Savory Cake with Ham, Cheese and Olive Oil

A savory cake—known in France as cake salé—is a delicious twist on the classic quick bread. Moist, dense, and full of flavor, this cake trades sugar and frosting for cheese, herbs, and other savory mix-ins. In France, it’s often enjoyed as an apéritif with a glass of wine, but its versatility makes it a welcome addition to any meal.

One of the secrets to a truly memorable savory cake is using extra virgin olive oil in the batter. In this recipe, extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness and depth that complements the cheese and herbs, while also keeping the crumb tender and moist. It’s a healthy fat that not only enhances flavor but also elevates this humble quick bread into something elegant.

The process of making a savory cake is simple—very much like making cornbread. Dry ingredients are whisked together, wet ingredients are mixed separately, and then the two are combined before folding in flavorful mix-ins. 

Unlike quiche, which bakes its fillings in a custard inside a pastry crust, a savory cake incorporates its ingredients directly into the batter, giving every slice a satisfying texture. And while it may resemble a traditional cake in shape, the key difference lies in its flavor profile—savory cakes skip the sugar and instead rely on herbs, cheese, seasoning, and olive oil for richness and depth.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup grated cheese such as cheddar, Swiss or Gruyère
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Fresh herbs such as chives, parsley or thyme (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Prepare a springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper. Grease the pan with olive oil and sprinkle with flour
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper
• In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, mustard, milk, and olive oil.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients and then fold in the cheese, ham, and herbs
• Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and level it with a spoon or spatula
• Bake 45 minutes until it is golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
• Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

You can modify this recipe as below:

• Use a muffin pan lined wth paper cups. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 
• Use a loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 
• Substitute cooked, chopped bacon for the ham, or make it vegetarian by substituting cooked vegetables or omitting the meat. 
• Use a mix of cheeses instead of just one type of cheese