Gluten-free olive oil cake gets a flavor boost from lemon zest and almond flour, keeping it grain-free and dairy-free to boot. This recipe takes an hour to make, start to finish, using just 10 easy-to-find ingredients. Enjoy this incredibly moist, tender, springy cake on its own, or serve it up with whipped cream and fresh spring berries.
Also, a farewell to someone special.
Note from Alanna: I first shared this recipe in the spring of 2020, which was one of the darkest times in my life (and I know I'm not alone!) Our beloved cat Catamus was unexpectedly diagnosed with fatal cancer the same day that the pandemic lockdown began. We spent the next two months spoiling Catamus to the best of our abilities. I shared this post as an ode to all his quirks that made us love him.
I've learned over the years that not only was Catamus well-loved, but so was this cake recipe. It's the most-made recipe on TBG to date. Here's what one reader said:
My Go-To Cake Recipe
“Wow! Thank you so much for this recipe. It is one of the best gluten free cake recipes I’ve ever tried. It turned out beautifully and so moist and delicious. I added almond flakes to the top! This will be my go to cake recipe. Just love it!”
—Carmen
I've added in some process photos and a video below, and you can read all about our sweet kitty following the recipe instructions. Otherwise, feel free to skip to the recipe card. You can find more gluten-free cake recipes here, or read more about baking with almond flour and other GF flours in my gluten-free flour guide.
I'm so touched by how many of you have made and loved this recipe, and even more so by the kind notes in the comments below about your own beloved feline friends. I still tear up when I read them. Thank you dear friends, from the bottom of my heart.
Ingredients and Substitution Suggestions
This super-moist and flavorful cake comes together with just 10 easy-to-find ingredients.
- Almond flour makes up the bulk of the cake, resulting in a super moist and tender texture. I prefer blanched almond flour for the light color, but unblanched almond meal will work too. I made this recipe using Bob's Red Mill blanched almond flour.
- Tapioca flour makes the cake extra springy and fluffy.
- Olive oil moistens the cake and adds big flavor. Don't be afraid to use a super-flavorful extra-virgin olive oil here. Or sub a neutral oil for a more classic almond flour cake.
- Eggs help this cake hold together, adding moisture and structure. I wouldn't recommend making this cake without eggs since they are structurally important.
- Sugar adds sweetness and moisture. I used organic granulated sugar but any white sugar will work. You can try subbing an unrefined granulated sugar such as maple sugar or coconut sugar by weight. However, these will change the flavor, and you'll still need to use granulated sugar to whip the egg whites.
- Lemon zest and juice add tanginess and enhance the floral notes of the olive oil. Feel free to make this using other citrus such as tangerine, orange, grapefruit, or meyer lemon.
- Baking powder adds lift, and cream of tartar helps stabilize the whipped egg whites.
- Salt sharpens the flavor and a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes the cake look so pretty.
How to Make Gluten-Free Olive Oil Cake
This recipe makes a 9-inch cake which serves 8-10 people. It takes about an hour to make, start to finish, plus some cooling time post-baking. It keeps beautifully and can be made a day or two ahead of time.
Can I make it without sugar?
Reader Sunny reports in the comments: "I turned this into a sugar free cake! For the cake batter, I used combination of Allulose sweetener mixed with 9 packets of Truvia to equal exactly 1/2 cup to obtain desired sweetness. For whipping the eggs whites I used 1/4 cup of Allulose. I still managed to obtain stiff egg peaks with using Allulose by just whipping the egg whites a few minutes longer on high speed."
Serving Suggestions
This cake is lovely on its own, but I enjoy serving it with fresh berries or other seasonal fruit, plus a dollop of something creamy: whipped mascarpone, whipped creme fraiche, or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option
A Dainty Gentleman
Huge thanks to everyone for your love, support, and suggestions regarding our dear Catamus in my last post, which feels like ages ago now. We very sadly said goodbye to him on Friday, May 8th, when it became clear that his condition was worsening. We didn't want him to suffer needlessly anymore. Though we're heartbroken to have lost our darling boy, missing him terribly every minute of every day, we feel lucky to have so many caring friends and family members who have helped us through this time. Thank you for being among them.
Catamus has been a huge part of TBG since the day we brought him home in February of 2011. We met this spry 2-year-old from Yolo County at the SPCA one wintry night. He charmed us by giving us head butts and showing us his belly, circling us as we sat in his area, and looking up at us with a pair of intense golden eyes as if to say "It's me! Take me home!" Looking into his expressive eyes was like looking into a human's. We fell hard for this quirky little person.
Jay and I both work from home, so Catamus was not only like a child to us over the years, but also a co-worker or purrrrsonal assistant.
Catamus would sit directly behind me in the kitchen as I cooked, swishing his tail underfoot, and getting incensed when I'd inevitably step on it. He would walk around my desk as I wrote, knocking things over with his long, curly tail, which seemed to have a mind of its own. He only wanted to sit on my lap when I was typing on my lap keyboard, which he would step on. And he would try to lick whatever I was shooting, often photobombing shots in the process.
As I wrote posts (and later, my coobbook) late at night, he would make biscuits on the back of the couch next to my desk before settling in for a snooze, lending moral support during those long hours.
