Aroma and physical characteristics of cakes prepared by replacing margarine with extra virgin olive oil

The effect of margarine substitution by extra virgin olive oil on the quality of Madeira cakes was studied. Three cakes containing either extra virgin olive oil or extra virgin olive oil/margarine mixture or margarine were prepared. The use of extra virgin olive oil increased batter density and cake volume while decreased the weight loss (%) during baking. Texture profile analysis also showed that the replacement of margarine by extra virgin olive oil affected significantly hardness and cohesiveness of the cakes. Headspace solid phase microextraction was applied in order to analyze the aroma of the three cakes. The addition of extra virgin olive oil produced a wide range of volatile compounds, which were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and were originated either from extra virgin olive oil or were produced during the baking process. Hedonic sensory tests were also conducted revealing that the cake prepared with extra virgin olive oil/margarine mixture was highly appreciated by the consumers as it got scores similar to control.