If you’re looking for a dessert that bursts with bright citrus flavor while being wonderfully moist and gluten-free, this Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Made using whole oranges, including their zesty rind, the cake brings a unique depth of flavor and natural sweetness that you just can’t get from ordinary orange cakes. Plus, with almond meal instead of flour, it has a tender crumb and a rich texture that feels indulgent without any heaviness. This recipe is a perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself to something special that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The simplicity of these essentials lets the bright orange shine through while the almond meal provides a nutty richness that complements the citrus beautifully.

2 medium oranges, fresh whole with rind on: Using the whole orange adds intense flavor and natural moisture that makes the cake exceptionally tender.
1 1/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently, giving it a light and airy texture without overpowering the citrus notes.
6 large eggs, at room temperature: Eggs bind the ingredients and add a silky richness that makes the cake feel moist and luxurious.
1 1/4 cups white sugar: Balances the natural tartness of the oranges with just the right amount of sweetness.
2 3/4 cups almond meal / ground almonds: This is the gluten-free base that adds nuttiness and a tender crumb, making the cake wonderfully rich and satisfying.

How to Make Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Oranges

Start by placing the whole oranges in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let the oranges cook for 10 minutes. Drain the water and repeat this boiling process two more times. This crucial step softens the oranges and reduces any bitterness from the rind, preparing them perfectly for blending.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). In a food processor, blitz the boiled oranges until they form a smooth, fragrant puree. Add the eggs, sugar, almond meal, and baking powder to the processor and blend everything together until fully combined. This batter will be luscious and thick, filled with vibrant orange flavor and a tender almond undertone.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake pan. Bake the cake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will have a beautiful golden crust while staying delectably moist inside.

Step 4: Cool Before Serving

Allow the Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe to cool completely in its pan. Cooling is key to letting the flavors settle and the texture firm up just right, making it easier to slice and enjoy without crumbling.

How to Serve Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone is perfect on top, adding a creamy contrast to the tangy orange flavor. A sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or a light dusting of powdered sugar can give your presentation that elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a bright mixed berry salad or a simple citrus sorbet for a refreshing complement that enhances its citrusy notes. A cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee rounds out the experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful twist, serve individual slices with a drizzle of honey and some candied orange peel. You could also cut the cake into small squares and stack them on a dessert platter with fresh mint leaves for an eye-catching dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe keeps wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It actually tastes even better after a day as the flavors meld beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. Just thaw the cake overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a slice, gently heat it in a low oven for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly for 15 to 20 seconds. Warming revives the cake’s moist texture and enhances its aroma, making it feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use blood oranges instead of regular oranges?

Absolutely! Blood oranges will add a gorgeous reddish hue and a slightly different flavor profile that’s sweeter and a bit more floral, which pairs beautifully with this flourless cake.

Is almond meal the same as almond flour?

They’re similar but not identical: almond meal is typically ground almonds with skins included, giving it a coarser texture and darker color, while almond flour is finer and usually skinless. Both work well, but almond meal adds a slightly nuttier flavor and texture to this cake.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on eggs for structure and moisture, so it’s challenging to make vegan without significant modifications. If you want to experiment, try egg substitutes like flax eggs, but the texture and rise may differ.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The best method is the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. The top should be golden and spring back lightly when touched.

Does the cake taste strongly of orange rind?

While the whole orange, including the rind, is used, boiling the oranges several times mellows the bitterness significantly. The result is a balanced citrus flavor that’s bright and fresh without any harshness.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t beat the charm of this Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe when you want something memorable, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free. It’s a joy to make and an even bigger joy to eat, especially when shared with friends or family. Give it a try—you’re going to love how the whole oranges transform this simple cake into something extraordinary!

Whole Orange Cake – Flourless Recipe

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3.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Whole Orange Cake is a moist, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free dessert made entirely without flour. Using whole boiled oranges blended with almond meal and eggs, this cake offers a unique citrusy taste with a rich almond texture, perfect for those seeking a wholesome and dense cake with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

2 medium oranges, fresh whole with rind on
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
6 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 3/4 cups almond meal / ground almonds

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Instructions

Boil Oranges: Place the whole oranges in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the water and repeat the boiling process two more times to soften the oranges thoroughly.
Prepare Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop the boiled oranges into small pieces and blitz them in a food processor until smooth. Add the baking powder, eggs, sugar, and almond meal to the processor and blend everything until fully combined into a smooth batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or lined cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing or serving. This helps it set properly and enhances the texture.