Catamus would sit at the table with us at mealtimes. We learned that he liked odd foods such as oatmeal, popcorn, roasted broccoli, feta cheese, and padron pepper stems. He had a special fondness for almonds in all forms, particularly almond butter and any recipes made with almond flour.
While developing this gluten-free olive oil cake for my Alternative Baking column in GFF Magazine in 2018, I left the cake to cool on the dining table. When I came back to remove the cooled cake from the pan, I noticed that there were ruts in the top of the cake. After some confusion, I realized that Catamus had quietly climbed onto the table and licked divots in the top of the cake when I wasn't looking. The slices shown in these photos were all I could salvage.
Catamus accrued many names and titles over the years including, in no particular order, Prince Catamus of Orange, Sir Catamus, Catumas (pronounced cuh-TOO-mus), Catamonious, Catamus J. Cat Esq., HRH (His Royal Highness), The Dainty Gentleman, Fluffy Pants, Catmandu, Catamus Toes, Sunny Cat, Red, Sleepy Redhead, Mr. C, Catty Longlegs, Cattigan O'Catamus, Catamister, Catamistery, and Big Handsome Man Cat. Heels, Heelzies, and Heelzabub were other silly nicknames I would sing to him whenever he entered a room.
Then there was the name he came with from the SPCA: Helios, the sun titan who drives the sun up each morning in a horse-drawn chariot.
Quite fitting.
Catamus knew his name(s) and would swish his long, thick tail whenever we'd say "cat." He didn't love pets or snuggles, but he enjoyed being shoved onto the ground and smacked really hard. Jay would play him like a drum in time to whatever music we had on. When he'd stop, Catamus would yowl for more. He apparently had a brother named Spanky who got adopted first. Clearly "liking it rough" ran in the family.
Without Catamus, our apartment feels hollow and strange. I keep expecting to see him when I walk into a room, and imagining that I hear his toes clicking on the hardwood floor, his tail thumping on the rug, his claws scratching his post (or the couch, or the upholstered chair). He was a ray of sunshine in our lives. I'm so grateful to have gotten to bask in his presence these nine years.
A dear friend of mine wrote, and this has become my mantra, "It’s an honor to hurt so much. Because the grief is a measure of the love. And the love is a blessing. The love doesn't go away."
Indeed it does not.
Gluten-Free Olive Oil Cake
This is a cake recipe fit for a king (or cat prince). It gets a light, springy texture from whipped egg whites, loads of moisture and fruity flavor from olive oil, and a meltingly tender texture from almond and tapioca flours. It's gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free.
It's plenty flavorful eaten plain, with a cup of tea or coffee. Or you can serve slices with any seasonal fruit: rhubarb compote or berries in the spring, plums or nectarines in the summer, fresh figs in the fall, or citrus supremes in the winter. It makes enough to share with a friend (animal or human) if you like.
If you whip one up, say a good word for our dear Catamus. We miss him terribly.
Have you lost a beloved animal friend? If you feel inspired to share, please do below. It's nice to connect around this kind of thing.
Bojon appétit! For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Pinterest, purchase my award-winning gluten-free baking cookbook Alternative Baker, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make this gluten-free almond flour cake, I’d love to know. Leave a comment and rating below, and tag your Instagram snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet.
Gluten-Free Olive Oil Cake with Lemon & Almond Flour
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons room temperature coconut oil, for the pan
- ½ cup (105 g) flavorful extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (100g) + ¼ cup (50 g) organic granulated sugar (divided use)
- finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon
- ¼ cup (65 g) strained fresh lemon juice
- 4 large egg yolks
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (220 g) blanched almond flour
- ¼ cup (30 g) tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 large egg whites
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
Make the batter
- Position a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 325ºF. Rub the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan with the coconut oil. Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment paper, and rub the parchment with coconut oil as well. If using a springform pan, place on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, ½ cup (100 g) sugar, lemon zest and juice, and egg yolks to combine.
- Place a mesh strainer over the top and sift in the almond and tapioca flours, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Place the egg whites and cream of tartar in the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment (or use a large bowl and electric egg beater). Whip on medium-high speed until foamy, 30-60 seconds. With the mixer running, gradually sprinkle in the remaining ¼ cup (50 g) sugar, 20-30 seconds. Continue to whip until the egg whites are shiny and hold firm peaks when you lift the whip out and hold it upside-down, 2-4 minutes.
- Use a large flexible silicone spatula to fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the batter until just combined. Fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined and no streaks remain. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake & Serve
- Bake the cake until deep golden on top, beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the top springs back when pressed lightly, 40-45 minutes. If the cake is darkening too quickly, tent the top with a piece of aluminum foil.
- Let the cake cool slightly, then loosen the edges with a small, offset spatula and release the sides if using a springform pan. Invert the cake onto the wire rack and peel away the parchment, then turn right side up and let cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if using, cut into wedges, and serve with cream and berries if you like.
- The cake keeps well airtight at cool room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Video
Notes
- Use any citrus zest and juice you like in place of lemon: orange, tangerine, blood orange, or Meyer lemon.
- Add 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds to the batter along with the flours. It lends a lovely nutty flavor and a bit of crunch. I shared a video of this variation on Instagram.
- Serve the cake with dairy-free whipped cream, whipped mascarpone, or whipped creme fraiche.
