Fresh & Zesty Flourless Orange Cake Recipe for Citrus Lovers

Baking a delightful flourless orange cake can transport you to sunny Mediterranean landscapes with its vibrant citrus essence.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a delectable treat.

Almond flour and fresh oranges create a naturally gluten-free dessert that feels wonderfully indulgent.

Rich and moist, this cake celebrates simplicity and pure ingredient magic.

Zesty notes dance across your palate, delivering unexpected depth and complexity.

Crafted with minimal ingredients, the recipe proves that elegant desserts need not be complicated.

One slice promises to become your new favorite gluten-free indulgence.

Why Flourless Orange Cake Stands Out

• Boost Family Wellness: Packed with whole oranges, this cake delivers natural vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a nutritious dessert that supports overall health.
• Simplify Baking Process: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting to create a delicious homemade treat without complicated techniques.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Gluten-free and naturally sweet, this cake suits various dietary restrictions while providing a moist, flavorful dessert everyone can enjoy.
• Celebrate Versatile Occasions: Adaptable for brunches, afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this cake brings a sophisticated yet approachable dessert option to any event.

Everything That Goes Into Flourless Orange Cake

• Oranges: Fresh whole fruits that serve as the primary flavor and moisture source for the cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Almond Meal: Gluten-free flour alternative that gives the cake a rich, nutty flavor and moist crumb.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, soft texture.

• Parchment Paper, Springform Pan: Essential for easy cake removal and preventing sticking.
• Powdered Sugar, Orange Slices: Optional decorative elements that enhance the cake's presentation.

Steps to Bake a Perfect Flourless Orange Cake

Step 1: Boil Whole Oranges

Place unpeeled oranges in a large pot of water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let them simmer gently for 1.5 hours. Carefully drain the water and set oranges aside to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Orange Puree

Slice the cooled oranges into quarters, removing any visible seeds. Transfer orange pieces to a food processor and blend until you achieve a smooth, consistent puree.

Step 4: Combine Cake Ingredients

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Orange puree
• Almond meal
• Baking powder

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a smooth batter.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the second half of baking.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely inside the pan.

Carefully remove from springform, transfer to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with fresh orange slices for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips to Nail Your Flourless Orange Cake Every Time

• Boil oranges whole to create a deeply rich, marmalade-like flavor that infuses the entire cake with intense citrus essence.
• Use fresh, organic oranges for the best taste and ensure they are completely seedless before processing to maintain smooth cake texture.
• Replace almond meal with gluten-free flour or ground sunflower seeds for nut-free alternatives, making the cake suitable for those with nut allergies.
• Monitor cake closely during baking and cover with foil if browning too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring a moist, tender crumb.
• Enhance cake's presentation by garnishing with fresh orange slices, candied orange peel, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant finishing touch.

Creative Takes on Flourless Orange Cake

• Zesty Lemon Swap: Replace oranges with lemons for a tangy citrus version of the cake, using the same boiling and pureeing method.
• Nutty Almond Boost: Add extra chopped almonds to the batter and sprinkle some on top for a crunchy texture and enhanced nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle Edition: After cooling, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cake and sprinkle with orange zest for a rich, decadent finish.
• Spiced Moroccan Style: Mix in ground cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired variation.

Pairings That Complement Flourless Orange Cake

• Pair Zesty Orange Cake with Complementary Flavors
• Boost Citrus Harmony: Select a crisp Riesling wine with bright acidity that mirrors the cake's orange notes, cutting through its richness while enhancing the dessert's vibrant citrus profile.
• Craft Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside a dollop of mascarpone cream or vanilla bean ice cream, which provides a smooth, cool counterpoint to the cake's dense, warm texture.
• Elevate Spice Connection: Garnish with candied orange peel or sprinkle cinnamon and cardamom to introduce warm, aromatic undertones that deepen the cake's complex citrus flavor.
• Match Herbal Freshness: Add a mint leaf or lavender sprig as a garnish, introducing a subtle herbal element that lifts the cake's intense orange essence and provides a refreshing finish.

Storing Flourless Orange Cake Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Place cooled cake in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

Flourless Orange Cake Questions, Zested and Answered

• Is this cake suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, this flourless orange cake is completely gluten-free since it uses almond meal instead of wheat flour, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I replace almond meal with another ingredient?

You can substitute almond meal with ground almonds or hazelnut meal, but avoid coconut flour or regular wheat flour as they will change the cake’s texture and moisture.

• Why do I need to boil whole oranges before making the cake?

Boiling whole oranges softens the peel, removes bitterness, and creates a smooth, intense orange flavor throughout the cake while making the entire orange edible and tender.

Flourless Orange Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Flourless Orange Cake brings Mediterranean sunshine onto your plate with intense citrus flavor and almond-rich texture. Packed with wholesome ingredients and elegant simplicity, this gluten-free dessert promises pure pleasure for discerning palates seeking memorable sweet experiences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

• 2 large oranges

Protein:

• 6 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups almond meal (ground almonds)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Optional Garnish:

• powdered sugar for dusting
• orange slices for garnish

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Instructions

1. Gently simmer whole oranges in water for 1.5 hours until extremely soft, then drain and allow complete cooling.
2. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing and lining the base with parchment paper.
3. Quarter the cooled oranges, removing any seeds, then pulverize in a food processor until creating a smooth, uniform puree.
4. Vigorously whisk eggs and sugar until thoroughly integrated, then fold in orange puree, almond meal, and baking powder, mixing until achieving a consistent texture.
5. Transfer batter into prepared pan, ensuring even distribution, and bake for 50-60 minutes. Monitor cake color; if top browns rapidly, shield with aluminum foil during second half of cooking.
6. Allow cake to cool completely within the pan, then carefully unmold onto a decorative serving plate.
7. Enhance presentation by delicately dusting with powdered sugar and optionally garnishing with fresh orange slices for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Softening Oranges: Boiling whole oranges helps break down fibers, creating a smoother, more intense citrus flavor without bitter peel notes.
• Almond Meal Alternatives: Swap almond meal with ground sunflower seeds or coconut flour for nut-free versions, keeping cake’s moist texture intact.
• Moisture Management: Watch cake closely during baking to prevent over-browning; aluminum foil tent protects surface while ensuring even internal cooking.
• Dietary Adaptations: Replace sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for lower glycemic index, maintaining cake’s natural sweetness and light consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 186mg