This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Making this lovely Portuguese Clementine-Olive Oil Cake w/ Marmalade Drizzle brought back memories of a marriage proposal! I had a few before my true Prince Charming came along, but this particular one was especially interesting, as it occurred in the strangest of situations and in a foreign country, of all places!
It happened in Lisbon, Portugal many years ago while traveling in Europe with my mom. For six weeks we wandered like nomads from one end of the continent to the other; hiking the magnificent mountains, swimming in the clear blue Mediterranean and enjoying the amazing history that we encountered at every turn. Of course we had to visit the quaint cafés, abundant bakeries and delightful patisseries in every city we ventured through.
One day, just in passing, my mom mentioned that she had always dreamed of visiting Portugal. It wasn't part of our itinerary but being foot loose, fancy-free and knowing we had unlimited travel miles with our Eurail passes, I said, "Why not, let's go!" We boarded the next train and before we knew it, found ourselves in the Lisbon railway station without a clue of where to stay or what to see.
Much to our surprise a handsome and gregarious young man befriended us right there in the station and offered assistance in securing accommodations. We were wary at first, but after learning he was the son of the city's mayor, we became a bit more trusting. He made a few phone calls and it wasn't long before we were checking into a lovely hotel right in the heart of the bustling city. When he left that day, he offered to show us around the city during the time we were visiting. We thanked him kindly for all his help, but told him we'd be fine from that point on.
The following day as we toured the city we mysteriously (?) ran into this young fellow here, there and everywhere. He was kind, friendly and helpful and somewhere, over the course of the day, he won our hearts. We saw him several times over the next few days and when he offered, on our final day, to show us "The most beautiful park in the city." we readily agreed.
The park was indeed lovely and he had brought a delicious Portuguese lunch which we enjoyed in the beautiful, lush surroundings. Time passed by quickly, and soon we needed to catch a bus to the train station where we said farewell to our new friend. The bus was crowded and after finding a seat for mom, we headed a bit further back where we stood and chatted.
Shortly before we arrived at our departure train station he blurted out an unbelievable question: "Would you marry with me?" was exactly what he said. In my shocked state, I asked him to repeat the question. "Would you marry with me?", he said again. I stumbled and sputtered and tried to think of what to say.
Finally I said, "Well, I have to return to the United States to complete my education". His reply was quick, "Don't worry about that. Education is not necessary for you, all you need to do for me here is to cook and clean". Oh dear, I honestly can't remember exactly what I said at that point, but I do remember that I had quite the story to tell my mom as our train sped away from Lisbon!
To this day, whenever I hear about or read about Portugal, I have to smile as I remember this sweet story. And speaking of smiling, you will grin from ear to ear when you take the first bite of this moist, delicious, citrusy cake. Actually, the grin will start even before the first bite; when you slice into this cake, you will be greeted by the most amazing aroma. Citrus, vanilla and olive oil combine to create a intoxicating fragrance that is likely to melt even the firmest dietary resolve. I have a feeling you'll love this one - we think it's a keeper, for sure!
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 5 large eggs
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 ½ cups mild flavored extra-virgin olive oil
- fine zest of 5 clementines*
- 1 ½ cups clementine juice from approximately 15 clementines*
- For the drizzle:
- ¼ cup marmalade I used my Orange-Pineapple Marmalade, use your favorite.
- 4-5 tablespoons half and half or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
-
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Spray a 12-cup Bunt or tube pan with baking spray and set aside.
-
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or with a handheld mixer in a large bowl) beat the eggs on medium-high speed until well-combined, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the granulated sugar and continue beating until thick and pale yellow, about 3 minutes.
-
On low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and oil, starting and ending with the flour, and beat until just a few wisps of flour remain. Pour in the clementtine juice and zest and mix for about 20 seconds to bring the batter together.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a cake tester comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, about 1 ¼ hours. If the top is browning too much as the cake bakes, cover lightly with foil.
-
Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 minutes, then turn the cake out onto the rack and cool completely before icing
-
For the drizzle, place marmalade in microwave for 30 seconds or heat in a small pan over low heat till melted. Strain warm marmalade through a fine strainer, push on solids with the back of a spoon. You should end up with approximately 3 tablespoons of strained marmalade.
-
Combine marmalade, 4 tablespoon of half and half, vanilla and powdered sugar in a medium size bowl. Mix with a wire whisk until smooth. Add more half and half or milk if needed to thin enough to drizzle. With a spoon drizzle icing in a back and forth motion from center to outer edges of cake.
-
Allow icing to set before serving. Cake is even better if made a day in advance. Store in a covered cake container.
* ~ This cake can also be made from oranges or other citrus fruits. Use the same measurement of zest and juice. I think grapefruit would be delightful.
Cake Duchess says
LOVE this fun story. Just think, you missed the opportunity to living there just cooking and cleaning for him;))) Gorgeous cake. That drizzle is so lovely and the flavors so perfect.
Lemons and Anchovies says
Love the cake and the story that goes with it. Cook and clean, huh? 🙂
Kathy says
This is a lovely looking cake…so absolutely gorgeous! And so moist looking! Your story had me laughing…what a funny way to ask someone to marry you, and not a very winning way!
Erin D. says
Hahaha. Fantastic story. You don't often get to read such stories on food blogs. 😉 Thanks for sharing it with us!
I love using olive oil in cakes and especially love if there's citrus involved! This cake is absolutely beautiful. Great job!
France@beyondthepeel says
That's fabulous Chris. That made me giggle. I worked in Portugal for a short time in my mid twenties. About 10 years ago. The men I remeber meeting aren't all that different. Hahaha. The cake though is fabulous.
Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says
What a beautiful story! Speaking of beautiful - your cake is just that! Anything with olive oil in it makes it ever so special. 🙂
Liz Berg says
Such a cute story...most of my early proposals were from inebriated college students :/ And your cake is divine...I just want to reach through the screen and get a finger full of that drizzle. Bill loves a citrus cake...I just may treat him to yours:)
Anne@FromMySweetHeart says
Beautiful beautiful cake, Chris and a wonderful story! Your suitor would be kicking himself had he any idea the culinary queen you have turned out to be! And I love when a particular food ties you to a memory such as this. This is a perfect cake to celebrate spring! : )
Betty says
I love your proposal story! The cake is lovely- I swear I can smell the citrus from here. 🙂
Susan says
What a lovely story, Chris! This cake is picture perfect, too! Just a lovely post all the way around!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Gorgeous cake! The drizzle looks amazing. And what an entertaining story to go with it!
renee @ Singing With Birds says
Oh Chris, what a spectacular cake for Spring! You do have a talent for making everything you touch absolutely artistic, and I love your sweet experience with your mom.
Hotly Spiced says
What a lovely story. It does remind me a bit of some scenes in 'Love Actually' where one of the characters goes to Portugal. I've only ever had the one proposal - you make me feel I missed out on something xx
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
What a great story! A great memory to have always - the cake looks gorgeous! The flavors sound so wonderful together!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Thanks for all your fun, kind comments!
Mary says
What a lovely cake. Those photos are worthy of a magazine. This was a great post. Have a good day. Blessings...Mary
Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
Well, that was a cute story. You make the most beautiful cakes. I love the way you get your icing to drip down like an icicle. And the crumb on the cake, you just know it is moist. Just gorgeous.
Jemma says
Truly, a beautiful cake and truly a lovely and captivating romantic tale!! Your cake is gorgeous, gorgeous!!!!
Jemma
Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says
Chris, you are melting my dietary resolve! I'm getting woo'd by this lovely cake! It's saying to me, "eat me, bite me!"
By the way, great story about the marriage proposal - too funny! You're so lucky to have travelled with your Mom that way! I hope, in the future, my children would want to travel with me as well! It is such a wonderful bonding experience!
www.you-made-that.com says
What a cute story! Lovely and delicious looking cake. You must have captured his heart rather quickly, thanks for sharing
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Chris this looks stunningly beautiful. Cudos to the chef and mouse for taking the photos.
Wow what a story and what a proposal too. It must have been tough to turn down a life of cooking and cleaning (that's my sarcastic voice!).
I have a very weak resolve at the best of times when it comes to cake but this would win me over in a second.
Kitchen Riffs says
What a great story! And gorgeous looking cake. We've been eating clementines like crazy lately (they're really good this year, and inexpensive), so this recipe will definitely be useful for us. Thanks!
Sandra Lee says
This story has all the makings of a wonderful chick flick. Adventure, romance, and you ended it with this showstopper of a cake.
Kyle says
Wow! What an incredible story and the cake looks incredible too. I'm going to have to give it a try! Did you and your mom just giggle every time you said the word "Portugal" after that?
Wendy says
This cake could make a person believe that Spring is actually going to get here at some point 🙂 So beautiful. Do you think a citrus infused olive oil would be good in this cake? I have a blood orange olive oil that I use for salad dressings and biscotti but I believe they also sell tangerine.