Whole Orange Flourless Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends or indulge in something truly special without fuss, this Whole Orange Flourless Cake Recipe is the answer. It’s a uniquely vibrant, moist, and naturally sweet cake where the star ingredient is the orange itself — rind, pulp, and all — blended to create an irresistible burst of citrus flavor paired beautifully with almond meal. Gluten-free by nature, this cake offers a rich texture that feels indulgent without being heavy, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or afternoon treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that bring out the fresh, wholesome character of the cake. Each component plays a vital role: the oranges provide moisture and vibrant flavor, the almond meal adds tenderness and nutty undertones, the eggs lend structure, and just the right touch of sugar and baking powder keep it balanced and light.

• 2 medium oranges, whole with rind on: Using oranges whole gives the cake its signature fresh citrus zest and natural sweetness, eliminating waste and adding depth.
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder: A small amount to help the cake rise just enough without compromising its dense, moist nature.
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature: Eggs bind the cake beautifully while contributing to its delicate crumb and richness.
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar: Enough sweetness to balance the natural tartness of orange and almond meal without overpowering.
• 2 3/4 cups almond meal / ground almonds: Adds a tender crumb and mild nuttiness, making this cake satisfyingly moist and gluten-free.

How to Make Whole Orange Flourless Cake Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Oranges

Start by boiling your whole oranges to soften their rinds and reduce bitterness. This step is crucial because these boiled oranges become the foundation of your cake’s distinctive texture and flavor. Boil them three times for 10 minutes each, refreshing the water each round. This intense but simple process mellows the rind while preparing the fruit for blending.

Step 2: Chop and Cool

After boiling, rinse the oranges and let them cool enough to handle safely. Slice into thin slices about 1cm thick, then give them a rough dice, making sure to remove any seeds that might have loosened during boiling. Cooling completely ensures they won’t heat up the batter prematurely during the blending step.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 160°C/320°F (or 140°C fan) and grease a 23cm/9-inch cake pan thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and helps you remove the cake intact, which can be a bit sticky by nature because of the moisture-rich oranges and almond meal combination.

Step 4: Puree the Oranges

Place the chopped oranges into a food processor and blitz them in four bursts of 10 seconds each, scraping down in between. You want a texture similar to marmalade — mostly smooth with some small bits of rind showing for added interest and texture. This puree is the heart and soul of your Whole Orange Flourless Cake Recipe.

Step 5: Combine the Remaining Ingredients

Add your almond meal, eggs, sugar, and baking powder to the orange puree in the food processor. Briefly blitz everything together for about 5 to 10 seconds until fully combined. The batter will be thick and somewhat sticky, which is exactly what you want for a flourless cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes or until the surface turns a beautiful golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This slow, gentle bake ensures the cake cooks evenly without drying out.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Because this cake can be quite sticky, it helps to cover the top loosely with baking paper when turning it out, especially if your pan isn’t loose-bottomed. This prevents any tearing and keeps the cake looking picture-perfect.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, decorate with fresh orange slices, zest strips, or even edible flowers for a charming finish. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and makes the cake truly irresistible. Now it’s ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve Whole Orange Flourless Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Give your cake a fresh look and extra flavor boost with thin slices of orange, strips of orange rind, or sprigs of fragrant herbs like mint or rosemary. A light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of honey can make for a striking presentation and a subtle contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with dollops of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which enhance the citrus notes beautifully. For a lighter option, serve with fresh berries or a simple citrus salad that echoes the cake’s bright flavors without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Whole Orange Flourless Cake Recipe as mini individual cakes in ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation. You can also layer slices between yogurt and honey for a refreshing parfait twist, or pair it alongside a cheese platter where its sweetness contrasts with sharp cheeses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator, where it will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. This cake ages well because the citrus and almond flavors deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it thoroughly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently at room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the texture and revive the cake’s aromatic citrus scent. Avoid microwaving for too long, which can dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of citrus fruit?

While this recipe is tailored for oranges, you can experiment with other citrus like mandarins or blood oranges for a different twist. Just be aware the flavor and texture will vary, and bitterness or sweetness levels may change.

Is this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Since it uses almond meal instead of any wheat flour and relies on whole oranges for moisture and texture, this cake is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with sensitivities.

Why do we boil the oranges multiple times?

Boiling several times helps soften the rind and remove any bitterness, allowing the entire fruit to be pureed smoothly and safely eaten. Skipping this step can result in a more bitter or tougher cake.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This recipe depends on eggs for structure, so making it vegan would require some experimentation with substitutes like flax eggs or aquafaba, but results may vary since eggs are crucial for the rise and texture here.

What’s the best way to serve this cake for special occasions?

For celebrations, decorate with fresh orange slices, edible flowers, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning look. Pair with a bright citrus glaze or whipped cream for an elegant finish that guests will love.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the bright, naturally sweet flavors of this Whole Orange Flourless Cake Recipe the next time you want a dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying. Its unique use of whole oranges creates a moist, flavorful cake that’s surprisingly simple to make but wonderfully delicious. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every luscious bite with family and friends — this cake is bound to become one of your favorites too!

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