Summer is in full swing and I bring you… a cake recipe. I know, turning on the oven some days during the season is the last thing anyone wants to do, but this recipe is the exception. I’m a bit of sweets fiend, and my day is incomplete without a little treat. But when it comes to summer desserts, I’m less about all things chocolate (shocking, I know) and more about light and bright flavors that celebrate the season while also being easy to pull together. This strawberry olive oil cake recipe checks all of those boxes and more.
With sweet summer strawberries, zesty lemon, a crunchy crumble topping, and a delicious cake base upgraded with the texture of cornmeal, this cake recipe is like if a coffee cake and strawberry shortcake had a baby. (Said differently: it’s delicious.)
I’m sharing all my cake-baking tricks and a few recipe notes below. Gather up your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Strawberry Olive Oil Cake
You probably have most of the ingredients on hand for this cake in your pantry already, but there are a few extras that’ll take it to the next level.
Granulated sugar. The base of our sweet treat.
Lemon zest. Rubbed into the sugar, it releases all that magical citrusy flavor.
Olive oil. Use the good stuff—trust me, you’ll taste it.
Eggs and egg yolk. The extra egg yolk helps add extra moisture to this recipe.
Greek yogurt. I’ve made this with low-fat skyr and it works just fine, but you can also use full-fat.
Flour. All-purpose is perfect.
Baking powder. To help our cake rise.
Salt. No baked good is complete without it.
Strawberries. This cake’s pièce de résistance—and what solidifies it as a summer-coded treat.
Tips for Baking
Having tested this recipe quite a few times, I’ve picked up a few notes along the way.
Rub your lemon zest into the sugar. Using your fingers, rub the zest into the sugar until it becomes sandy in texture and the lemon is fragrant. This is the best way to get the most flavor.
Pulse the polenta in the food processor. I like the little crunch that the polenta adds to the cake, but to ensure that I don’t end up with cornmeal pieces that are too large, I like to pulse the cornmeal in the food processor a few times to ensure it blends easily into the batter.
Thinly slice the strawberries. I usually have qualms with fruits in cakes. They always end up soggy and making the batter soggy as well. By thinly slicing the strawberries and adding them to the top, they retain their bright flavor without adding extra moisture to the batter.
Salt. Please add salt to your desserts. I’m begging. A pinch sprinkled into the crumble topping and incorporated into the batter elevates all the flavors.
How to Serve Strawberry Olive Oil Cake
After the cake is out of the oven, let it cool completely. Hard, I know. Once cooled, give the cake a little shake of granulated sugar. It makes everything look extra pretty and café-worthy. You can also pile freshly chopped strawberries or spoon strawberry jam on top to lean into the flavor. I also like to serve this cake alongside some freshly whipped vanilla cream or a scoop of ice cream. Pro tip: It also makes a delicious breakfast the next day served alongside a cup of coffee.
Store the cake in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. But you’ll be lucky if it lasts that long. Keep scrolling for the recipe!
The best summer cake with seasonal strawberries and olive oil.
For the Cake:
150grams granulated sugar
zest of 1 large lemon
1/4cup olive oil
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
140grams Greek yogurt
180grams all-purpose flour
60grams polenta/cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 – 6 strawberries, thinly sliced
For the crumble:
4 tablespoons butter at room temperature
60grams all-purpose flour
75grams granulated sugar
pinch of salt
Make the crumble. Add all of the ingredients into a bowl and bring together until combined and dough comes together like a sugar cookie dough. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar until it feels like sand. Add the olive oil and whisk together.
Add the eggs and egg yolk and whisk until combined. Add the yogurt and whisk together until smooth.
Add the flour, polenta, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the batter together, making sure you don’t over-mix.
In a lined cake pan, add the batter. Crumble over half of the crumb mixture. Layer over thinly sliced strawberries, then the rest of the crumble.
Bake in the oven for about 40 – 45 minutes, checking for doneness at 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan and letting cool on a wire rack.
To serve, dust with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. Enjoy!
Sometimes I wish I was the type of person who could just grab a bite to eat without feeling like a high-maintenance eater. A night out would be so much simpler if I didn’t have to ask about gluten-free alternatives or meatless versions on the menu. But, ultimately, after years of trial, error, bites, and swallows, I’ve learned what makes my body feel (and look) better. And as it turns out, my body thrives when my meals are centered around low-carb high-protein vegetarian recipes.
While there are definitely more options in the restaurant world today, I always prefer cooking at home and discovering recipes that meet my nutritional needs (not to mention tailored tastebuds!). Which, admittedly, is still a bit of a challenge.
