Zesty Citrus Almond Cake Recipe: A Bright Baking Adventure

Light and airy, this citrus almond cake brings zesty Mediterranean charm to your dessert table.

Sunshine-drenched oranges and fragrant almonds dance together in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Soft crumb meets bright citrus notes, creating a perfect balance for afternoon tea or elegant gatherings.

Delicate ground almonds provide a rich, nutty undertone that complements the tangy orange essence.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through subtle sweetness and vibrant citrus warmth.

Whispers of almond and citrus blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor every delightful bite.

Ready to experience a slice of sunshine on your plate?

FAQs

• Is almond flour necessary for this recipe?

Yes, almond flour is crucial as it provides the cake’s unique texture and nutty flavor. Regular wheat flour cannot be directly substituted without adjusting other ingredients.

• Can I use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh?

Fresh citrus juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juices might lack the vibrant, natural taste and could impact the cake’s overall quality.

• How do I know if the cake is properly mixed?

The batter should look smooth and uniform, with no visible flour pockets. Mix until ingredients are just combined to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Citrus Almond Cake That Shines Bright

• Craft Simple Dessert: This cake requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create something delicious without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for multiple occasions like family gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual weekend celebrations where a bright, refreshing dessert is appreciated.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of citrus zest and fresh juices creates a vibrant, tangy profile that elevates this cake beyond traditional sweet treats, offering a unique and memorable taste experience.
• Nutritious Twist: Almond flour provides a protein-rich base, making this cake a slightly healthier alternative to traditional flour-based desserts while maintaining a delightful texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients to Bake This Citrus Almond Cake

• Almond Flour: A gluten-free alternative that provides a rich, nutty base for the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.

• Orange Zest, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, aromatic citrus flavor to the cake.
• Orange Juice, Lemon Juice: Introduces fresh citrus notes and helps keep the cake moist.

Instructions to Make Citrus Almond Cake Perfect

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and give your 9-inch springform pan a loving butter massage to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

• Almond flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend until they’re perfectly mingled and smooth.

Step 3: Cream and Dream

In another bowl, transform butter and sugar into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Whip them together until they’re light as air.

Drop in eggs one by one, giving each a warm welcome and thorough mix.

Step 4: Citrus Dance

Sprinkle in vibrant citrus zest, letting those aromatic oils wake up your mixture with bright, zesty energy.

Step 5: Marry the Mixtures

Gently introduce dry ingredients to your creamy base. Stir with tender care, stopping just as everything comes together – no overmixing allowed!

Step 6: Juice It Up

Pour in freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices, letting them add moisture and tang to your batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your sunshine-filled batter into the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick emerges clean and victorious.

Tricks to Nail This Citrus Almond Cake

• Toast the almond flour slightly before mixing to enhance its nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Opt for organic citrus fruits to ensure the most vibrant and pure zest without chemical residues.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and more consistent cake texture.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the springform pan to prevent crumbling and maintain its delicate structure.
• Consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or drizzling a light citrus glaze for an elegant finishing touch that adds extra moisture and shine.

Flavor Variations to Try With Almond Cake

• Gluten-Free Citrus Almond Cake: Replace almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Citrus Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Citrus Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugar for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Keto-Friendly Citrus Cake: Swap sugar with erythritol and increase almond flour proportion to reduce carbohydrate content.

Pairings That Match Citrus Almond Cake

• Brew a delicate lavender tea that echoes the cake's floral and citrusy notes, creating a sophisticated and refreshing pairing.
• Select a chilled Moscato d'Asti with light, sweet undertones that harmonize perfectly with the cake's bright and nutty profile.
• Whip mascarpone cheese with honey to create a silky, luxurious topping that adds creamy richness and subtle sweetness to each slice.
• Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries around the cake to provide a tart contrast and vibrant color that enhances the citrus flavors.

Storage Tips to Keep Almond Cake Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying and preserve moisture.
• Freeze: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place a clean kitchen towel over the cake to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, place cake in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore its soft texture and enhance citrusy aroma.

Citrus Almond Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean citrus almond cake delivers a sublime fusion of zesty oranges and rich almonds from Southern Spain. Delicate crumb and rustic charm invite sweet enjoyment with each golden slice. Bakers will savor its elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups (180 g) almond flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• Zest and juice of 2 fresh oranges
• Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing its surface and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and develops a light, airy texture.
4. Introduce eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
5. Gently fold citrus zest into the creamy butter mixture, allowing the aromatic oils to distribute evenly.
6. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to maintain a smooth, cohesive batter without overmixing.
7. Delicately incorporate freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices, gently folding to preserve the batter’s delicate consistency.
8. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased springform pan, ensuring an even surface.
9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
10. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely before releasing from the springform pan for serving.

Notes

• Swap almond flour with gluten-free options like coconut or oat flour for those with nut allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful cake.
• Experiment with different citrus combinations like grapefruit or lime zest to create unique flavor profiles that tantalize taste buds.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Adjust baking time slightly for higher altitudes by reducing temperature by 25 degrees and monitoring the cake’s doneness more closely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 331
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 87 mg