Many of our customers, home chefs, olive oil aficionados and foodies go to great lengths to find a freshly-pressed, robust flavored olive oil with a spicy, intense finish. Many of these favored characteristics are often considered attributes to define a high quality olive oil. Many customers, however, also know of many high-quality, freshly-pressed olive oils and olive varietals that, when fully-ripened have sweet, delicate flavor. The Olive Tap’s current offerings of 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oils would include Taggiasca, Arbequina and Mia’s Blend. Any of these can make a wonderful addition of Olive Oil in pastry recipes.

Why Pastry Chefs Use Olive Oil in Pastry Baking

Olive oil has been a staple in Mediterranean cooking for centuries, but it’s also gaining popularity in pastry for its unique ability to enhance flavor and texture. Using olive oil in pastry can introduce subtle, complex notes that enrich the taste profile of baked goods. Pastry chefs appreciate how olive oil can keep pastries moist, create a tender crumb, and even offer a healthier alternative to butter.

Even Famous Chefs are Doing it!

Recently, chefs, pastry-chefs and ice cream makers in Italy have discovered these fruity, sweet olive oils and are now integrating such oils in some of their favorite treats including Luca Montersino and Pietro Maccelaro.

Luca Montersino, one of the first pastry-chefs to use extra virgin olive oil extensively, created a pastry line with attention to specific health factors and food tolerances. Using olive oil instead of butter to avoid lactose and animal fat, Luca was among the leaders to make Panettone, one of Italy’s favorite holiday delicacies. 

Of course, many chefs followed including Andrea Serravezza and Massimo Gaetani, launching Olivotto®, an olive-based cream. The cream is particularly suitable for pastry-making due to the balanced ratio of acids, fats and sugars. 

Chef Luca Montersino

Pietro Macellaro, a young pastry-chef who set-up is “pastry atelier” (chef’s artisanal kitchen or workshop) in the Cinento region, right on his family’s farm. In addition to fruity olives and olive oils, Peitro also uses his farm’s products to make delicious desserts and pralines using almonds, apricots, chestnuts, cherries, herbs, apples, peaches and raisins. Due to its high elevation, no chemical additives are pesticides are used to protect against the fruit fly, another added bonus. 

Why Use Olive Oil in Pastry Recipes?

1. Enhances Flavor and Complexity
High-quality extra virgin olive oil brings a delicate, fruity flavor to pastries, adding depth without overpowering sweetness. Certain types of olive oil, especially those with mild, buttery notes, can complement flavors like chocolate, almond, and citrus, making it an excellent ingredient for diverse recipes such as olive oil cakes, tarts, and shortbreads.

2. Adds Moisture and Tenderness
Olive oil’s liquid consistency allows it to coat flour proteins more effectively, reducing gluten development. This results in a softer, tender crumb that’s especially desirable in cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Pastries made with olive oil also tend to retain moisture longer, keeping baked goods fresh and flavorful for an extended period.

3. Offers Health Benefits
Incorporating olive oil in pastry is a fantastic way to enjoy desserts with less saturated fat. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. By substituting part or all of the butter in recipes, bakers can achieve lighter pastries that appeal to health-conscious customers without sacrificing taste.

In addition to olive oil, there are also so many quality substitutions for dairy, eggs, wheat and more. Why not take your favorite traditional recipes and work to make a heart-healthy version today? Remember we have a convenient Butter to Olive Oil Conversion Chart on our website to get you started. 

Truly the opportunities for integration of olives and olive oils in sweet desserts are endless, including cakes, cookies, ice cream, gelato, custards, pie crusts, cupcakes and so much more. We just recently added a delicious Lemon Almond Cake but also have a number of recipes listed under our Dessert Section of our website including Sweet Lime Olive Oil Yogurt Cakes, Dark Chocolate Balsamic Cake and Lemon Lime Muffins to name a few.

You can also search the internet for olive oil dessert recipes to discover even more recipes. We would love to hear about your culinary olive oil dessert creations so please Contact Us today! 

Bon Appétit! 

Rick