- Toss berries with a bit of sugar or honey and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out the juices, then serve them with slices of cake.
Nutrition
Karen @ seasonal Cravings says
I’m so sorry about Catamus. What a terrible loss. Hope that you guys are doing okay and I’m sending love your way!
Alanna says
Thank you so much Karen, I really appreciate it. Sending love back!
Kim says
What a beautiful love song to your precious little man. The love indeed does remain and so do the sweet, annoying, and hilarious memories. Cats are the best.
Alanna says
I completely agree. Thanks so much for your support, friend. <3
Justine Costerouse says
You are so lucky to have so many beautiful photos of dear Catamus. I have had many cats and now a dog! and two cats! It is the most heart-breaking thing when they pass but I am so grateful for the distinct and particular presence of each one of these dear beings in my life. Each one brings unique gifts and unique ways they teach and share with us and you will forever celebrate the the time in your lives when you shared them with this sweet and funny boy. And how lucky your next friend (or two or three 😺😻😸!!!!) will
be for Catamus has trained you well. Sending so much love and peace your way. I still dream of one of my most special furry friends and it is always so nice to see him when he stops by. Wishing you joy and gratitude for the time you had and sweet dreams of your boy. 🧡🧡🧡
Alanna says
Catamus really did train us well. I know there will be more cats in my life someday. You're right, they do each have a distinct and particular personality. It never fails to amaze me what defined little people they are, even more so than humans because they're not trying to be anything other than themselves. Thanks so much for writing, it really means a lot to me. <3
Katherine says
OH NO! I was so excited for the cake and then heart broken about Catamus. So sorry to have missed the news but definitely feel you made a positive choice - my father also went through chemo and it just made him sick with little positive benefits. He chose to move on without treatment. I understand your pain and loss.
<3 Catamus and I will bake this cake and tell Felix, Tom and Eevee (my catamus roommates) how much I love them again.
My heart is with you.
Alanna says
Gosh I'm so sorry to hear about your father Katherine. That's awful that chemo wasn't helpful. Cancer is just the worst isn't it? Thank you so much for the sweet words. I hope you and your cat friends enjoy this cake as much as Catamus and I did. <3
Debbie Feely says
This is beautifully written Alanna. My sympathy for your loss in a time of loss. I know my husband would sympathize as our last cat was a one man friend. His.
It’s not at all the same but the last couple months of isolation are marked by the absence of my sweet granddaughter and baking buddy. We miss being together but her folks think it’s best. Eden is such a baker at five. She says oat flour tastes best but millet is the fluffy flour. She asks for wet and dry ingredients in her own small bowls just for tasting. She double checks that there are no raw-ken eggs in our batter. She enjoys the taste of baking powder! She rarely eats the final product since she’s filled up on ingredients but often asks to take some for mommy and daddy. I miss her.
Alanna says
Thank you for the sweet words and understanding Debbie, it really means a lot to me. I'm sorry for your husband's loss of his one-man cat friend too. And I'm sorry that you're missing your granddaughter. She sounds like a gem. I'm missing my little cousins up in Northern California too. It's hard to think of them growing and changing without being able to be there to see it. Though best to keep everyone safe of course. Hang in there my friend. <3
Susan says
Have not made this yet but I wanted to comment on your lovely post re Catamus. I am always always such a 'mess' when I have to say Good By to a family friend that I could never be as coherent as you were.
Sending you LOVE, thank you.
Alanna says
Aw thank you Susan. I've cried so much in the past few months that I gave myself an eyelid infection. Talk about being a mess. You're not alone. <3
Claire says
What a sweet little guy. So sorry to hear of your loss. We acquired our cat Sammy in a funny way. We had a cat named Odysseus who was always very shy, but he befriended Sammy the neighborhood cat, and they'd sit on the deck together. When Odie died Sammy started coming around more and more. He would hang out with us on the deck just like he did with Odie. One day our next-door neighbors were out of town and someone was taking care of their animals while they were away. She thought that Sammy was their cat, so she grabbed Sammy and took him into their house. I was having none of it, so I made my husband accompany me on a walk around the neighborhood in order to find his people and let them know that he'd been cat-napped! We finally found someone who knew where he lived, but she told us that his person had passed away and he was living under his old house. Well later that night our neighbors came back and discovered a strange cat in their house so they let him go. After a few days Sammy was back in our yard. We lost our cat and he lost his person, but in the end we found each other. He looks very much like Catamus!
Alanna says
What a sweet story! How wonderful of you for hunting down Sammy's origins and taking him in. He must be awfully handsome if he looks like Catamus! ;)
Debra Murray says
Thinking of you it's so hard when you lose your loved pet. Thinking of Catamus. Xx
Alanna says
Thank you Debra, I really appreciate it.
Fiona says
Thank you for a wonderful recipe. Recently considering intoducing two fur babies (with whiskers) into my home again after years of missing my boys. Your post reminded me of the warmth and heartbreak of special babies. I'm sure Catamus is enjoying catnip in the sky. 🐈🌈
Alanna says
I sure hope so. And DO IT! <3
Shona payne says
What can I use in place of egg
Alanna says
That's a good question. You could try whipping aquafaba in place of the egg whites. There's a lot of egg here though, so it might not be the easiest recipe to substitute.
Wendy says
Sorry about your cat. Love the photos. Remember all those treasured times.
