Description
Nigella’s Whole Orange Cake is a moist, tender dessert made by boiling whole oranges until soft and blending them into the batter, creating a naturally gluten-free and flavorful cake with almond flour and eggs. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with citrus flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 medium oranges (about 1 lb total)
Wet Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/3 cups almond flour (finely ground almonds)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oranges: Place the whole, unpeeled oranges in a large pot filled with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook the oranges for 2 hours until they are completely soft. Remove from the pot and allow to cool slightly.
- Make Orange Purée: Cut the cooled oranges into chunks, removing any seeds. Blend the chunks including the peel in a food processor or blender until smooth to create the orange purée.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gently fold in the orange purée, followed by the almond flour and baking powder, combining until just incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- This cake is naturally gluten-free, given the use of almond flour and whole oranges.
- It tastes even better the next day as the flavors mature.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Serve with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for an added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus orange cooling time)
- Cook Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (2 hours boiling oranges + 45-55 minutes baking)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling and Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
