Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, very finely minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest, finely grated
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp warm water
  • 1 tsp fresh basil, finely minced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and minced basil. Use fingertips to rub the zest and basil into the sugar for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly damp.
  3. Whisk in the olive oil and eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition to create a stable emulsion. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pale.
  4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt directly over the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined.