Description
Flourless orange cake is a gluten-free dessert that combines bright, zesty orange flavor with a rich, dense, and moist texture. Made with simple ingredients like whole oranges, almond flour, eggs, and olive oil, this easy-to-make cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy notes. Ideal for those with dietary restrictions or anyone craving a uniquely delicious treat, it can be enjoyed as a snack or elegant dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 fresh whole oranges (preferably organic)
- 2 cups almond flour
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Optional: zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Prepare the Oranges: Start by boiling whole oranges (skin on) in water until they are soft, which typically takes about 1 hour. This process reduces bitterness and softens the peel, making the oranges easier to blend smoothly into the batter.
- Blend the Oranges: Once the oranges have cooled, cut them and remove any seeds. Place the pieces in a food processor or blender and blend until completely smooth to preserve the fresh citrus flavor throughout the cake.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, sugar, and pureed oranges until the mixture becomes light and well combined, ensuring the cake stays moist and tender.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the almond flour, baking powder, and optional orange zest into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use organic oranges since the peel is included in the batter to avoid unwanted chemicals.
- Blend oranges just until smooth to prevent a gummy texture.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and a lighter batter.
- Start checking the cake for doneness around 35 minutes to avoid drying it out.
- Allow the cake to cool thoroughly to set properly and develop richer flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour boiling time for oranges)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 10 slices)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg