Fluffy Orange and Almond Cake Recipe to Brighten Your Day

Sweet memories of Mediterranean afternoons dance through this orange and almond cake that whispers delightful stories.

Sunlight seems to sparkle between each carefully measured ingredient.

Delicate aromas promise something magical will emerge from your kitchen.

Mediterranean traditions blend seamlessly with modern baking techniques in this elegant dessert.

Almonds provide richness while citrus notes sing with bright, unexpected energy.

Simplicity becomes an art form in this uncomplicated yet sophisticated treat.

Prepare to savor every tender, fragrant slice that connects you to generations of passionate bakers.

Everything In James Martin Orange And Almond Cake

• Egg Yolks: Rich yellow base that provides moisture and structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, tender texture.
• Almond Flour: Adds nutty flavor and creates a dense, moist cake texture.
• Egg Whites: Provides airiness and helps the cake rise with a light, fluffy consistency.

• Almond Extract: Intensifies the nutty almond profile of the cake.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy aroma and fresh orange flavor.
• Milk: Contributes to the cake's moisture and smooth consistency.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Sliced Almonds, Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon, Ginger: Provide a decorative and aromatic garnish with a sweet and warm spice blend.

Steps To Make James Martin Orange And Almond Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Set your oven to 350°F. Select a 9-inch springform pan and generously coat the interior with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Orange zest
• Salt

Fold in almond flour until ingredients are smoothly combined.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

Use clean beaters to whisk egg whites until soft, billowy peaks form. Carefully fold these whipped whites into the existing batter, maintaining the delicate air bubbles.

Step 4: Assemble Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Sprinkle sliced almonds across the top for a beautiful, crunchy finish.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cake turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool And Garnish

• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger

Top Tips For James Martin Orange And Almond Cake

• Boost Egg Whites: Whip to soft peaks for a lighter, fluffier cake texture that rises beautifully.
• Protect Cake Edges: Line springform pan with parchment paper to prevent burning and ensure easy removal.
• Zest Magic: Use fresh orange zest for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic citrus notes.
• Check Doneness Wisely: Insert toothpick near center to confirm baking completion; golden edges indicate perfect readiness.
• Spice Variation: Experiment with different spice blends in the sugar dusting for unique flavor profiles.

Fresh Takes On James Martin Orange And Almond Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace almond flour with coconut flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap milk with almond milk or coconut milk to create a lactose-free option.
• Citrus Swap: Substitute orange zest with lemon or tangerine zest for a different aromatic profile.
• Nutty Alternative: Replace sliced almonds with chopped pistachios or toasted walnuts for varied crunch and flavor.

Pairing Ideas For James Martin Orange And Almond Cake

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Moscato or Sauternes that echoes the cake's bright orange notes and complements its delicate almond base.
• Enhance with Lavender Honey Cream: Drizzle a light lavender-infused honey cream alongside the cake to amplify its aromatic qualities and add subtle floral undertones.
• Create a Spiced Chai Companion: Serve with a warm, fragrant chai tea that mirrors the cake's ginger and cinnamon dusting, providing a rich and comforting beverage pairing.
• Elevate with Candied Orange Zest: Garnish the plate with delicate candied orange zest strips to intensify the cake's citrus profile and add a decorative, crunchy texture.

How To Store James Martin Orange And Almond Cake Well

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 23 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 12 days. Best consumed within first 2 days for optimal freshness.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 1015 seconds on low power. Alternatively, warm in oven at 300F for 510 minutes to restore moisture and softness.

James Martin Orange And Almond Cake FAQs

• Is almond flour necessary for this recipe?

Almond flour provides essential moisture and texture, creating a gluten-free base that’s key to the cake’s unique flavor and consistency.

• Can I substitute the orange zest?

Orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note that’s crucial to the cake’s flavor profile. While you could use lemon zest, it won’t provide the same authentic orange taste.

• Why whisk egg whites separately?

Whisking egg whites to soft peaks creates a light, airy texture, helping the cake rise and become fluffy instead of dense and heavy.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden color and a firm top that springs back when lightly touched. The edges should start to pull away slightly from the pan’s sides.

What Makes James Martin Orange And Almond Cake Great

• Craft a Stunning Dessert: Impress guests with a beautifully sophisticated cake that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.
• Perfect for Special Moments: Ideal for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or elegant celebrations where you want a sophisticated yet simple dessert.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Designed with almond flour, making it a wonderful option for those avoiding traditional wheat-based cakes while delivering amazing flavor and texture.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples and creates a deliciously light cake with minimal preparation, allowing even novice bakers to achieve impressive results.

Orange And Almond Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent Orange and Almond Cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table, blending citrus brightness with nutty richness. Delicate crumb and zesty flavor promise a delightful escape for passionate bakers seeking a simple yet elegant treat you’ll savor slice by slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1.5 cups blanched almond flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

Finishing and Preparation:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
• Unsalted butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2. Create a smooth mixture by whisking egg yolks and sugar until they transform into a pale, creamy consistency.
3. Incorporate vanilla extract, milk, orange zest, and a pinch of salt into the yolk mixture, blending thoroughly.
4. Gently fold almond flour into the liquid ingredients, ensuring a uniform texture without overmixing.
5. Separately whip egg whites until soft, cloud-like peaks form, indicating proper aeration.
6. Delicately fold the whipped egg whites into the almond batter, maintaining the mixture’s airiness.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and sprinkling sliced almonds across the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and firm center.
9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, helping it set properly.
10. Before serving, create a delicate dusting of powdered sugar mixed with ground cinnamon and ginger for added flavor complexity.

Notes

• Separate eggs carefully to ensure clean, firm egg whites for optimal volume and cake structure.
• Toast almonds lightly before adding to enhance nutty flavor and create deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help ingredients blend smoothly and create consistent cake texture.
• Check cake doneness by inserting toothpick – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs for perfect moisture level.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg