Ever have those days where you just have no motivation?
That was me yesterday. After a crazy weekend of shows and rehearsals, when I got back from my last rehearsal and showered, I was wiped.
It wasn’t the cute “lay in bed in a messy bun with a cup of tea and watch Netflix” kind of tired, it was the “I physically can’t get out of bed and I ate rice with shredded cheese for dinner” kind of exhausted.
Luckily, those kinds of days fill me with a desire to do SO MUCH the next day, in order to compensate. So I’m anticipating a busy Monday and a packed week.
In DC, the weather’s been kinda gross recently. Lots of rain and a dip in temperature to the mid-50s. Those spring showers are really coming down.
Luckily, after today, it’s looking to (kinda) be nicer for a few days, so cross your fingers- I think sunshine is pretty essential for a productive week.
A lot of things are happening around now: my birthday is on Friday (19!!), Ariana Grande’s new album just came out, my grades are finally, albeit very slowly appearing on my transcript, everyone is graduating high school/college/grad school and heading back into town, and as so many shows reach dramatic season finales, summer TV is kicking off.
It’s a transitional time!
Spring is definitely my favorite season for that reason exactly- there are so many changes happening, and most of them are totally great. This orange olive oil cake celebrates the brightness of spring with lots of citrusy notes and floral olive oil. It’s vegan and so easy to make- a definite must-try. Enjoy! xx
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch sea salt
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup cane sugar + 1 tsp, divided
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- ⅔ cup chopped bittersweet chocolate
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add in olive oil, ¾ cup sugar, vanilla extract, almond milk, orange zest, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well mixed.
- With a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula, incorporate chopped chocolate into the mixture.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes in preheated oven, removing when a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean with no wet, undercooked batter.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine orange juice and remaining 1 tsp sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour orange juice mixture over warm loaf and let cool for another 10-20 minutes before removing from pan and serving.
*adapted from here
I’m loving the combination of chocolate and orange in this bread! And the whole wheat sounds so nice and hearty!
Thank you!
Chocolate and orange is such a classic flavor combination. I love it! And I really like the idea of making olive oil bread with those flavors. I must try this!!
Thanks, Jen!
Well I certainly hope you are feeling less exhausted and more motivated, girlfriend! Those days were you have run yourself ragged are never fun. Staying in bed and eating tons of this cake sounds like the best plan! Loving the orange and bittersweet chocolate combo! Looks delish!! Cheers friend!
P.S. It’s been nasty here too. Bring on the summer weather already!
Thanks, Cheyanne!
What a creative idea, Medha! I’ve never used orange or olive oil in a cake before. Sounds delish!
Thanks 🙂
We really are twinning–it’s my bday this week, too (tomorrow!). Happy early birthday to you! This cake sounds fabulous. I love orange and chocolate together and I bet they’re even better with the EVOO!
Happy early birthday! Thanks so much 🙂
It has been SO gross here, Medha. Today it’s finally going to be nice for a few days! All this rain and coldness has me very unmotivated, too. I just feel so blah.
Chocolate motivates me though, as does the fact that this cake is awesome. It looks incredible!
Thanks, Mir! Same 🙂
I love spring for all of these reasons, too, Medha! I’m not all about rainy, 50° days, but I’m willing to bet that a slice of this olive oil cake will make me forget the chilly, wet weather outside. As far as the motivation, I think everyone is catching summer fever…it’s almost here now! 🙂
Thanks, David- and seriously, Memorial Day is so soon!
I don’t bake with olive oil nearly as often as I should. You can’t go wrong with chocolate and I love the addition of orange. I wish I had a slice for breakfast!
Right? 🙂
There is no way I’m not going to love cake with chocolate and orange involved! Lovely and I’m also having a blast baking and tasting cakes with olive oil. Looks so moist and delicious!
Thank you!
Yaaaaaaaay happy early birthday! Man, I wish I were 19 again…make it count, girl!
I’m loving how flavorful and tasty this olive oil cake looks! Definitely the perfect celebratory birthday treat!
Thanks, Julia!
Happy early birthday!!! I hope you have a great day!! 🙂
Chocolate + orange go so well together and with olive oil in there too?? This sounds delicious!!
Thank you so much 🙂
Hope the weather improves! Although gloomy weather tends to be good baking weather 🙂
Totally agree 🙂
This looks absolutely perfect! Making something with chocolate and orange together is on my to-do list, and this olive oil cake might just be it! If I manage to not laze around, that is.
Thanks, Tiffany!
This cake looks and sounds so delicious! Orange and olive oil with bittersweet chocolate sounds so elegant — I love this!
Thank you 🙂
Happy almost birthday!!! This cake looks so beautiful and delicious – olive oil, orange and chocolate sounds like such a gorgeous flavor combination. Love!
Thanks, Rachel!
Happy Birthday! I love this olive oil cake with the classic chocolate and orange combination! So lovely and delicious!
Chocolate and orange are so great together, thanks 🙂
Happy Birthday Medha!! 🙂 Orange and dark chocolate is one of my all time favorite combinations! Sounds delicious 🙂
Thanks, Chelsea!
Yes. Yes I do have those days! I hope you got some well deserved rest and can enjoy your summer and this delicious cake! Happy early birthday and congrats on finishing your first year of college!
Thank you, Rachelle!
chocolate and orange are so good together!! love this cake Medha!
Thanks, Manali!
Happy Birthday girl! I hope you have an absolutely fab day! I think the crappy weather can certainly influence our motivation. Hopefully the sunshine be along soon to help us along! That cake looks absolutely delicious!
Thanks, Lucie 🙂
Happy almost birthday! Hope you have a great time celebrating!
Love the olive oil in this cake and the chocolate and orange combo sound fantastic!
Thanks, Kelly!
Making an olive oil cake has been on my bucket list for a long time. Love that you added orange and chocolate. Such a great combination!
Olive oil cakes are so fun! Thanks, Christin!
We all need those do-nothing days every now and then. That way you can restore energy to make delicious orange olive oil cakes. Holy yum!!
You are SO right. Thanks!