This Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake is a true showstopper: fragrant with citrus, beautifully moist, and filled with timeless flavor. Every bite tastes like sunshine and celebration, making it ideal for everything from a casual brunch to an elegant dessert table. Better still, it’s naturally gluten-free—no substitutions or odd ingredients—so everyone at the table can indulge in this cozy, classic treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this cake is how uncomplicated the ingredient list is. Each element brings something special to the table, whether that’s rich aroma, tender crumb, or bright color. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Almond flour: This gives the cake its signature moist texture and nutty depth of flavor.
- Eggs (room temperature): Whipped with sugar, they ensure the cake is light and airy.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness—just enough to set off the orange and almond notes.
- Zest of 2 oranges: Fresh zest brings an irresistible aroma and vibrant citrus punch.
- Juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup): Adds moisture and depth, enhancing the overall citrus flavor.
- Olive oil: Infuses a subtle richness, keeping the crumb especially tender.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and makes the cake feel a bit indulgent.
- Baking powder (gluten-free): Adds a touch of lift and lightness.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and elevate the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For dusting the top and making everything look extra pretty.
- Orange slices or zest (optional): A decorative finish that hints at the cake’s bright flavors.
How to Make Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil or line the bottom with parchment paper. This helps ensure the cake releases smoothly when it’s done, and it’s one less thing to fret about after all your hard work!
Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes, using a hand or stand mixer. You’re looking for a pale color and a slightly thick, fluffy texture—this aeration gives your Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake its gorgeous lift and delicate crumb.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, olive oil, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smoothly combined; you’ll notice the scent of orange just bursts out at this stage!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, gluten-free baking powder, and salt. This quick step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and flavor throughout the cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to over-mix—the goal is just to blend everything until no flour streaks remain. This is how you keep your Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake ultra-tender.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell utterly amazing!
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully release the sides and let it finish cooling on a wire rack. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh orange zest or thin orange slices, if you like a decorative finish.
How to Serve Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake
Garnishes
The simplest way to dress up your Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake is a gentle snowstorm of powdered sugar right before serving. Sprinkle a few curls of fresh orange zest or add delicate orange slices for a pop of color and a hint at the flavor inside.
Side Dishes
This cake shines all on its own, but serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, vanilla Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of pistachio gelato takes it to the next level. A handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries brings brightness to every plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try slicing the cake and fanning it out, then nestle edible flowers or citrus wedges between slices. Tiny individual cakes (baked in ramekins!) make adorable single servings for parties or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake stays moist for days, so don’t worry if you have leftovers! Simply cover the cake with foil or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the completely cooled cake (whole or sliced) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving for that just-baked effect.
Reheating
For the ultimate treat, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If serving a larger piece, you can reheat the cake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil. This brings back that fresh-baked texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use another type Dessert
While almond flour creates the unique taste and texture classic to this cake, hazelnut flour could be an interesting substitute if you want to experiment—just be aware the flavor will change quite a bit!
Is this cake suitable for people with celiac disease?
Yes! Since this cake has no wheat and uses gluten-free baking powder, it’s naturally gluten-free and safe for anyone who avoids gluten, as long as all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely—the recipe already calls for olive oil instead of butter, and there’s no milk or cream involved. Just be sure any toppings you add are also dairy-free if needed.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be a lovely golden color, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as almond flour cakes stay moist but can dry out if baked too long.
Can I add liqueur for a deeper flavor?
Yes! For a grown-up twist, swap out half of the orange juice for Grand Marnier or Amaretto—it’s a fantastic way to intensify both the orange and almond notes in your Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake brings pure sunshine to your table, and I truly hope you give it a try. Its simplicity, inviting aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth crumb will make believers out of anyone—gluten-free or not!
Print
Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake. Made with almond flour and fresh orange zest, this moist and fragrant cake is perfect for any occasion. The subtle citrus notes combined with the nutty almond flavor create a truly irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Almond-Orange Cake:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- zest of 2 oranges
- juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- powdered sugar for dusting
- orange slices or zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the batter: Beat eggs and sugar until pale. Add orange zest, juice, olive oil, and vanilla. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with orange zest or slices if desired.
Notes
- This cake stays moist for days and is naturally gluten-free.
- For a deeper flavor, substitute half the orange juice with Grand Marnier or Amaretto.
- Serve with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
