This classic orange cake is made with whole oranges and almond flour. It’s deliciously aromatic, rich and soft with an intense fresh orange flavour.
This orange almond cake has the wonderful intense flavour and aroma of fresh oranges.
It is one of our favourite winter cakes, while oranges are in season, and it’s always a hit over the holidays. The fresh citrus flavour and pudding-like texture are a perfect way to end a rich meal or family feast at Christmas.
The recipe is adapted from Claudia Roden’s ‘A Book of Middle Eastern Food’, first published in 1968.
It is an almond flour cake that was popular amongst the Arabs and Sephardic Jews.
The Romans introduced oranges to Spain but it was the Arabs who brought the bitter variety we know today as Seville oranges along the silk road from China to Spain in 1000 AD. Seville oranges are too bitter to peel and eat like a sweet orange but they are perfect for marmalade, sauces, citrus oils and desserts, particularly this orange cake! (For this recipe you can use any variety of large oranges.)
The cake became a classic in the cuisines of Southern Spain and Sicily, from Turkey to Iran where they would sometimes add spices such as cinnamon and cardamom (see notes in recipe card for instructions on how to do this).
With a dense crumb exterior and a soft centre, Roden describes this cake as ‘somewhere between a cake and a pudding‘.
This wonderful citrus cake is incredibly easy to make and although it does take some time, the result is hugely rewarding.
For another version of this cake try our amazing chocolate orange cake.
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Boil whole oranges?
This recipe calls for 2 large oranges which are boiled till fork tender, then puréed whole. The purée is added to a mixture of eggs and almond flour and then baked slowly on a low heat.
Boiling whole oranges for one and a half to two hours softens them and draws out most of the bitterness from the peel and pith.
This is a very rewarding process as it gives a far superior flavour, rather than using uncooked oranges, only the zest, or an orange extract.
The orange purée has a fresh, sharp, sweet flavour making the cake wonderfully aromatic.
Almond flour
This cake uses almond flour (also known as almond meal) which is just ground almonds.
TIP: For best results, grind the almonds to a smooth powder in a blender. Freshly ground almonds release oils and give a much better flavour than store bought almond flour.
The almond flour releases oil as it bakes which combines beautifully with the fresh orange flavour, giving a grainy slightly dense texture to the cake.
To make it gluten free
Almond flour is suitable for a gluten free diet but you will need to use a gluten free baking powder.
Make it paleo
For a paelo diet, substitute the sugar with honey. The amount of honey required would depend on the variety of honey used.
Use roughly one and a half cups of a light honey with a mild flavour so that it does not overpower the cake.
Then lower the oven temperature by 25℉/20℃ so it doesn’t burn. You may need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes due to the extra moisture.
Eggs
Six medium eggs may seem like rather alot but they give the cake a wonderful custard-y richness, not to mention a high protein count of 7g per serving!
Trust me it won’t be overpowering in the slightest!
Baking
The cake is baked slow and long, with a baking time of 45 mins-1 hour, as the cake mixture has a high water content.
The finished cake will have a golden brown crust with a moist and pudding-like or custard-y soft interior. It is absolutely delicious!
Helpful tips
These are some tips on the equipment and ingredients.
- Springform pan – as the cake is so moist this pan is essential for removing the cake to prevent it breaking. This recipe uses a 9-inch pan, for any other size pan you will need to adjust cooking times and check to see if it is done.
- Large oranges – as whole oranges are used in this recipe, it is best to use organic as they are easier to scrub clean. Select the best seasonal oranges for flavour, and the largest for a perfect proportion of zest to pith and pulp.
- Ground almonds – or almond flour which is also called almond meal. This is easily available in most shops, or you could make your own by grinding almonds in a blender. Freshly ground almond flour will have a better flavour.
- Baking powder – select a gluten-free variety of baking powder for a gluten-free diet.
- Butter – Use oil to grease the pan to make this cake dairy free.
How to make it
- Wash the oranges well and place in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 1 ½ – 2 hours, till the oranges are soft and tender. Remove the oranges from the water and set aside to cool. Slice the oranges in half to remove any pips.
- Blend the oranges (peel, pith and pulp) till it is puréed.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add the sugar, ground almonds, baking powder and orange purée.
- Mix together well.
- Grease an 8 or 9-inch springform pan and pour the mixture into it.
- Bake for around 45 minutes or till the top is golden brown and a skewer comes out only slightly sticky.
Allow the cake to cool in the tin before removing from the springform tin.
Need a topping?
Add even more flavour with a layer of chocolate frosting or a glaze of melted apricot jam, spread over the top of the cake once it has cooled.
Storing leftovers
Cover the cake and store at room temperature on the kitchen counter for up to 5 days.
To freeze, cut the cake into slices and wrap well. It will retain its flavour for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or on the counter.
Try these similar cake recipes
Here are a few similar cake recipes which are a real hit with family and friends!
Kladdkaka – for chocolate lovers everywhere! This Swedish chocolate cake has a crispy top, chewy edges and a soft and rich gooey center!
New York Cheesecake – this cheesecake is rich, smooth, fluffy and moist! It is my favourite cheesecake recipe ever!
Are you making this Orange Almond Cake? I’d love to know how it turned out in the comments below and don’t forget to give it a star rating!
Instagram – I love seeing your creations, so post a picture, tag @endofthefork and hashtag #endofthefork
Recipe
Whole Orange Cake
Ingredients
- oranges 2 large
- eggs 6 medium
- ground almonds - 2½ cups (almond flour/meal) 250 g
- ground almonds - for dusting 1 tablespoon
- sugar - 1 cup 250 g
- baking powder - * see recipe notes 1 teaspoon
Topping
- apricot jam ½ cup
- water 1 tablespoon
- confectioner’s sugar - icing sugar (UK), for dusting (optional) 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Wash 2 large oranges and place in a medium saucepan filled ¾ full with water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes till the oranges are soft. Use a straining spoon to remove the oranges and set aside on a dish to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/180℃/160℃ Fan
- Slice the oranges in half to remove any pips. Purée the oranges (including the peel, pith and flesh) in a blender.
- Separately, beat 6 medium eggs in a large bowl. To this, add 250 g ground almonds, 250 g sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powderthe orange purée and mix together well.
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and dust lightly with 1 tablespoon ground almonds.
- Pour the mixture into the springform pan and bake for 45-50 minutes till the top is golden brown and a skewer comes out only slightly sticky.
- Allow to cool in the tin before removing from the springform.
Glaze
- In a small saucepan on medium heat, add ½ cup apricot jam and 1 tablespoon water. Stir till the jam melts and the becomes like a thick syrup, coating the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cool till warm. Brush over cake then set aside to cool. Use a small sieve to dust 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar over the top (optional) before serving.
Notes
ADD NOTES
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Equipment
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically per serving and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
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carol says
I made the orange pulp in advance and stored it in the freezer. I can’t remember if I did two oranges or four. What is the cup/ounce measurement I need for the cake? Thanks!!
Nicole Shroff says
Hi Carol, you will need 600g/20oz or 2 and 1/2cups thawed orange puree.
katy says
can this be made with same technique and ingrds but substitute lemon? maybe Meyer lemons?
Nicole Shroff says
Interesting question Katy, Claudia Rodin suggests you can boil lemons for 20-30 minutes to use whole in chicken or lamb dishes for homemade preserved lemon flavour. We haven’t tried using boiled lemons to make this cake but I’d love to know how it turns out if you try.
Laura says
I am unsure about this recipe. Others I have found on the internet (including one I tried) incorporate butter or olive oil into the batter. I would have liked an explanation on why this recipe requires no added oil.
Nicole Shroff says
Good question Laura, there is sufficient oil from the almond flour and orange skin so no need to add any more oil or butter. Its a great recipe and I do hope you try it!
Giulia says
Thank you for this delicious recipe. My family love this cake, especially my husband who rarely eats cake.
