Zesty Flourless Almond and Orange Delight
Indulge in the rich and moist flavors of this Zesty Flourless Almond and Orange Delight, featuring the natural sweetness of whole oranges and the nutty undertones of ground almonds. This gluten-free cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a festive gathering, a cozy family dinner, or simply a delicious treat to enjoy with your coffee. Each bite is bursting with citrus goodness and is complemented by the subtle warmth of Cointreau, making this dessert irresistible for everyone. Best served dusted with a light coating of confectioners' sugar, it's a visually stunning cake that is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!
8
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oranges
2 (washed well to remove sprays and waxes)
Ground almonds
1.5 cups (none)
Superfine sugar or caster sugar
1 cup (none)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Cointreau liqueur
1 teaspoon (none)
Eggs
6 (lightly beaten)
Confectioners' sugar
to dust ((gluten-free if needed))
Instructions
1
Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any sprays and waxes. Place the whole oranges in a large saucepan and cover them with enough water to keep them submerged. Use a small plate to weigh them down.
2
Gradually bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the oranges to simmer for about 40 minutes, or until they are very soft.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by lightly greasing it and lining the bottom with a round piece of parchment paper.
5
Once the oranges have cooled, cut them into quarters and remove any seeds. Place the orange quarters in a food processor and blend until they form a smooth pulp.
6
Add the ground almonds, superfine sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, and Cointreau to the orange pulp in the food processor. Pulse until well amalgamated, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
7
Add the lightly beaten eggs to the mixture and pulse again until just combined. Avoid overprocessing to maintain the cake's texture.
8
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until the cake has set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a serving plate. Dust the top with confectioners' sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
24g
Carbs
6.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Flourless Almond and Orange Delight?
It is a rich and moist gluten-free cake made with whole oranges, ground almonds, and a touch of Cointreau.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is flourless and uses ground almonds instead of wheat flour, making it naturally gluten-free.
How many oranges are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 whole oranges.
Why do the oranges need to be boiled?
Boiling the oranges for 40 minutes softens them and helps remove bitterness from the peel before they are pulped.
Do I need to peel the oranges?
No, you use the whole orange, including the peel, after boiling and removing any seeds.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many servings does this cake provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What size cake pan should be used?
An 8-inch round cake pan is recommended for this recipe.
What are the main ingredients for the cake?
The main ingredients include oranges, ground almonds, superfine sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, Cointreau, and eggs.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for approximately 50 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when it has set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is there alcohol in this cake?
Yes, the recipe calls for one teaspoon of Cointreau liqueur for subtle warmth and flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 17.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each slice?
Each slice provides 6.75g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use regular sugar instead of superfine sugar?
You can use caster sugar, which is the same as superfine sugar, to ensure a smooth texture.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 lightly beaten eggs.
What should I use to pulp the oranges?
A food processor is used to blend the boiled orange quarters into a smooth pulp.
Should I grease the cake pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease the pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
It is best served completely cooled and dusted with confectioners' sugar.
Why should I weigh down the oranges while boiling?
Using a small plate to weigh them down ensures they stay submerged in the water for even cooking.
Can I skip the Cointreau?
Yes, if you prefer an alcohol-free version, the Cointreau can be omitted.
Is this cake suitable for festive gatherings?
Yes, its rich flavor and visually stunning appearance make it perfect for festive occasions or celebrations.
What does the vanilla extract add to the recipe?
The vanilla extract complements the citrus and almond flavors with a sweet aroma.
Why shouldn't I overprocess the batter after adding eggs?
Overprocessing can affect the cake's final texture; pulsing until just combined is recommended.
How do I remove the seeds from the oranges?
After the oranges have cooled and been cut into quarters, you should manually remove any visible seeds.
Is the confectioners' sugar topping mandatory?
No, but it provides a beautiful finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
Does the cake contain any dairy?
Based on the ingredient list, the cake is dairy-free, as it uses almonds and eggs for structure rather than butter or milk.
Can I store this cake for later?
Yes, this moist cake typically stores well when covered, and is often enjoyed the next day with coffee.