If you’re looking for a dessert that bursts with vibrant citrus flavor while keeping things naturally gluten-free, this Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe is an absolute revelation. Imagine a moist, tender cake that’s packed with the wholesome goodness and slight tang of whole oranges, finely balanced with the rich nuttiness of almond meal. This cake makes for a stunning centerpiece whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a festive celebration. With simple, honest ingredients and a straightforward method, the Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe is sure to become your new favorite go-to when you want something special yet incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, minimal ingredients is key here because each one plays a vital role in the texture, flavor, and moistness of this Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe. These essentials come together to make something truly magical in the oven.
- 2 medium oranges, fresh whole with rind on: The star of the show, adding intense citrus flavor and natural moisture to the cake.
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder: This helps give the cake a gentle rise and some lightness despite being flourless.
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature: Eggs act as a binder and provide structure and richness to the batter.
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar: Sweetness that balances the natural tartness of the oranges perfectly.
- 2 3/4 cups almond meal / ground almonds: The flourless base, bringing a lovely nutty flavor and a slightly dense, tender crumb.
How to Make Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Oranges
Start by placing the whole oranges in a pot and covering them completely with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let them cook for about 10 minutes. Drain the water and repeat this boiling process two more times. This step softens the peel, removing any bitterness while concentrating the bright citrus flavors you’ll love in the final cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Orange Mixture
Once boiled, chop the oranges into smaller pieces and transfer them to a food processor. Blitz until you have a smooth, pulpy mixture that will infuse the batter with every bit of orange goodness, rind and all. This puree is what makes the cake uniquely fresh and moist without adding any flour.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (around 350°F/175°C). Into the food processor with the orange puree, add the eggs, sugar, baking powder, and almond meal. Blend until everything is just combined, forming a thick, luscious batter. The almond meal not only adds texture but also intensifies the nutty flavor that perfectly complements the citrus.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake tin. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the uplifting aroma of oranges and almonds, and the cake will develop a beautiful golden crust with a soft, moist inside. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Once baked, resist the urge to cut it right away! Let the Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe cool fully in its pan. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up just enough for easy slicing. You’ll find the cake holds together beautifully and rewards your patience with every bite.
How to Serve Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey to add a touch of elegance. Fresh orange slices or candied orange peel work wonderfully for a bright, decorative accent that hints at the cake’s key flavors. For a touch of indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure perfection.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it perfect for afternoon tea or breakfast treats. You can also complement it with a fresh berry salad or a light citrus sorbet to create a refreshing, vibrant contrast on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or celebrations, consider serving the cake in individual portions topped with rosemary sprigs or edible flowers for a rustic, charming touch. Alternatively, slice it thin and layer with mascarpone cheese and marmalade for a sophisticated dessert parfait that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen with time, so leftovers are a delightful bonus. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration will help preserve freshness but bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Want to enjoy this cake later? Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To refresh the cake’s soft texture, warm slices in a microwave for 20–30 seconds or gently in a preheated oven at low heat. Be careful not to overheat, as the almond meal can dry out quickly. Served warm, it’s incredibly comforting and delicious.
FAQs
Is this Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Since it contains no wheat flour and uses almond meal instead, it’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Can I substitute the almond meal with another nut meal?
You can try other ground nuts such as hazelnuts or walnuts, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly. Almond meal offers the best balance of flavor and moisture in this particular recipe.
Why do we boil the whole oranges before making the cake?
Boiling softens the oranges and takes away any bitterness from the peel, turning the whole fruit into a smooth, fragrant puree that adds natural sweetness and a deep citrus flavor.
How can I tell when the cake is perfectly baked?
Look for a golden crust and a firm but moist interior. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake tender.
Can I make this cake vegan?
This particular recipe relies on eggs for structure and moisture, so it’s not easily veganized without significant changes. However, there are alternative recipes using flax eggs or other binders that might work with some experimentation.
Final Thoughts
This Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe is a wonderful celebration of simple, honest ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s a cake that feels both indulgent and wholesome, bursting with fresh orange brightness and almond richness in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this little piece of delicious sunshine with your loved ones.
Print
Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Whole Orange Cake is a delicious and moist flourless cake that uses whole boiled oranges for a vibrant citrus flavor. Naturally gluten-free and rich in almonds, this simple recipe blends whole oranges, eggs, sugar, and almond meal to create a unique and healthy dessert option perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Whole Orange Cake Ingredients
- 2 medium oranges, fresh whole with rind on
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar
- 2 3/4 cups almond meal / ground almonds
Instructions
- Boil Oranges: Place the whole oranges in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes to soften the peel and flesh. Drain the water, then repeat the boiling process two more times to reduce bitterness in the rind.
- Chop Oranges: After boiling, chop the oranges into small pieces to prepare them for blending.
- Prepare Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the boiled orange pieces into a food processor and blitz until finely ground. Add the eggs, sugar, almond meal, and baking powder, then blend until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth batter.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or lined cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before serving to help it set properly and enhance flavors.
Notes
- This cake is naturally gluten-free due to the use of almond meal instead of flour.
- Boiling the oranges multiple times helps reduce bitterness from the rind and soften them for blending.
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for best mixing and texture.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for added presentation and taste.
