Olive Oil-Grape Cake with Honey-Ginger Glaze

Step 1

Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Thoroughly grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with butter.

Step 2

Make the batter: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on high speed until they lighten in color, 5 to 8 minutes. Slowly beat in the eggs one by one, then pour in the olive oil and milk and mix to combine.

Step 3

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Grate 5 or 6 light "grates" of the lemon zest over the flour mixture.

Step 4

Finish the batter: Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a rubber spatula to fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Fold in about 1 cup of the grapes. Stir only enough to blend and gently so as not to bruise or break too many grapes.

Step 5

Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it in the center of the oven. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes in the pan.

Step 6

Make the glaze and serve the cake: Meanwhile, combine the honey and ginger in a small saute pan. Bring to a light simmer over low heat. When it bubbles, thickens and turns light brown, 2 to 3 minutes, add the remaining 1/2 cup grapes and the juice from 1/2 of the lemon. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Step 7

Serve slices of the cake with some of the grape-ginger mix spooned over it. Serve with tangy Greek yogurt or a scoop of lemon sorbet on the side.