Gluten-Free Orange Almond Cake

Gluten-Free Orange Almond Cake is a moist, fragrant dessert made with whole oranges, almond flour, and a touch of sweetness. The cake is naturally gluten-free and bursting with bright citrus flavor. With an optional orange glaze, it’s a perfect choice for a simple yet elegant treat that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is wonderfully moist thanks to the whole oranges, which give it a rich texture and deep citrus aroma. The use of almond flour makes it naturally gluten-free without any special substitutions. It’s easy to prepare and stays fresh and flavorful for days. The optional orange glaze adds a glossy finish and extra zestiness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

large oranges, whole
large eggs
granulated sugar
almond flour
baking powder
salt

For the glaze (optional)

powdered sugar
fresh orange juice

Directions

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Prepare oranges: Place the whole oranges in a pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 hour until soft. Drain and let cool. Blend the oranges (peel and all) into a smooth purée.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Fold in the orange purée, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan.
Optional glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including boiling time)
Total time: 2 hours
Calories: approximately 320 kcal per slice

Variations

Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
Nut topping: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the glaze for added texture.
Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top instead of or in addition to the glaze.
Citrus mix: Replace one orange with a lemon for a sharper citrus flavor.

Storage/reheating

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature before serving. The cake can be frozen (without glaze) for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

FAQs

Do I need to remove the orange peel before blending?

No, the whole orange, peel included, is used to give the cake its distinctive flavor and moist texture.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of boiling oranges?

No, the whole boiled oranges provide both moisture and flavor that orange juice alone cannot replicate.

Why is my cake slightly dense?

This cake is meant to be moist and slightly dense due to the almond flour and orange purée.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Yes, almond meal works, but the texture may be a bit coarser.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze without glaze for best results and add glaze after thawing.

Can I use blood oranges?

Yes, blood oranges will add a unique color and flavor twist to the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I make this in a different pan?

Yes, you can use a 9-inch round or square pan, adjusting baking time as needed.

Is this cake overly sweet?

No, the balance of citrus and sugar creates a pleasantly sweet but not overpowering cake.

Conclusion

Gluten-Free Orange Almond Cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that celebrates fresh citrus and almond flour. With its moist texture, bright flavor, and elegant glaze, it’s an excellent choice for gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a make-ahead treat. This cake is sure to become a favorite for both gluten-free and non-gluten-free guests alike.

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