Flourless Orange and Almond Cakes
These flourless orange and almond cakes are soft and supple, with a lovely blend of nutty almond and zesty orange flavors. These cakes, which are naturally gluten-free and flourless, are light and filling, making them ideal for dessert or a warm afternoon snack. In order to produce a cake with a rich taste and texture, the oranges are cooked to extract a deeper citrus flavor. Simple yet sophisticated, these cakes can be quickly dressed up with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and are ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
2 large oranges
1 ½ cups (150g) ground almonds (almond meal)
1 cup (200g) sugar (you can use white or caster sugar)
6 large eggs
1 tsp baking powder (ensure it’s gluten-free if necessary)
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt
¼ cup (60ml) water
For the syrup (optional):
¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
¼ cup (60g) sugar
1 tbsp water
Instructions:
1. Cook the Oranges:
Place the whole oranges in a pot and cover them with water.
Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let the oranges cook for about 1 hour, until they are soft and the skin has started to wrinkle.
Once cooked, allow the oranges to cool, then cut them in half and remove any seeds. Blend the oranges, including the skin, in a food processor or blender until smooth. Set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
Add the ground almonds, baking powder, salt, and the orange puree. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
Optionally, add the vanilla extract.
4. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Orange Syrup (Optional):
- While the cake is cooling, make the syrup (if using).
- Combine the orange juice, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Allow the syrup to cool.
6. Finish the Cake:
- Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the orange syrup over the top, or simply serve the cake on its own. You can also dust it with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness if you like.
Serve and Enjoy!
This cake is rich, moist, and naturally gluten-free. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra indulgence.
Let me know how it turns out!