A delightful Italian dessert, this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake is moist, fragrant, and perfect for any occasion. Made with almond flour and infused with fresh orange zest, it delivers a rich citrus flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether you enjoy it as a mid-afternoon snack with tea or a show-stopping dessert, this cake is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally gluten-free and uses wholesome ingredients like almond flour and fresh oranges.
Light, airy texture with a rich almond flavor and a burst of citrus.
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
Versatile enough for casual gatherings or special occasions.
Stays moist for days and is just as delicious when reheated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 1/2 cups almond flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
3 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
Zest of 2 oranges
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, olive oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter in three additions, being careful to retain the airiness of the mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Variations
Citrus Swap: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon for a tangy twist.
Nuts: Add finely chopped pistachios or hazelnuts for added texture.
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free version.
Toppings: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
Chocolate Touch: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a decadent addition.
Storage/Reheating
To store, I wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature.
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FAQs
How can I make this cake nut-free?
This recipe relies on almond flour for its unique texture and flavor, so substituting it for a nut-free option like coconut flour would require significant adjustments to the recipe.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Certainly! Try using honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, but note that the texture might vary slightly.
What’s the best way to fold in egg whites?
I gently fold the egg whites into the batter in three stages, using a spatula and a scooping motion to avoid deflating the mixture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it covered at room temperature or refrigerate it for longer storage.
Conclusion
This Italian gluten-free almond-orange cake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s light, flavorful, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to delight. Give it a try, and let the vibrant citrus flavors transport you to the sunny streets of Italy.
📖 Recipe:
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Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Italy with this gluten-free almond-orange cake. Made with almond flour, fresh orange zest, and simple wholesome ingredients, this moist and fragrant dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups almond flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
3 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
Zest of 2 oranges
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix almond flour, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, olive oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine with the dry ingredients.
- Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold egg whites into the batter in three additions, maintaining its airiness.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before transferring to a plate. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter.
Swap orange zest and juice with lemon for a tangy variation.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal
