Flourless Orange Cake: Best Gluten Free Cake

Flourless Orange Cake
Flourless Orange Cake
Table of Contents

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Flourless Orange Cake, a perfect blend of sweetness and citrus tang. This gluten-free treat is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.

I first discovered this Flourless Orange Cake during a family gathering. My aunt, who is a fantastic baker, brought this cake to the table, and it was an instant hit. The unique combination of oranges and almonds created a moist and flavorful cake that everyone loved. Since then, it has become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this Flourless Orange Cake recipe. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and create something truly special.

What to Expect


    • Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (including boiling the oranges)
    • Difficulty: Moderate
Recipe Card
Flourless Orange Cake

Before You Begin

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to go. This recipe requires boiling the oranges for 2 hours, so plan accordingly. Also, ensure your springform pan is well-greased to prevent the cake from sticking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

IngredientQuantity
medium oranges2
eggs6
granulated sugar, note conversion below, sifted265 g
almond meal, note conversion below, sifted250 g
baking powder1 tsp
vanilla extract1 tsp
sliced almonds for sprinkling on top4-6 tbsp
powdered sugar to dust on top, optional 
baking spray or softened butter for greasing pan 
Steps
Flourless Orange Cake

Step-by-Step Guide


    • Place the oranges in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover the oranges. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Continue simmering for 2 hours. Then, drain the pot and let the oranges cool.


    • Preheat the oven to 350°F.


    • Using a small, sharp knife, carve out the stem/stalk from the oranges. Make the same kind of shallow, small carving on the opposite end of the oranges as well (the bottom of the oranges).


    • Cut up the oranges (WITH the rind, seeds, membranes and all) into chunks and place in a food processor. Pulse until you’ve got a purée, and the only pieces of orange rind you see are the tiny specks; set aside.


    • In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs together until combined. Add in the orange purée and whisk. Add the vanilla and whisk again to mix.


    • To the wet mixture, add the almond meal and baking powder. Mix until it’s all combined well.


    • Grease a 10 inch springform pan (or an equally deep pan) with baking spray (or softened butter). Pour the batter into your pan before sprinkling the top with sliced almonds.


    • Bake the cake for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, checking on the cake at the 1 hour mark. Poke a toothpick in the center to check for readiness; it should come out with little to no crumbs.

    • Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting the edges of the springform pan off the cake. Let it cool to room temperature, then dust the top with powdered sugar.
Tips
Flourless Orange Cake

Pointers for Perfection & How to Store

For the best results, make sure to boil the oranges for the full 2 hours to ensure they are soft and easy to purée. Additionally, using a scale for measuring the sugar and almond meal will give you the most accurate results. If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For more detailed instructions and tips, check out this Gluten Free Almond Orange Cake Recipe.

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Easy Flourless Orange Cake recipe

Flourless Orange Cake


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  • Author: Helen Lois
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Flourless Orange Cake is arguably the best gluten-free cake you will ever taste. Unlike dry gluten-free baked goods, this cake uses whole boiled oranges (rind and all) and almond flour to create a dessert that is incredibly moist, dense, and bursting with aromatic citrus flavor. It’s naturally dairy-free and only gets better the next day.


Ingredients

Scale

— Main Ingredients —

2 large oranges (approx. 400g total), washed

6 large eggs, room temperature

2 ½ cups (250g) almond flour or almond meal

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (or caster sugar)

1 teaspoon baking powder (ensure gluten-free)

— Optional Toppings —

Powdered sugar for dusting

Flaked almonds

Candied orange peel


Instructions

1. Boil the Oranges: Place the whole, unpeeled oranges in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour to 1.5 hours until they are very soft. Drain and let them cool completely. (This removes the bitterness from the pith).

2. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

3. Process Oranges: Once cooled, cut the oranges into quarters and remove any seeds. Place the chunks (peel included) into a food processor and blend until you have a smooth, thick orange puree.

4. Mix Batter: In a large bowl (or in the processor with the orange pulp), add the eggs and sugar. Pulse or whisk until well combined. Add the almond flour and baking powder. Mix until you have a uniform batter.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Bake for 45–60 minutes. Check at 45 minutes; if the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out generally clean (it will still be moist).

6. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the tin. It is very fragile while hot. Once cool, remove the sides of the springform pan.

7. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or top with flaked almonds before serving.

Notes

The Oranges: Any thin-skinned variety (like Navel or Valencia) works well. The boiling process is non-negotiable as it softens the rind and removes bitterness.

Almond Flour vs Meal: Almond flour (blanched) gives a lighter color, while almond meal (skins on) gives a rustic look. Both work perfectly.

Make Ahead: This cake is actually better on day 2 or 3 as the almond oils and orange juices meld together. Keep it stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 60
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 24
  • Sodium: 65
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 29
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 9
  • Cholesterol: 110

Your Burning Questions Answered!

  • Can I use a different type of citrus fruit?

  • While oranges are traditional, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemons or limes for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this cake suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

  • Yes, this Flourless Orange Cake is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing.

Dig In & Enjoy!

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get baking! This Flourless Orange Cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique flavor and moist texture. Enjoy every bite of this delicious treat.

For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

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