The Best Vegetarian Protein Sources
Before we roll into the low-carb high protein vegetarian recipes I found, I wanted to share a cheat sheet with a few of my go-to vegetarian protein sources that might help you on your plant-based eating journey:
Chickpeas: almost 11 grams protein / 35 grams carbohydrates per cup (cooked)
Paneer (an unaged Indian cheese made from curdled milk and acid): 21 grams protein / 3.5 grams carbohydrates per 3.5 ounce serving
Tofu: 8 grams protein / 3.5 gram carbohydrates per 2 ounce serving
Black Beans: 19 grams protein / 40 grams carbohydrates per cup (cooked)
Lentils: almost 18 grams of protein / approximately 40 grams carbohydrates per cup (cooked)
Eggs: 6 grams protein / 0.6 grams carbohydrates per egg (cooked)
Tempeh (a fermented soybean product): 34 grams of protein / 13 grams carbohydrates per cup
Halloumi (a brined cheese that originated from Cyprus): 7 grams of protein / 0 grams carbohydrates per one-ounce serving
16 Low-Carb High-Protein Vegetarian Recipes
When I was asked to share my favorite low-carb high protein vegetarian recipes, I welcomed the opportunity to take a good look into my eating archives. As a vegetarian, I’ve found that recipes often tick two out of three boxes for me: super low carb and plant-forward but little to no protein or they’re vegetarian with heaps of protein, but a total carb fest. As I said, it’s a challenge, albeit a delicious one.
With all of that in mind, here are my favorite recipes (you’ll see lots of the proteins listed above). Think: 1) high in protein, 2) low in carbs, and 3) all vegetarian. Let’s get to it.
Why We Love It: Think kebabs are just for summer outdoor hangs? Think again. These paneer tikka kebabs can be assembled quickly, and the garam masala, cumin, and chili powder add delicious, spicy interest. They’re tasty all year round.
Why We Love It: That’s right—cabbage is the newest “unsexy” veg we’re making cool again. Camille brilliantly roasts the cabbage until it’s caramelized and charred. It plays perfectly with the plant-based, tahini-laced cashew cream.
Hero Ingredient: As Camille says, charred cabbage gives major main character energy.
Why We Love It: This super simple recipe gives all the romanticize-your-life, al fresco vibes. And though I’d recommend serving it alongside a more satisfying main, the feta gives a nice boost of protein for a well-rounded mea.
Hero Ingredient: The basil garnish at the end adds the perfect amount of freshness.
Why We Love It: This salad has everything. Texture, color, and yes—protein. It’s a delicious lunchtime staple, combining creamy avocado, crisp and crunchy cucumber, and plenty of herbs.
Hero Ingredient: If you’re not adding crispy halloumi (OK, fresh is delicious too) to every salad you make from here on out, what are you doing?
Why We Love It: Frittatas are the ultimate fridge clean-out recipe. Load up your pan with whatever veggies are on their last legs. In the case of this recipe, it’s packed with plenty of spring veggies (think: mushrooms, baby potatoes, and onion) and finished off with creamy, tangy goat cheese. It’s a perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal.
Hero Ingredient: Load on the fresh herbs at the end. They add so much flavor—and make the final result all the more stunning.
Why We Love It: Sure, any vegetarian has had their fair share of portobello mushrooms. But trust me: this is not at all like the rubbery, watery ‘shrooms of yore. It’s the mozzarella, parmesan, and crispy breadcrumbs that sets this dish apart.
Hero Ingredient: Those toasted breadcrumbs yield the perfect amount of crunch.
Why We Love It: A gorgeous mix of perfectly ripe avocado, tomatoes at their peak, fresh-torn basil, and creamy burrata all topped with a big pinch of flaky salt. This is caprese with the volume turned up—you’re going to love it.
Hero Ingredient: The avocado deserves top billing. Though it’s not a staple in the classic caprese, I’ll be adding it to all my Italian-inspired salads from here on out.
Why We Love It: Traditional shakshuka features a spicy, tomato-based sauce. But in the spirit of switching things up every so often, this version leans on spinach and cream for a vibrant, fresh-tasting spin. If your fridge needs a good clean-out, this is the recipe to make.
Hero Ingredient: Cumin, coriander, and paprika are the ultimate spice trifecta.
Why We Love It: Turkish eggs are making their way across the social space, trending on all the platforms I find myself on. But these are more than a passing moment—they deserve a permanent spot in your breakfast and lunch rotation. A simple, spicy Greek yogurt base topped with perfectly-poached eggs. Obviously, a crunchy, toasty bread (take your pick) is the perfect utensil replacement.
Hero Ingredient: This recipe is the reason you’ll learn to perfect your poached eggs.
Why We Love It: If your salad game is looking a little bland, switch things up with this Mediterranean-inspired mix. Crunchy chickpeas, creamy avocado, and crisp greens—not to mention a whole block of feta. Yes, this is protein-packed perfection.
Hero Ingredient: Give it up for the honey-tahini dressing. You’ll be pouring it over everything from here on out.
Why We Love It: This is my go-to lunchtime salad. The smoky and spicy cauliflower (hot sauce, honey, and paprika give it all the flavor) is so easy to prepare in advance. I simply reheat it in the air fryer, then toss it over of the other salad components. Feta, chickpeas, and avocado help make this salad all the more satisfying.
Hero Ingredient: After having this salad, you won’t want to eat cauliflower any other way.
Why We Love It: Roasted honeynut squash stuffed with crunchy pecans, earth rosemary, and drizzled with hot honey. This veggie dish is a total showstopper. (And so pretty to capture on camera—your Instagram will thank you.)
Hero Ingredient: Hot honey makes everything all the more delicious. Drizzle it on your pizza and you’ll see what I mean.
Why We Love It: There’s nothing quite like a hearty chili to warm your bones on a cold day. We love how the sweetness from the honey and sweet potato perfectly complements the spicy kick from chili powder.
Hero Ingredient: It’s all about the toppings. Stick to radish, grated cheese, avocado, and herbs if you’re wanting to keep the carbs on the lowdown.
Why We Love It: Straying away from your usually boring one-note sweet potato recipes, this one from Camille truly shines with the unique additions of goat cheese, pomegranate seed, and tahini sauce. And okay, sweet potatoes aren’t exactly the lowest in carbs, but with the high-protein additions from the chickpeas and tahini, we decided this recipe needed a spot on the list.
Hero Ingredient: A squeeze of lemon right before serving—perfection.
Why We Love It: Quiche: it’s not just for breakfast, anymore. Satisfy your craving for a hearty meal with this low-carb everything-but-the-kitchen-sink vegetable quiche mixed with creamy goat cheese.
Hero Ingredient: The incredible, edible egg: high protein, low carb at its finest.
Why We Love It: A protein and fiber-packed meal, snack, or app, toss together a few simple ingredients like a can of black beans, red bell pepper, cilantro, and the key to the dish, sweet, juicy, pineapple.
Hero Ingredient: Adobo chipotle sauce adds a smoky, spicy twist to the dish.
It’s no secret that Camille Styles editors are obsessed with weaving wellness into every part of our lives. Despite how much the terms are thrown around, balance and self-care are more than just buzzwords—we consider them essential. As we move through the year, I’ve found our team chatting more about the best luxury wellness products that elevate the mind and spirit. We’re talking about those mindful splurges that feel indulgent yet necessary. Think of them like a spa day in the comfort of your home or that one serum you’ve been eyeing that promises to do it all. (And turns out, it does.)
This is your VIP pass to what’s buzzing in our Slack channels right now. From cutting-edge sleep tech that promises the best rest of your life (seriously, it’s game-changing) to must-haves that’ll boost your physical and mental wellness, there’s something here for everyone.
The Best Luxury Wellness Products Our Editors Recommend
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your self-care routine or simply want to stay on top of what’s new in the world of wellness, this guide is your ticket to experiencing all the feel-good vibes you deserve. Dive in!
