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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Claudia Roden’s Orange And Almond Cake

    Published Apr 22, 2019, modified Sep 5, 2022 by Nicole Shroff / This site uses cookies. See the privacy policy linked in my footer. This site generates income via ads/ 22 Comments /

    Jump to Recipe
    Orange & Almond cake pin
    pin of two images of slice of orange cake and fork showing texture.

    Using only a few ingredients this deliciously rich, moist and aromatic flourless cake, has an intense fresh orange flavour, and is an all time classic. 

    A metal fork going into a slice of orange and almond cake.

    Claudia Roden’s orange and almond cake has a 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.

    This recipe is from Claudia Roden’s  ‘A Book of Middle Eastern Food’, first published in 1968. Roden explains that it was popular amongst the Sephardic Jews who brought it to the Middle East in the 15th century.

    The cake has since become a classic in cuisines from Spain to Iran.

    With a dense crumb exterior and a soft centre, Roden describes this cake as ‘somewhere between a cake and a pudding‘.

    fork with piece of orange cake and slice in the background

    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 recipe.

    Hit the Subscribe link above or on the side to get more recipes like this.

    Jump to:
    • Why boiled oranges?
    • Almond flour
    • To make it gluten free
    • Make it paleo
    • Eggs
    • Baking
    • Helpful tips
    • How to make it
    • Need a topping?
    • Storing leftovers
    • Try these similar cake recipes
    • 📋 Recipe

    Why boiled 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!

    Orange cake batter in parchment lined pan.

    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.
    process shots to make orange and almond cake
    Orange & almond cake process Shots

    How to make it

    1. 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.
    2.  Blend the oranges (peel, pith and pulp) till it is puréed.
    3.  In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add the sugar, ground almonds, baking powder and orange purée.
    4. Mix together well.
    5.  Grease an 8 or 9-inch springform pan and pour the mixture into it.
    6.  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.

    Baked orange cake in pan.

    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!

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      Apple Polenta Cake (Gluten Free)
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      New York Baked Cheesecake
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      Zucchini Banana Bread

    Are you making this Claudia Roden’s Orange And Almond Cake recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out in the comments! ⭐️ And if you like it, please give it a 5 star rating below!

     Instagram – I love seeing your creations, so post a picture, tag @endofthefork and hashtag #endofthefork

    📋 Recipe

    Image of fork in a slice of orange cake showing texture.

    Claudia Roden’s Orange And Almond Cake

    Nicole Shroff
    Using only a few ingredients this deliciously rich, moist and aromatic flourless cake, has an intense fresh orange flavour, and is an all time classic. 
    5 from 20 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 1 hr 40 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 2 hrs 25 mins
    Course Coffee time, Dessert
    Cuisine Spanish
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 248 kcal

    Ingredients

    Metric | US Customary
    • 2 large oranges
    • 6 medium eggs
    • 250 grams ground almonds 2½ cups (almond flour/meal)
    • 1 tablespoon ground almonds for dusting
    • 250 grams sugar 1 cup
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder * see recipe notes
    • butter or oil for greasing

    Topping

    • ½ cup apricot jam
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • confectioner’s sugar (optional) for dusting

    Instructions
     

    • 2 large oranges
      Wash the 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.
    • 6 medium eggs, 250 grams ground almonds, 250 grams sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder
      Separately, beat eggs in a large bowl. To this, add the ground almonds, sugar, baking powder and orange purée and mix together well.
    • 1 tablespoon ground almonds
      Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and dust lightly with 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

    • ½ cup apricot jam, 1 tablespoon water
      In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the jam and 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 and allow to cool.

    Notes

    Helpful tips

    • This recipe was adapted from Claudia Roden’s recipe.
    • The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavours develop.
    • The glaze is not a part of Claudia Roden’s recipe, but works beautifully with this cake.
    • *To make it gluten free cake, use a gluten free baking powder
    • To make it paleo use one and a half cups of a light honey with a mild flavour instead of sugar.
    • Fan assisted ovens, reduce the baking temperature by 50℉/20℃ degrees and you may need to reduce the cooking time. Check the cake in the last 20 minutes, by inserting a clean knife through the middle. If it comes out wet, check again after another 5-10 minutes. If it comes out only slightly sticky, it is done.
    • Texture – Claudia Roden states that this cake should have a cake -y exterior and a pudding-like center.
    • Store in an air-tight tin at room temperature for 4- 5 days or wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

    MEASUREMENT NOTES

    The ingredients here on EOTF are set out in grams & milliliters and in US cups & spoons.

    Equipment

    Springform pan

    Nutrition

    Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 205IUVitamin C: 16.3mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 1.3mg
    Did you make this recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out! Let me know by leaving a review below, or snap a photo and share it on Instagram tagging me @Endofthefork.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura

      March 20, 2023 at 1:42 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        March 20, 2023 at 2:41 pm

        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!

        Reply
    2. Giulia

      November 12, 2022 at 10:57 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        November 12, 2022 at 4:23 pm

        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!

        Reply
    3. Liz Lewis

      July 30, 2022 at 9:14 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        July 30, 2022 at 10:53 pm

        Hi Liz, great tips for making the cake low-carb, thanks so much for your lovely comment!

        Reply
    4. luke

      June 13, 2022 at 6:04 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        June 14, 2022 at 10:25 pm

        I haven’t tried using the leftover liquid but I’d love to know how it turns out.

        Reply
    5. Carol

      April 23, 2022 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      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??

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        April 26, 2022 at 1:34 am

        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.

        Reply
    6. Sara

      March 20, 2022 at 7:39 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        March 21, 2022 at 9:58 am

        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.

        Reply
    7. Lyn

      June 14, 2021 at 4:00 am

      5 stars
      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’

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        June 14, 2021 at 11:55 am

        Hi Lyn, that’s great and I’m so happy everyone loved it!

        Reply
    8. inca

      September 30, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      Hi – Can you freeze this once made?

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        October 01, 2020 at 1:26 pm

        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.

        Reply
    9. Maria Phillips

      April 29, 2020 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      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???

      Reply
      • Nicole Shroff

        April 29, 2020 at 9:42 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Cath Mah

          September 12, 2020 at 11:00 pm

          Can I boil a big patch of oranges and blend them? Put them th the freezer to use later?

        • Nicole Shroff

          September 13, 2020 at 12:45 am

          Yes, pureed oranges will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    10. Sky

      November 13, 2019 at 8:41 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Nicole

        November 14, 2019 at 3:43 am

        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.

        Reply

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