I have been looking at your recipes and think they look good. Haven't made any yet though. I got excited to see your beautiful looking olive oil g/f lemon/almond cake, but I don't eat added sugar so that was a bit of a let-down for me. Could I use anything else as a sub, but I think the answer is 'no' as sugar is used to beat with the egg whites.
Do you have any g/f, l//f, s/f desert type recipes?
Alanna says
Do you eat unrefined sweeteners? What is l/f?
Stella says
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful prince he was. 💔
Our little prince as we often call him, is an elderly little man & I worry about how I'll get past losing him when his time comes. He was 7 yrs old when we got him & we've had him about that long so bless his little heart, he's really getting up there.
His name is Moogle and your dear Sir Catamus reminds me of him but Moogle's a tiny little thing.
We also have many names for him & his regal self lol. Prince Moogle, The Little Prince, Sir Moogle, Noogle, Noog, Moog, Sir Moogaroo, Mr. Moogadoo, & His Royal Highness to name a few.
My heart breaks for you & I could barely keep from crying reading about your life with him.
It must've been so hard to write this. I love all the beautiful pictures you included and had to laugh when I read about Catamus and the cake!! Moogle is the only pet I've had as an adult but as a kid I had several cats and never have I ever met a cat like Moogle (in more ways than one) he loves cake!! He won't eat table scraps but will tear some cake up. It's so funny & cute!
His tail vibrates when he's happy and I'd never heard of that when we got him lol. I thought he was trying to spray or something bc he backs up against stuff like he's trying to contain his self but can't stop shaking his booty when he's excited!
I know I haven't lost him yet but he has kidney problems & doesn't eat or drink as much as he used to. Just trying to cherish the time we have left with him.
Sending love your way oh and the cake looks delicious. I know it will be. I'm probably going to add a lemon glaze.
Thank you for the recipe and for sharing your story. Just found your blog today. Looking forward to seeing more.
Take care.
Alanna says
Awwww Prince Moogle sounds like a dapper little guy, and with a very sophisticated sweet tooth. What a gem. I love how all cats have their own idiosyncrasies, like Moogle with his tail/booty shake. Catamus would do this thing we'd call "burbling." When he jumped up or down from a piece of furniture, he's go "brrrrrr!" Like there was sound in his throat just waiting to get out. It was so precious.
I hope Moogle rallies and that you get to spend as much time as possible with him. It's so hard. My childhood cat, Tiggy, also had kidney failure. My mom kept him alive for a LONG time by giving him subQ fluids and feeding him raw chicken and liver. I thought she was crazy at the time, but now I'm a convert. Let me know if I can point you to any resources for natural cat health.
So glad you found your way to my site! Thanks a bunch for the comment, I feel like you've been a reader for ages. <3
Jacqueline Mahovlich says
Alanna,
So sorry for the loss of your beloved cat, Catamus.
Alanna says
Thank you Jacqueline, I appreciate it. <3
Pat Townsend says
Your Catamus was gorgeous. I know you loved him very much! I am very sorry for your loss, he will live on in your hearts. I am very happy to have found this recipe!
Alanna says
Thanks for the kind words Pat, that means a lot to me. <3
Carmen says
So sorry about your beloved Catamus. We lost our little fur baby a bit over two years ago and it still hurts our heart to think of our tuxedo kitty, Sophie. I feel your pain and know that your love for him and his life he for you will never leave.
Alanna says
Aw thank you Carmen. I'm really sorry for the loss of sweet Sophie too. Appreciate your understanding. <3
Kay says
I am so sorry about Catamus!
He was loved a lot!
I don’t have tapioca and was wondering what to use in its place?
Thanks!
Kay
Alanna says
Thank you Kay, I appreciate it.
In place of tapioca you could try cornstarch or cassava. Or if grains are ok, you could use another soft, starchy flour like AP, oat, sweet rice, or millet. Let me know what you try.
Joanna says
Can’t wait to try these GF recipes!
I too lost my Annie this month. I’ll still see her shadow out of the corner of my eye or reach over for a pat or scritch in the middle of the night. No matter how many sweet creatures I’ve lost, I’m broken every time. May you take comfort in the fact that you gave him a wonderful life.
Alanna says
I'm glad I'm not the only one hallucinating cats! Last night I swore I saw him outside the window crossing a little bridge on our back porch. I thought I was losing my mind. Thanks a million for the kind words, it really means a lot to me. <3
Michele says
I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet cat. Time does help! But there is always a part of us that will miss a special pet. But when you are ready I hope you can bring a new friend home!
This recipe looks wonderful and I want to make it but only have arrowroot, not tapioca starch. Do you think it will work?
Otherwise I will wait until after my shopping trip next week.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Michele
Alanna says
Thank you for the kind words Michele. I hope there are more cats in my future!
Arrowroot should work perfectly. In fact, I think they might actually be the same thing? Let me know if you try it.
Boon Koh says
Dear Alanna,
Your recipe/site popped up on my feed, and one gluten-free olive oil cake later, I declare you are a wonderful discovery on a Sunday morning in these COVID times.
Thank you for sharing your talents with the world!
Boon
Alanna says
I'm so glad you found your way here! Which feed did it pop up in? I'm trying to figure out where all the traffic to this post is coming from! So glad you liked the cake - you didn't waste any time. :)
PJ says
Great pictures of your gorgeous cat! Reminds me of a couple of male ginger cats that we had... sorry that you’ve lost him, but hope you are comforted by good memories and your photos.
Alanna says
Catamus was our first ginger and I dare say we may have a type now. They're supposedly the most quirky. Catamus was certainly the weirdest, funniest cat I've ever known. Thanks a bunch for the kind words, I really appreciate it.
Aysegul says
I am very sorry Alanna. I know it is so hard right now, but I promise you that it will get easier. It won't go away but it will become a part of your life.
What I know for sure is that death is not the end and our loved ones are with us all the time.
I wish we were living close and I could be there to go through this with you. Still, I am always here if you need a friendly voice/ear.
Sending you the warmest hugs my friend. XO
Alanna says
Thank you for the kind words Ice. I know you've been intimately acquainted with grief. I really appreciate your wisdom. I wish we could spend a day together too. Maybe a phone catchup soon? xoxo
Eve says
Absolutely and Exactly the recipe I've been looking for.Your beautiful story is a reminder of my recently departed Bubba, Bubbs Bubbles, Bubba Wubba., Pusska, Pixie, Pussy Wussy Puddin Pie... And so on..... He was a peaches and Cream tabby and was a pretty boy
Alanna says
Bubba sounds like an absolute gem. I'm so sorry for your loss as well. I'm happy that this recipe is exciting to you, please let me know how you like it!
Leeanna says
I love this story!!!...And I cannot wait to perfect the recipe!!!!❤
Alanna says
Thank you Leeanna. Let me know if you try it.
Cathleen Dyer says
Hi there!
I look forward to trying this cake. As I am, I always have my.eyes open for eloquent delicious lookimg recipes like this one....meanwhile words expressing your love and loss for Catamous are hard to find at this time. If I may offer this poem ny Irving Townsend...it has helped me through a dew difficult times.
.
...........Fragile Circle.....
We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan.
.
Alanna says
This is an absolutely beautiful poem. Thank you so much for sharing it with me. I'll read it over and over. <3
Jerrie Cook says
I'd like to share my cat story with you. Several years ago I make an artichoke dip for a work potluck. As I was getting ready for my work day I put the casserole dish with the lovely looking dip on the counter. I covered it was plastic wrap and went off to finish getting ready for work. When I came back to the kitchen my grand cat Taz was sitting beside the casserole dish lapping up the dip! Needless to say I had nothing to take for potluck that day.
Just hold your memories of your little prince in your heart. There will come a day that it won't hurt as much and your memories will give you pleasure. 🙏🏻🐈💕
Alanna says
Ha, hilarious! Cats are so sneaky. Taz is a great cat name too. Yes, I'm looking forward to the day when the pain is gone and I just feel love for Prince Catamus. Thanks so much for sharing your story and for the kind words.
Kaye says
Sounds like a receipe I'd like to try! Suits my dietary needs except for the sugar that would need to be replaced with my alternatives. Made a carrot cake with almond flour over the w/e and it's so moist. Am sorry you have lost your puss Catamus. We know too well that pain! Our last pussy Benson had just been diagnosed with cancer when we were about to leave on an o/s trip that we couldn't cancel. Adding to the stress was to find a cattery that would look after Benson who the vet felt with special medication could live comfortably till we got back. No way could we end his life before we left. Fortunately a little rural cattery agreed to care for him. It was so hard to say goodbye to him. It was the last goodbye as Benson took very ill and died 5 days before we arrived home and we were shattered to have parted company with our little black and white puss on these terms. The owners of the cattery had done everything they could for him and we were so grateful. We had left vet and funeral arrangements for Benson with them if necessary. My son collected him in the little white box I'd left with them and Benson is buried under the rose arch in our back garden. Two weeks later friends brought their cat Saffron home from the same cattery after we had recommended it to them and told us there was a little all black puss who had not been picked up and had been there for about 3 months. He needed new parents. We were so grateful for the care they had given Benson that, although still heavy hearted over losing Benson, we decided to let the cattery owners know we would take abandoned puss. It was love at first sight and we renamed him Hamish and the rest is a lovely story of love and devotion and control from our new baby. He was Heaven sent as God knew losing Benson broke our hearts. May I suggest you both rescue another puss sooner than later. This helped us a lot and gave Hamish a new Mummy and Daddy he so needed. He has never got over the separation anxiety he developed from being dumped. Fortunately we are retired so we all have a lot of time to spend together. Be brave and rescue another liitle puss soon. It won't be long before you know you made the right decision! God bless. Kaye K.
Alanna says
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your story with me. I'm so sorry that you lost your precious Benson, and that you didn't get to officially say goodbye to him. That's so awful. I'm really glad you found Hamish and have given him a good home. I know there will be more cats in my future someday too. Appreciate the encouragement.
Marianne White says
Love your gluten free recipes
Alanna says
So glad you're enjoying them.
Elizabeth P says
What a beautiful ode to your little cat man. He was well-loved and cared for. The holes in your hearts and lives are big but they will always be full of wonderful memories of Catamus.
This delicious cake is cooling on a rack right now. I made a couple of "test" cupcakes as always. They're gone. So delicious!! I can tell this is going to be even better tomorrow as you promised. There wasn't quite enough almond flour so I used 1.5 cups of almond flour, 1/4 cup oat flour, 1/4 cassava flour in place of the 2 cups of almond flour. The rest of the recipe was the same. It's got a delicious crumb and the lemon flavor is lovely. I can't wait to have more tomorrow! Thank you for the wonderful recipes and cookbook. We very much appreciate all your work and time.
Alanna says
A belated thank you for this super sweet note and kind words, I really appreciate the support. Somehow I missed it last year.
I'm so glad you liked the cake and that those flour substitutions worked out. Thanks for giving the recipe a go and for the feedback!
Marty says
So sorry for your loss. I am sending peace and light to guide him on his journey. I have a "red" Maine coon. His name is Sunny. He is my sunshine cat. Two years ago he had his teeth cleaned and had a problem with the anesthesia. He woke up in seizures. He sustained brain trauma and was blind. He still is. His seizures are, for the moment, controlled. He had to relearn everything, walking, eating, using the litter box, stairs. He will never be who he was, (running up and down the stairs, playing fetch, jumping in the air to get a catnip mouse), but he is who he is. He still is a kind, gentle and loving individual, who takes each day as it comes. All my fur children have taught me many things. I wish humans could be more like them.
Looking forward to making this cake. Hard to make moist gluten free desserts.
Alanna says
Thank you so much for the kind words Marty, it really means a lot to me. I love all cats but have a special obsession with Maine coons. Sunny sounds like a beautiful soul. That's absolutely horrible what happened to him from the anesthesia. I'm so sorry. You sound like a really amazing cat parent to give him such love and care.
Catamus also didn't handle anesthesia well. I wonder if it's a redhead thing? I've heard that human gingers are also more sensitive to anesthesia. Maybe it's the same with cats? We got Catamus's teeth cleaned once and it was so troubling watching him wobble around afterward that Jay decided he was going to brush his teeth every night, which he did until his final days. Catamus never learned to love it.
Please let me know if you give the cake a try and what Sunny thinks of it.
Claire says
Hi Alanna,
So sorry to hear about Catamus. I had a tabby who was a found cat and a runt, never made it over 9 pounds. Saying goodbye to him, many years ago, was really hard. I feel for you.
I made this cake, and it was DELICIOUS. Absolutely delicious. And so moist. Mine poofed up a lot and sunk when it cooled. I turned it upside down and left it that way until all the way cool and then it didn't look so deflated. Cherries and ice cream (because I didn't have any whipping cream) made for a nice Memorial Day/Anniversary dessert.
Oh, and I just cut the recipe in half, made a 6" cake which was perfect for one meal.
So glad I found this.
And much sadness for your loss.
Claire
Alanna says
Hi Claire! Aw your tabby sounds like he was a great friend. Thank you for your understanding. And thank you for trying my recipe, I'm honored! So smart to cool the cake upside down, I'll have to try that next time. Happy anniversary to you and Joel! Cherries and ice cream, yum!
Melanie says
What a beautiful tribute to Catamus! I still have teary eyes from reading the post (such great photos!). I have been wondering about him since your last post. I'm sorry he's gone, but glad you guys had him in your lives.
My partner and I lost our Poof cat this winter after battling diabetes and kidney disease. He was a fun, friendly, mischievous black cat that greeted anyone that came to our house with tail up (head of the welcome kitty committee). He was such a force of life and I miss him so much. He also accrued many nicknames, including Poof Broccoli and Posole Poof, reflecting some of the foods he made away with. He also had a special affinity for tomatoes and avocados, sometimes I would find the evidence of some sticky tomato seeds on the floor or an avocado peel licked clean. As he was nearing the end, he didn't have an appetite for much food. But I had made some pan-seared salmon one night, and he gobbled it up. I was overjoyed that he was eating and enjoying something good, and gave him as much as he wanted. He passed within a couple weeks. At his memorial dinner we had some of his favorites - the pan-seared salmon, roasted broccoli and a side of plain cherry tomatoes.
I'll make this cake soon and think of your buddy, Catamus.
Alanna says
Aw thank you for the sweet note. I'm so sorry for your loss of Poof - he sounds like a real character! How amazing that he loved posole, tomatoes, and avocado. Cats are such little people, each with their own quirky tastes and behaviors. His memorial dinner sounds delicious. You must miss him so much.
Please let me know if you make this cake. Thank you again for your kind note, I really appreciate it. <3
Sue says
Made this weekend. The best cake I've ever made. So moist be and delicious 😋
Alanna says
I'm so glad you loved it!
Nina Giuliani says
Dear Alanna - Sending you and Jay thoughts and care as you continue to learn to live with the empty spaces where Catamus should be in your home. He will continue to fill the spaces in your heart always. I will miss seeing him in your posts. Take care. Nina
Alanna says
Thank you, Nina, for reading and for the very kind words, I really appreciate it.
Sheryl says
I love your post. Having just adopted a young orange ("marmalade") boy after my husband died, it brought all of it back to me but also how lucky I am to smile everyday at my new young friend "Mojo". He sits and watches me in the kitchen and loves most everything I make, which I know is not a sign of my cooking skills but I I take it as a badge of honour just the same. I will make your loaf and will think lovingly of your orange boy as I share it with mine.
Alanna says
Gosh I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your husband. I can only imagine how difficult losing him must have been. I wish I could give you a big hug.
Mojo is a GREAT cat name! I'm so glad you have a little orange buddy to share your life and food with. Please let me know how you (both) enjoy the cake. Much love to the both of you. <333
SJ says
At the time of this post in May, my high school friend's Granny passed away. I thought about sharing my loss of my baking "Granny". In high school, I eyed a recipe in my mother's Betty Crocker's cookbook called Rosettes-- fried Scandinavian cookies. "Granny" called them stars and even had irons needed for making them! To this day, 30+ years later, my friend and I fondly remember our baking adventures and now, it's tinged with sadness with the loss of her Granny.
A month later, June 23 to be precise, my dear 15 year old Monty, a brown tabby, suddenly passed away. I was working from home, as many are due to Covid-19, following a perfectly normal morning where Monty meowed for treats and jumped on a table he was "not supposed to be on" (which means he was always on and I always kissed him when I found him there). He was sleeping next to me when he suddenly convulsed. I scooped him up thinking he had something entangled in his feet and was freaking out but he was limp. He lost control of his bowels and was breathing heavily-- but breathing. I called the vet who told me to rush him to the emergency vet-- by the time I looked up the emergency vet clinic and washed my hands, he was gone.
I don't know what is worse-- losing a companion after a battle with an illness and making the decision to put them down or to lose them in less than 10 minutes, without warning. My deepest regret was not holding him when he passed-- I knew the situation was dire but hoping I could save him or at least put him out of his discomfort and pain led me to try to take him to the vet. My hope is he knew I was there, that I didn't abandon him, and that I loved him dearly. He was my first pet and I am at times moved to fits of crying (a full month after his passing) and at time fits of laughter, recalling all his antics and personality quirks from kitten-hood to "super senior"-hood.
And he never judged me when I ate a full batch of whatever recipe I made from this blog...
Alanna says
Oh my goodness SJ, somehow I missed this note all those months ago. I'm so, so sorry, and even more sorry that you lost your precious Monty in such a sudden and traumatic way. You must have been absolutely gutted. It's clear to me that Monty knew your boundless love and caring for him up through his final moments. Any cat would be lucky to have you as a companion.
How are you holding up this year? Has another kitty made its way into your life?
Sending all my love and support, and my apologies again for somehow missing this dear note last year.
Marcia says
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear pet. We had a ginger tabby ( more pink than orange) Named Topaz for 21 years before she passed. My husband was the night supervisor at a chemical company that made printing pigments & one of the employees found her under an empty barrel. She was covered in yellow pigment and so tiny that I thought we would have to bottle feed her, but fortunately didn’t have to. She was an excellent mouser, always awarding her prize into the shoes of my husband or son. One of her favorite pastimes was “helping” me when I quilted, rearranging the patterns I’d laid out on the floor whenever my back was turned. She’s been gone 17 years but even though we’ve had other wonderful cats, she still is my favorite, and I still miss her. Thank you for bringing back happy memories with your loving tribute to Catamus.
I plan on making your cake for my Granddaughter’s 14th birthday. It looks wonderful!
Alanna says
Awwww Topaz sounds like a really special kitty. What an amazing story about how you found her. Such a lucky girl to have such doting pawrents. How kind of her to leave offerings in your shoes (ha!) and to "help" you quilt. I really appreciate your sweet note. I dreamed about Catamus last night and still miss him very dearly.
Please let me know how the cake turns out. Happiest birthday to your granddaughter! <333
HeidiA says
Hi Alanna, I love all your GF recipes! This one sounds so delicious and I can’t wait to try it. But I was wondering if you have ever experimented with a “mug” cake recipe for the microwave? I’d love to make a mug cake for my celiac daughter once in a while, for a quick and yummy desert for her! I’ve checked out King Arthur flour mug mixes and can’t bring myself to give it to her- it’s main ingredient is SUGAR! I figure that there must be a way to adapt this or another basic cake recipe of yours to a mug cake. Any suggestions?
Alanna says
Hi Heidi, Thank you so much for the sweet note! I love the idea of making healthier GF mug cake, but sadly I don't have a microwave! I have a small apartment kitchen and a microwave would take up most of our counterspace. BUT! There are two recipes that look delicious here. I would give one of those a try! This chocolate peanut butter cake could also be adapted to a mug cake I bet. You could take down the sugar or use coconut sugar instead.
Carolyn says
Delicious!! My gluten- and dairy-sensitive husband loves it, as do I! Have made it 3x in one weekend now :) Having trouble turning out the cake onto a wire rack without ruining/tearing the top. Perhaps I’m not allowing it to cool long enough in the pan. Any other tips ? Thank you so much
Alanna says
Oh I'm so glad you two love it!
The top of the cake *is* delicate, so if you have a springform pan, that works best so that you don't have to turn it upside-down to get it out of the pan. If you don't have one, you could try shoving piece of parchment paper into the pan like this and then using the parchment "handles" to pull it out. This method will crease the sides of the cake however.
One more option would be to try chilling the cake before turning it out. This might make it firm up so that it's sturdier to handle.
Let me know what you try!