Why we love it: “When I’m really in my wellness flow, I’ll use this in the morning post-workout to boost circulation and promote muscle recovery. Then, at the end of the day, I’ll zip myself back up to experience a deeply relaxed state before going to bed. I’ve had mine for nine months and credit it with an overall improved sense of well-being. (Not to mention, the glowiest skin of my life.) I’ve never been happier to feel like a human hot pocket.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor
Why we love it: “My energy is deeply influenced by my environment, so I love to create a calming vibe while I’m working from home. I’ve had other diffusers in the past, but this one is the best I’ve come by. Why? First, it doesn’t require any water or heat. Simply pop in your essential oil bottle, select the duration, and press start. Let’s also chat about the design. Stunning.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor
Why we love it: “I can’t say enough good things about my Hatch 2 Restore Alarm Clock. Not only does it make my mornings gentle and calm, but my evening routine allows me to peacefully unwind at the end of the day. I didn’t really understand the hype behind a good night’s sleep, and thanks to Hatch, I now never go without one.” — Anna Decker, Social Media and E-Commerce Manager
Why we love it: “This incredibly nourishing facial oil has been my favorite beauty splurge for years. The brand’s Phyto Radiance Infusion is a 21-day process which begins with whole plants that infuse powerful nutrients into the formula. It delivers restorative phytonutrients, balancing minerals, brightening vitamins, free-radical fighting antioxidants, moisturizing fatty acids and nourishing omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 to give skin a noticeable radiance.” — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief
Why we love it: “I’m a smoothie-for-breakfast gal through and through. And while I thought I’d hold out for a Vitamix when the splurge made sense, I got influenced to take the more aesthetic route—and I’m so glad I did. The Beast looks beautiful on my countertop and cuts through frozen fruits with ease. My mornings are made all the better because of it.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor
Why we love it: “I was always skeptical about nugget ice machines until I bought my own last year. As someone who has always struggled to stay hydrated throughout the day, I’ll try anything to get a little extra H20 into my system! I definitely consume more water (and Poppi, seltzer, etc.) at home thanks to this easy-to-use gadget, and every glass I pour myself truly does feel like a little treat! My friends and houseguests always enjoy indulging in some of the ‘fancy ice’ whenever they come to visit, too.” — Sarah Lyon, Design Editor
Why we love it: “I’ll be honest: one of my favorite dermatologists influenced me to buy this. I have sensitive, inflamed skin, which can often look irritated. I use it for its anti-inflammatory benefits and to stimulate collagen production. Like most skincare treatments, consistency is key, but the good news is it only takes 10 minutes per session. While red light treatments at the spa are more potent, this is the best at-home treatment I’ve tried.” — Brandy Joy Smith, Motherhood Contributor
Why we love it: “Keeping it real—even though I consider myself a bit of a gym rat, getting in my steps can be a challenge. I could sit and write at my desk all day, truly. I love that my Apple Watch tracks my steps and gives me reminders throughout the day to stand up and move around. I’m also connected with a few friends who have Apple Watches as well, and we cheer each other on via texts after workouts. It’s so fun! Not to mention I can text and take calls with it too. I’d be lost without my Apple Watch!” — Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor
Why we love it: “This linen board and accompanying journal are how I set intentions at the beginning of the year—then visualize the highest version of myself every single morning when I sit down in front of it with my coffee. It’s a wellness tool that doubles as art in my office. And I truly believe that investing in your own personal growth is the most valuable investment we can make!” — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief
Why we love it: “While I definitely didn’t purchase my bedroom curtains with sleep quality in mind (I chose them for their dark green hue and velvet texture!), I honestly can’t imagine winding down without them. Their blackout function is incredible and transforms my bedroom into a pitch-black, hotel-like space every night—which is essential for someone who lives in bustling NYC! Whenever I’m at my parents’ house and am woken up by light streaming through my windows first thing, it really makes me miss my curtain set.” — Sarah Lyon, Design Editor
Why we love it: “After having my Oura ring for a year and a half, I’m officially ready to give it my seal of approval. At least once a week, I proselytize to someone who didn’t ask about how much I love my Oura. It’s my ultimate sleep tracker, keeps me on my step and activity goals, and also helps with cycle tracking. For me, Oura has been incredibly helpful in finally figuring out and leaning into my personalized sleep routine, which I’ve found to help in so many other aspects of my wellness goals. And as someone who hates wearing watches and bracelets, I love that the ring blends in with the other ring stacks on my fingers.” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor
Why we love it: “Wellness tech has become a big part of my life over the last year, and the Loftie Lamp has become one of my favorite parts of my sleep routine. Adding to the warm lowlight vibe I like to create in my apartment in the evening, the best part of the Loftie Lamp for me is its LED red light option. Helping to improve your sleep quality and melatonin levels before bed, it’s become a signal to my brain to begin to wind down for bed with a warm glow that makes my bedroom feel extra cozy. Plus, I love that it’s connected to an app on my phone that I can turn on and off, and adjust the light as needed remotely!” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor
Why we love it: “CrossFit is what keeps both my mental and physical health in tip-top shape. If you go to the gym, you know that shoes can make or break your experience, and NOBULL trainers are my current go-to. I love that they’re flat and slightly cushioned, making them great for both strength training and cardio. They’re just as good for squats and deadlifts as they are for agility workouts and short runs. I also love that they come in a ton of different styles and colors, so you can coordinate them with your gym fits!” — Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor
