 g orange zest (from about 3 oranges)
120 ml fresh orange juice
½ tsp cardamom powder
¼ tsp salt
Fresh figs (or other juicy fruits like strawberries, cherries, grapes, blueberries, or blackberries)
Instructions
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca starch, coconut flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt until well combined.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, coconut sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
Form the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until you get a smooth, homogeneous batter.
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 10-inch round baking pan with parchment paper.
Decorate: Pour the batter into the pan and arrange halved figs (or your choice of fruit) on top.
Bake: Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes before slicing.
As usual, these are my thoughts and ideas, not medical advice. You are encouraged to create your own recipes or search for some suited to your needs. I am just sharing my recipes, hoping that I can inspire some of you to make healthier food choices.
Please remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that food affects us differently. If you are not sure which foods are best for you, reach out for a free phone consultation.
In good health,
Ioana