Orange Cake Recipe with Orange Glaze

Moist orange almond cake made with whole oranges and almond flour for a rich, citrusy flavor. Naturally gluten-free, topped with a tangy orange glaze—perfect for any occasion!

A moist orange and almond cake is one of those desserts that surprises you with its simplicity yet delivers unforgettable flavor. This Mediterranean-inspired treat combines the sweetness of fresh oranges with the nuttiness of almond flour, creating a naturally gluten-free dessert that's as satisfying as it is beautiful.

The best part? The oranges are used whole—yes, peel and all—adding a rich, zesty depth you can’t achieve with juice alone. Topped with a delicate orange glaze, this cake is perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or even as a midweek indulgence. Ready to discover how to make this deliciously moist cake? Let’s dive in.

What Is an Orange Almond Cake?

An orange almond cake is a traditional dessert often associated with Mediterranean cuisines like Spanish or Middle Eastern. The cake gets its distinct flavor and texture from whole boiled oranges and finely ground almonds. It’s naturally dense but moist, thanks to the almond flour and orange puree.

The version we’re exploring today has a contemporary twist: a glossy orange glaze. This makes the cake even more indulgent while highlighting the citrus flavor. For more unique desserts, check out this Tajin Sorbet or the Artsy Chic Cake—both packed with flavor and personality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Naturally Gluten-Free: Thanks to almond flour, this cake is safe for those avoiding gluten without compromising on taste or texture.
2. Rich Flavor: Whole oranges give it an unmatched citrusy depth.
3. Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a dinner party or a lazy Sunday, this cake fits the mood.
4. Easy to Make: Despite sounding fancy, it’s straightforward, requiring minimal effort beyond boiling oranges and mixing ingredients.

If you’re a fan of easy desserts, you might also love this Easy Red Velvet Funnel Cake or these Chocolate Candy Mold Recipes Filled with Nutella.

Ingredients Breakdown

Oranges

Whole seedless oranges are the heart of this recipe. Boiling them removes bitterness while keeping the aromatic oils in the peel.

Use fresh, organic oranges if possible to avoid pesticides on the skin. The peel is what gives the cake its signature punch, so you don’t want anything artificial here.

Eggs

Eggs act as the binder and provide structure. Use large, free-range eggs for the best flavor and texture.

Almond Flour

Ground almonds create the dense, moist crumb. Look for finely ground almond flour, but if you prefer a coarser texture, almond meal will work too.

Sugar

A mix of white and brown sugar adds sweetness while maintaining a soft crumb. Brown sugar also deepens the flavor slightly.

Baking Powder

Just a teaspoon ensures the cake rises slightly without making it airy.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors, balancing the citrusy tang.

For the Glaze

• Powdered Sugar: Ensures a smooth, glossy finish.
• Orange Juice & Zest: Brightens the glaze, making it tangy and vibrant.

For another zesty treat, try Sure-Jell Strawberry Jam, which pairs beautifully with citrus desserts.

How to Make Orange Almond Cake

1. Boil the Oranges

Place two whole oranges in a pot of water and boil for an hour. This process softens the peel and removes bitterness. Cool completely before blending into a puree.

2. Prepare the Batter

In one bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Stir in the orange puree and vanilla extract.

In another bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

3. Bake the Cake

Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan. Pour in the batter and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If you love easy cakes like this, you’ll also enjoy Mei and Kyong Egg Fried Rice for a savory twist.

4. Make the Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a glossy finish.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Skip the Boiling: It’s crucial for removing bitterness from the orange peel.
2. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly.
3. Cool the Cake Before Glazing: Pouring glaze over a hot cake will make it runny.

For another crowd-pleaser, try Baby Shower Meatballs or the savory Cheesesteak Tortellini.

Flavor Pairings

Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of Sampaguita Ice Cream for an indulgent treat. A warm cup of Earl Grey tea or strong coffee complements the citrusy notes beautifully.

Looking for savory pairings? Try it after a hearty Pappadeaux Crawfish Étouffée or alongside a refreshing Nunu Drink.

Moist Orange & Almond Cake with Orange Glaze

A rich and moist orange cake made with whole oranges and almond flour, topped with a luscious orange glaze. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 2 large seedless oranges
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups ground almonds (almond flour)
• 1 cup sugar (or a mix of white and brown sugar)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (for glaze)
• 1 tsp orange zest (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Boil the whole oranges in a pot of water for 1 hour to remove bitterness. Let them cool, then blend them (peel and all) into a smooth puree.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add the orange puree and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
4. In another bowl, mix the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
7. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and serve.

15 minutes prep time with 60 minutes cook time.

Serves 6 and contains approximately 320 calories per serving.

Mediterranean, Gluten-Free / Dessert, Cake

Rated 4.9 by 203 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: orange cake, almond cake, gluten-free dessert, moist cake recipe, orange glaze, Mediterranean cake

Published by: Show Recipe