I have started to boil 4 oranges at a time so that I can freeze 2 for the next time…giving me a head start on the recipe. And there’s always a next time!
To stop the oranges bobbing around too much I cut the ends off them so they sit nice and flat in the saucepan. I also now make it all in the blender and pulse in the eggs, sugar and almond meal plus baking powder. Works a treat!
Nicole Shroff says
That’s great Giulia I’m really pleased your family loved it! I have just updated the recipe to say you could use a lid and set the heat on low to stop the oranges bobbing around too much, and great idea using a blender!
Liz Lewis says
Beautiful recipe, thank you!. I replaced the sugar with artificial sugars, brown and white, and it worked well. Also brushed the outside of the cake with a thin orange and sugar syrup, using freshly squeezed orange juice and sugar melted together in microwave. Loved the low carbohydrates, no sugar! Thank you.
Nicole Shroff says
Hi Liz, great tips for making the cake low-carb, thanks so much for your lovely comment!
luke says
I haven’t made it yet but I’m wondering if the leftover liquid (if any) from the oranges could be reduced with a cinnamon quill and mixed with some cream cheese for a frosting.
Nicole Shroff says
I haven’t tried using the leftover liquid but I’d love to know how it turns out.
Carol says
Love this recipe. I’m using large sized eggs. Should I reduce to 5? I’m actually baking two cakes…maybe use 11 eggs and divide in half??
Nicole Shroff says
Hi Carol, great question! Yes 6 medium eggs would equal 5 large eggs for this recipe. The yolks of medium and large eggs are roughly the same size, but large eggs have a greater amount of egg white. I hope that helps.
Sara says
Hi this looks great! Is it possible to just use the juice and zest of the oranges rather than boil them? I don’t mind if it’s not a super intense orange flavour – thanks!
Nicole Shroff says
Hi Sara, boiling and blending oranges gives a thick puree with a fantastic orange flavour and aroma, I do recommend trying it. I haven’t tried making this cake using juice and zest but I imagine it won’t have the same rich orange flavour. I’d love to know how it turns out whichever way you try it.
Lyn says
I have been making the Roden recipe for many, many years and then lost it. I was so happy to find this, have made it, added the jam topping, and everyone loved it. Thank you soooo much’
Nicole Shroff says
Hi Lyn, that’s great and I’m so happy everyone loved it!
inca says
Hi – Can you freeze this once made?
Nicole Shroff says
Yes, you certainly can freeze the whole cake or as separate slices. Allow it to cool completely and wrap in a double layer of clingfilm/plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminium foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost, unwrap the cake and keep in the fridge overnight or on the counter at room temperature for 3-4 hours.
Maria Phillips says
Hi, thank you for this recipe which was very light and delicious. Loving raspberries as we do in my family, do you think this would work with a thawed bag of frozen raspberries instead of the oranges???
Nicole Shroff says
I’m so glad you liked it Maria. As the oranges stew, they develop a concentrated flavour which gives the wonderful flavour. I have not tried it with stewed berries.
Cath Mah says
Can I boil a big patch of oranges and blend them? Put them th the freezer to use later?
Nicole Shroff says
Yes, pureed oranges will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Sky says
If I were to grind my own almonds, are they raw and with their skins? Wondering if I have to buy a certain type of almond. I want to try and bring my own almonds instead of buying pre-ground ones. Thank you.
Nicole says
Hi Sky, Grinding your own almonds is certainly a lot cheaper than buying ready made almond flour. Raw, unsalted almonds with their skins on (if you don’t mind tiny brown flecks in the flour, otherwise, blanched with the skin removed), can be ground in a food processor in 1 second pulses. Blend 1 cup of almonds at a time, any more and the food processor might not be able to grind them evenly. Also, take care to stop and scrape down the sides of the container every 10 seconds for an even grind. It should take roughly 2-3 minutes to make almond flour. (Be careful, too much blending will release the almond oils and make almond butter.) Store extra almond flour in an air tight container and keep in a cool place.