There is something truly magical about a dessert that brings together intense citrus flavor, moist texture, and effortless elegance all in one slice. The Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe is exactly that kind of treat. Bursting with the bright, zesty essence of whole oranges, this cake relies on almond meal instead of flour, making it wonderfully tender and naturally gluten-free. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a show-stopping cake that feels both rustic and refined—a perfect way to brighten any afternoon tea or impress guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightfully moist and fragrant Whole Orange Cake, you will need a small collection of natural ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the fresh, whole oranges that provide both juice and zest, to the almond meal that adds structure and a subtle nutty flavor, every element plays a vital role in delivering the cake’s unique character.
- 2 medium oranges, fresh whole with rind on: These are the star ingredient, lending vibrant citrus flavor and moisture when boiled and blended into the batter.
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder: Just enough to give the cake a gentle rise without overpowering its tender crumb.
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature: They bind the cake together and add richness while helping aerate the batter.
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden crust.
- 2 3/4 cups almond meal / ground almonds: Packed with flavor and moisture, almond meal replaces flour for a naturally gluten-free treat with a lovely texture.
How to Make Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Oranges
This might feel unusual at first, but boiling whole oranges softens their rinds and mellows their bitterness, unlocking the sweet pith and zest inside. Place the oranges in a pot covered with cold water and bring to a boil. Let them boil for 10 minutes, drain, then repeat this boiling-and-draining cycle two more times. This process ensures the oranges become tender enough to blend smoothly into the batter.
Step 2: Prep the Oranges
Once boiled and cooled, chop the oranges into small pieces, seeds and all. This saves time in the next step and helps create a uniform texture in the cake. The whole orange, rind included, infuses the batter with a delightful mixture of tangy and sweet notes you won’t find in traditional orange cakes.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Preheat your oven while you blitz the chopped boiled oranges in a food processor until smooth. Then add the eggs, sugar, almond meal, and baking powder to the orange puree. Blend everything together just until combined—overmixing can deflate the batter and result in a denser cake, so keep it gentle. This simple batter forms the base of your Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe and promises a moist crumb every time.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging. The cake will have a rustic golden top with a soft, fragrant interior that’s bursting with citrus charm.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time helps everything set perfectly and enhances the flavors as they meld together. Patience here definitely pays off because the cake slices cleanly and tastes even better after a bit of cooling.
How to Serve Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe
Garnishes
This cake shines on its own, but adding a few simple garnishes can elevate it wonderfully. Try dusting the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add a few thin slices of fresh orange for a pretty, natural touch. Fresh mint leaves can bring a lovely pop of green and a subtle freshness that complements the citrus beautifully.
Side Dishes
Whole Orange Cake pairs amazingly well with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream to balance the brightness of the oranges. If you prefer something lighter, a cup of herbal tea or a freshly brewed espresso will make the experience feel cozy and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve this cake on a pretty platter surrounded by candied orange peel or segments of blood orange for colorful contrast. You can also cut it into small squares for elegant bite-sized treats ideal for parties or afternoon gatherings. The natural rustic look combined with vibrant orange hues will always catch the eye.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps wonderfully well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The almond meal helps retain moisture, so the cake stays soft and flavorful. For longer freshness, refrigeration is an option—just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe another day? Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake will keep well for up to two months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight—simple and convenient for spontaneous dessert cravings.
Reheating
To revive any leftovers, warm slices gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back the softness and enhances the fresh orange aroma. Just avoid overheating, which can dry out the delicate crumb.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond meal?
This recipe is designed to be flourless, and almond meal contributes a nutty flavor and moist texture that can’t be fully replicated with regular flour. Using wheat flour will change both taste and structure, so it’s best to stick to almond meal for authentic results.
Do I have to boil the oranges multiple times?
Boiling the oranges three times helps reduce bitterness from the rind and softens them enough to blend smoothly. Skipping this step might result in a harsher citrus flavor and uneven texture, so it’s worth the little extra effort.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Since eggs provide the structure and richness in this cake, replacing them can be tricky. You might experiment with flax or chia egg substitutes, but results can vary. If you’re set on a vegan version, consider recipes specifically developed for that diet.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Because it uses almond meal instead of wheat flour, this Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those avoiding gluten.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. The top should be golden but not dry.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe enough for anyone looking to wow friends or simply enjoy a slice of citrusy goodness with a cozy cup of tea. Its simplicity, vibrant flavor, and naturally tender crumb make it a true crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be delighted at just how special a cake made from whole oranges can be.
Print
Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 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 moist and flavorful flourless cake made with whole oranges, almond meal, and eggs. The oranges are boiled with their rinds on, pureed, and combined with simple ingredients to create a naturally sweet, dense cake that’s perfect for gluten-free and grain-free diets. With a preparation time of about 35 minutes and a baking time of 60 minutes, this easy-to-make cake yields 12 servings and offers a fresh citrus twist on classic almond cake recipes.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 medium oranges, fresh whole with rind on
- 2 medium oranges, fresh whole with rind on
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups almond meal / ground almonds
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
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. Drain the water, then repeat this boiling process two more times to mellow the bitterness of the rind.
- Chop Oranges: After boiling, allow the oranges to cool slightly, then chop them into small pieces, removing any seeds if desired.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking once the batter is prepared.
- Prepare Batter: Place the chopped boiled oranges in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Add the eggs, sugar, almond meal, and baking powder to the processor bowl and blend until all ingredients are fully combined, forming a smooth batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or lined cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This helps the cake set and enhances the texture.
Notes
- This cake is naturally gluten-free due to the use of almond meal instead of flour.
- Boiling the oranges multiple times reduces bitterness from the rind and enhances the citrus flavor.
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Use a 9-inch round cake pan for best results.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
