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The dessert, Mediterranean

Orange and almond cake

Orange and almond cake is a flourless dessert for 6 people, made with whole oranges simmered in their peel and almond flour. It takes 25 minutes of active work and is made entirely the day before, rated easy, at €1.80 per person. Its success depends on simmering the whole oranges long enough to bring out their fragrance.

A flourless orange and almond cake, so fragrant and moist it barely holds its shape.

Orange and almond cake
For
6 people
Work
25 min
Total time
3 h 10
Prep
Prepared the day before
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€1.80
Calories per person
420 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

This cake is moist, almost fudgy, so soft it barely holds its shape when sliced. Simmering the orange whole with its peel gives a deep citrus flavor, far beyond a simple zest, and almond flour stands in for wheat flour, giving a dense, fragrant crumb that never dries out. A dusting of powdered sugar and a side of Greek yogurt add just the freshness the cake would otherwise lack.

It's a natural fit for a family dinner or a get together with friends in winter or spring, when oranges are still at their best. It follows a braised main or a festive meal without feeling heavy, and its simple, moist character wins over kids and adults alike. Since it's flourless, it also works for guests avoiding gluten.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before 4 steps, 1 h 50
  2. The same day 1 step
  3. Before the guests arrive Nothing to do
  4. When it's time to serve 1 step

The day before, simmer the whole oranges, make the puree and batter, then bake the cake, about two hours total between cooking the fruit and baking. The same day, unmold it once it's completely cool. Right before serving, dust with powdered sugar and serve with Greek yogurt, with no last minute prep needed.

The ingredients

6 people

Fruits and vegetables

  • organic oranges 2

Dairy

  • eggs 6
  • Greek yogurt 300 g

Pantry

  • sugaroften in the pantry 250 g
  • almond flour 250 g
  • baking powderoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • powdered sugaroften in the pantry 2 tbsp

Allergens Eggs, Tree nuts

The recipe, moment by moment

The day beforeWhat's better after resting overnight in the fridge.

  1. Drop the whole oranges into boiling water and simmer gently until very tender. 1 h

    Set a plate on top to keep them fully submerged.

  2. Drain, let cool slightly, cut into quarters, remove the seeds, then blend the whole orange into a puree.

    Taste the puree, if it's too bitter add another spoonful of sugar.

  3. Whisk the eggs with the sugar, then add the orange puree, almond flour, and baking powder.

    The batter is runny, that's normal, there's no flour in it.

  4. Pour into a lined 24 cm pan and bake at 180°C. 50 min

    Cover with parchment paper halfway through baking if the top browns too fast.

The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.

  1. Let cool in the pan before unmolding onto a serving plate.

    It's fragile while warm, wait until it's fully cool.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with Greek yogurt.

    A bit of orange zest on top brings out the fragrance.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use organic or unwaxed oranges since the whole peel ends up in the batter, that's where the fragrance comes from.
  • Don't cut the simmering time short, the oranges need a full hour at a gentle simmer to soften enough to be blended peel and all.
  • Check doneness with a knife tip in the center, it should come out just barely moist, not dry, since the texture stays a bit fudgy by design.

The variations

  • Swap the oranges for unwaxed clementines for a milder, sweeter flavor that kids tend to love.
  • Stir a teaspoon of orange blossom water into the batter for a more floral, Mediterranean note.
  • For a quicker version, simmer and puree the oranges two days ahead and freeze the puree, then you just need to mix and bake the batter on the day.

What to serve it with

  • Plain Greek yogurt, already part of the recipe
  • Coffee or black tea after the meal
  • A few extra seasonal fresh fruits

Storage

The cake keeps for 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container, best taken out a bit before serving so it softens back up. It freezes well once fully cooled, without the powdered sugar, which you add after thawing.

Questions about this recipe

Can you use hazelnut flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, hazelnut flour works well and gives a slightly toastier flavor. Keep the same amount, 250 g, to keep the cake's texture right.

Do you really need to cook the oranges with their peel on?

Yes, that's what gives the cake its deep citrus flavor. Without the peel, the taste would be much flatter and less distinctive.

Is this cake good for kids?

Yes, its simple flavor and moist texture are popular with kids. You can also cut back on the powdered sugar on top if you prefer it less sweet.

How do you know the oranges are cooked enough before blending?

They should be very tender when pierced with a knife tip, almost like a compote. If they still resist, let them simmer a few more minutes.

Can an orange and almond cake be made ahead?

Yes, it's even recommended. The recipe needs 25 min of work in total, split up like this, the day before, 4 steps, the same day, 1 step, when it's time to serve, 1 step.

How long does it take to make an orange and almond cake?

Allow 3 h 10 in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 25 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "easy".

How many calories are in an orange and almond cake?

About 420 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does an orange and almond cake cost?

About €1.80 per person, that's €10.80 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains eggs, tree nuts. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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