Gluten-Free Flourless Orange & Almond Cake (2024)

Published: Aug 17, 2022 · Modified: Oct 23, 2022 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 260 Comments

A deliciouslymoist 6 ingredient flourless orange almond cake made with whole oranges and almond meal!

This simple cafe-style gluten-free cake is always a popular option - serve it warm with ice-cream, cream or custard, or at room temperature, for a decadent and rich dessert.

Gluten-free baking has never been easier than with this classic whole orange and almond cake.

My recipe is made using WHOLE oranges that have been boiled and pureed! This method gives the most intense orange flavour with epic moistness!

The BEST and ONLY way to bake orange cake!

Just like my flourless lemon cake, gluten-free lemon ricotta and almond cake, almond and coconut cake,3 ingredient flourless chocolate cakeand gluten-free brownies,making the perfect gluten-free dessert is just a few simple steps away!

Why You're Going To Love This Gluten-Free Cake

A restaurant quality dessert at home? This flourless orange almond cake is the recipe for you!

• Gluten-free - when you're looking for a gluten-free option that everyone (including those who aren't gluten-free!) will love... try my popular orange almond meal cake. I promise it will become your new favourite!
• 6 ingredients - just a handful of ingredients is all you need to make this luscious dessert-style cake.
• Make ahead of time - you can prepare the orange puree ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until needed - a great time-saving option.
• Popular dessert - this is the recipe that I always get asked for after a dinner party or celebration.
• 5 star recipe - just check out the reviews! Over 100 five star reviews is proof that this easy flourless orange cake truly is the best.

What You Need

This orange almond cake is made from just 6 ingredients!

A restaurant or cafe-style favourite that looks very elegant... but is actually so easy to make.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

• Oranges - it's important to boil the oranges before pureeing as this removes the bitterness in the white pith.
• Eggs - use room temperature large eggs (approximately 60g each).
• Caster sugar - also referred to as superfine sugar. This fine sugar is perfect for cakes as it dissolves well when mixed with the eggs.
• Almond meal - you can buy packets of pre-made almond meal from the nuts section of any supermarket. Almond meal is the same as ground almonds - so you can alwaysmake your own almond mealby grounding whole almonds if you prefer.
• Baking powder - this is the raising agent in a flourless orange cake. By using only a small amount of baking powder, the cake stays beautifully moist.
• Flaked almonds - sprinkling flaked almonds over the top of the cake before baking ensures a lovely crunchy top!
• Icing sugar - (optional) for dusting over the top just prior to serving - looks amazing!

Equipment Required

Here's the equipment you need to make gluten-free orange cake:

• Stove-top & large saucepan - for boiling the oranges to puree.
• Beaters, stand-mixer or Thermomix - for beating the eggs and sugar.
• Baking tin - I recommend using a 22cm springform pan for easy removal of the cake. If you don't have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake tin and grease and line the base and sides with baking paper.
• Oven - I specify fan-forced temperatures in my recipes, therefore if you are using a conventional oven, just increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees celsius.

Step By Step Instructions

My orange almond cake is made using whole oranges (including the peel!)

The oranges are boiled until soft and then pureed into a smooth paste.

Question: Why do we boil the oranges? By boiling the oranges, it removes the bitterness of the white pith just under the skin while leaving you with a deliciously intense orange-flavoured puree.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Boil

Place the oranges onto a chopping board, and cut both ends off them.

Place oranges into a large saucepan or pot.

Bring to the boil and then reduce to a low simmer for 2 hours or until the oranges are very soft and can be easily pricked through the skin with a fork.

TIP: You will need to keep an eye on the oranges to top the water up a few times while they're cooking.

Step 2 - Puree

Allow the oranges to cool slightly.

Roughly chop the oranges into small chunks (including the peel).

Place the chunks into a food processor, blender or Thermomix and blend until a smooth paste remains.

Set aside until needed.

Step 3 - Beat

Place the eggs and caster sugar into a large bowl.

Beat until the mixture is pale and frothy.

Step 4 - Mix

Add the almond meal, orange puree and baking powder, and mix gently with a spoon until combined.

Step 5 - Bake

Grease and line a 22cm springform pan with baking paper.

Pour the mixture into the pan and sprinkle with flaked almonds.

Bake until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs on it.

Serving Suggestions

This flourless orange cake can be served either at room temperature or warmed up for a delicious dessert.

Serve with:

• a scoop of ice-cream;
• a dollop of cream;
• a drizzle of custard;
• or even a drizzle of berry coulis for extra luxe!

FAQ's

Expert Tips

• Make the puree ahead of time - you can boil the oranges and prepare the puree ahead of time. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze for up to 2 months, and allow to defrost before using. You can also make a double batch of the orange puree so you have extra sitting in the freezer ready to go for next time!
• Use a springform tin - in this recipe I recommend using a greased and lined springform tin. This allows the dense cake to be easily removed after baking and doesn't disturb the flaked almonds on top. However if you don't have a springform tin, you can use a well greased and lined cake tin (with the base and sides lined with baking paper) and very carefully remove the cake once it's cooled.
• Storing - this flourless orange almond cake can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Do not store in the fridge as the cake will dry out.
• Freezing - freeze for up to 2 months. Allow to defrost at room temperature before consuming.
• Serving suggestions - serve this luscious almond and orange cake at room temperature or warmed up slightly. Add a scoop of ice-cream, dollop or cream or custard for extra deliciousness.

More Gluten-Free Recipes

Browse my collection of gluten-free desserts (that wont make you miss flour!). From brownies to cakes and more!

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