Abby says
I was hoping that I could turn this cake into a GF version of Melissa Clark’s Campari Olive Oil Cake if I added a few tablespoons of Campari to the cake plus did a mix of lemon, orange, and grapefruit zests (and maybe reduced the lemon juice or mixed it with grapefruit or orange?). What do you think? Thank you!
Alanna says
Um that sounds AMAZING. I say go for it! I would probably swap some of the lemon juice out for the Campari. You might want to take the sugar down a bit to compensate for the sweetness in the Campari too; although the bitterness will probably make up for it. Please let me know what you try! I'd love to see a photo too!
anna says
thank you for sharing your story about your cat, it warmed my heart. I was looking desperately for a olive oil cake recipe, yours is amazing. Looking forward to trying more! thank you :)
Alanna says
Aw thank you! I'm glad you found this recipe and got to read about Catamus too. :)
Keira says
Hey there, love this recipe. Just wondered if I could sub Olive oil with canola oil or rice bran oil? Thanks so much.
Alanna says
I'm so glad you like it! Great question. Any liquid oil that you like the flavor of should work. Please let me know what you try!
Amy Alexander says
Wow! Catamus was right, this cake is fabulous! It’s lemony and light, so elegant and delicious. Great recipe-thank you!!
Alanna says
Awww I'm so glad you liked it. Catamus did have impeccable taste. Thanks so much for the sweet note, it brought a smile to my face and heart!
Ashley says
I just had to comment because this cake is one of the best I've had and made in a long time. It was an absolute hit for the holidays and I plan to make this one a LOT. I served it with a delicious marscapone berry ice cream (https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/dolcezza-mascarpone-berries-gelato-1-pint-b07cx3gp64) and it was the perfect combination.
Alanna says
I'm so glad you loved the cake! That ice cream sounds like a lovely accompaniment. Yum!
Michaela says
So sorry to hear about your cat! He is so handsome, and will be loved and remembered dearly. This cake is so tasty! Definitely better by the second day. Have you ever tried substituting the almond flour for coconut or gluten free all purpose flour? Also have you ever tried freezing it and/or have any suggestions for reheating it? Thank you for a delicious recipe!
Alanna says
Aw thank you Michaela, that really means a lot to me.
I'm so glad you like the recipe! I haven't tried it with coconut or GF AP flour. Coconut flour is much more absorbent, so I would probably use that in conjunction with another flour, and decrease the amount. It would take some experimentation! GF AP flour would be a more straightforward substitute. You could experiment with swapping out half the almond flour for an equal weight of GF AP flour and see how that goes. If it works, maybe try subbing it all out next time? Please let me know if you play around with it!
As for freezing the cake, I think that should work fine! I'd try reheating slices in a 325º oven for 10-15 minutes. I'm just guessing here. Please let me know if you try it!
Taylor says
I absolutely love your cake! It is amazing! If I make it for an event, can I make it a few days prior to the event and just leave it out on my counter? Or could I freeze it? What do you suggest?
Alanna Taylor-Tobin says
Hi Taylor! Hm, I think freezing it will keep it fresher, but I haven't experimented with this myself. I wouldn't keep it at room temp for more than 24 hours as it could get moldy if your kitchen is warm or humid. Please let me know what you try!
Rich says
This cake is legit. I've made it twice and it tastes fantastic. It's not difficult to make. My 9" round pan is not large enough to contain all the batter - it's not a springform so likely too shallow.
Alanna Taylor-Tobin says
So glad you like it, and thanks for the feedback about the pan. You can always bake the extra batter into a few little cupcakes - a secret treat for the baker! ;)
Tammy Manassa says
I can scores this recipe as I needed a GF DF dessert. This cake came out amazing. I live at high altitude so it always a challenge. Everyone loved it even my picky dessert eaters. I did make a few changes. I used all coconut sugar. Had to reduce a bit for high altitude by 1/8 cup. I used potato starch for the tapioca flour and lastly I ran out of almond flour by 1/4 cup so I used one to one GF flour. The cake was moist and not dense at all. The coconut sugar turns the batter darker but is a great substitute for refine sugar. I will be making this cake again and often.
Alanna Taylor-Tobin says
I'm so glad you loved it and that those substitutions worked! I bet the coconut sugar adds lovely depth of flavor here. I can't wait to try it that way!
Karma says
Made this today and it’s perfect. 100%
Trish says
Hi Alanna! I love this type of cake and look forward to trying this recipe. What would you think of using pistachio flour in place of the almond? I had a wonderfully moist pistachio cake and ice cream in Venice, Italy earlier this year and would love to replicate it. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated!
Alanna Taylor-Tobin says
Hi Trish! Oh YES – I bet pistachio meal would be amazing here! Would you use all pistachio meal, or some pistachio and some almond?
Trish says
I was thinking all pistachio. But you’re the expert so maybe you think a combination would be better?
Alanna Taylor-Tobin says
Hm, I *think* it would work either way! My only hesitation is that I've never baked a cake with all pistachio meal so it might absorb moisture differently than the almond flour. Please let me know what you end up trying!
SLR says
Made this cake today with extra special olive oil and it was a HUGE hit! We served it with macerated strawberries and everyone raved about it. And the Catamus pictures added extra joy--clearly his legacy lives on!
Alanna Taylor-Tobin says
Aw I'm so glad you liked the cake and especially the cat pics! Thanks for trying my recipe and for the sweet note <333