Ingredients
1 1/2 cups fruity extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3 large eggs
2 cups granulated cane sugar
Grated zest of 1 orange (2 teaspoons)
1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
Caramelized Pears for Olive Oil Cake
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Brush two 8-inch-round cake pans with oil. Line with parchment rounds and brush parchment with oil. Dust with flour, tapping out excess.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In another medium bowl, mix oil and milk. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar, then whisk in zest.
Add flour and oil mixtures in three parts, beginning and ending with flour. Mix to combine. (Batter will be quite loose.)
Pour into prepared pans and bake on middle rack, rotating halfway through, until cakes are golden brown and spring back when pressed, 35 to 40 minutes.
Let cool in pans, then run a knife between cake and inside edge of pan before removing.
For serving, whisk yogurt and vanilla in a small bowl. Smooth over top of cake and top with Caramelized Pears. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
