Name: Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 large eggs; Zest of 2 oranges; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free); 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional); Sliced almonds for topping (optional)

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Craving a sun-kissed Mediterranean dessert that’s naturally gluten-free, delightfully moist, and packs a punch of citrus? Look no further than this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake! With fresh orange zest lending bold flavor and almond flour creating a tender crumb, this cake tastes like a warm Italian holiday with every slice. It’s simple to pull together, but impressive enough for special occasions—a little bit rustic, a little bit elegant, and, most importantly, incredibly delicious.

Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples (plus a couple of oranges!) to make this cake, and each ingredient plays a meaningful role in the final flavor and texture. From the richness of almond flour to the bright zing of fresh orange, every bite feels balanced and exciting.

Almond flour: Makes the cake gluten-free and adds irresistible moistness and delicate nutty flavor.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cake achieve a light, tender crumb.
Unsalted butter (softened): Infuses the cake with richness—make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams smoothly!
Large eggs: Bring structure and support all that beautiful almond flour, yielding a lovely rise.
Zest of 2 oranges: The zest gives an intense citrus fragrance that sets this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake apart.
Fresh orange juice: Adds brightness and moisture for that perfect Mediterranean twist.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the cake’s flavor and adds warmth that works hand in hand with the citrus and almond.
Gluten-free baking powder: Ensures a gentle lift, so your cake isn’t too dense.
Salt: Just a small amount sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Powdered sugar (optional): Makes a simple, elegant finishing dusting for a bakery-style presentation.
Sliced almonds (optional): Sprinkled on top for added crunch and a really lovely look.

How to Make Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures your Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake bakes evenly and gets a beautiful golden color. While it heats up, grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This combo guarantees your cake will release easily—no sticking, no breaking!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl and electric mixer (or a strong arm and wooden spoon!), cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This aerates the batter, setting the stage for a light crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Citrus

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. This keeps your batter smooth and prevents curdling. Next, mix in the zest of the oranges, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. At this point, your kitchen will smell incredible—like a Sicilian orange grove!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, gluten-free baking powder, and salt. This disperses the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, which helps your Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake rise just right.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold the dry mixture into your wet ingredients using a spatula. Gently stir, scraping down the sides, until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense. You’ll end up with a thick, dreamy batter bursting with citrus aroma.

Step 6: Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top. If you like, sprinkle sliced almonds across the surface for a decorative crunch. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until your cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should have a gentle spring when touched.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully release the springform and move the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if you want a snowy finish—either way, your Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake is ready to impress!

How to Serve Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake

Garnishes

For a truly picturesque presentation, sprinkle a generous dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cake—this not only looks beautiful but adds a subtle sweetness. Optional sliced almonds offer crunch and a toasty aroma, complementing the almond flour. Fresh orange zest or a curl of orange peel take it over the top!

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun. A dollop of whipped cream or a side of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt is classic and creamy. Fresh berries—think strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries—add juicy contrast and play up the cake’s citrusy notes. For a decadent brunch, try serving with a small espresso or a glass of Prosecco.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake from simple to show-stopper by turning it into individual mini cakes using a muffin tin, or layering with mascarpone cream for a charming trifle. Serve on a rustic wooden board with whole oranges and mint sprigs, or slice and wrap portions as edible gifts for friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake stays moist and tasty for days! Keep any leftovers tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, often making day-two (or three!) slices even more delicious.

Freezing

This cake freezes like a dream. Cool it completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole cake snugly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and you’re ready for a leisurely tea or a last-minute dessert.

Reheating

To bring out the cake’s lovely flavor, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the aromatic citrus notes and returns that irresistible fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The cake will still be wonderfully moist and flavorful—just be sure your substitute is also soft at room temperature for easy creaming.

Do I have to use almond flour, or can I swap it with another flour?

Almond flour is essential for the classic texture and taste of Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake, but if you have nut allergies, you could try finely ground sunflower seed flour. Be aware that this will slightly alter both flavor and texture.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice is best for brightness and zing, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled juice works. However, don’t skip the freshly grated orange zest—it’s what makes the citrus flavor pop!

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

This happens if the cake is underbaked or if the batter is overmixed. Make sure to bake until the top is firm and a toothpick comes out clean, and gently fold the ingredients to avoid knocking out all the air.

Is this cake suitable for Passover?

If you use a Passover-friendly baking powder (or omit it for a slightly denser crumb), this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake is a perfect flourless, festive dessert for the holiday.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the hunt for a fail-proof, crowd-pleasing dessert, I can’t recommend this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake enough. It’s as easy as it is memorable, and every bite is a celebration of citrus, almond, and pure Italian joy. Bake it once and it’s sure to become a forever favorite in your kitchen—happy baking!

Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Italian Gluten-Free Almond-Orange Cake. Moist and citrusy, this flourless almond cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 cups almond flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 large eggs
Zest of 2 oranges
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free)
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping:

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Sliced almonds for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and add sliced almonds if desired. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then release from the springform and cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.