Whisking Up Citrus Bliss
The Flourless Orange Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, a nod to culinary innovation and a testament to the versatility of oranges. Bursting with citrusy sweetness, this gluten-free treat is a must-try for both baking beginners and connoisseurs alike.
Ingredients You Will Need
Let's roll up our sleeves and get down to business. Here's what you need:
For the cake batter:
- 3 eggs
- 125g caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 unwaxed orange
- A pinch of salt
- 125g ground almonds
As toppings, you'll need:
- A handful of almonds, roughly sliced
- Icing sugar, for dusting
- Optional: Fruit coulis for a fruity twist
Please note, your oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F).
Nutrition Information
In one serving of 100 grams:
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrate Content: 34.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 80mg
- Fat Content: 22.5g
- Protein Content: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.2g
- Sodium Content: 200mg
- Sugar Content: 30g
- Trans Fat Content: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat Content: 20.3g
How to Make Flourless Orange Cake
- Whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture takes on a pale hue. This ensures that our cake has a light, spongy texture.
- Introduce the baking powder, the zest and juice of the orange, the pinch of salt, and the ground almonds to the mixture. Mix well. The smell of fresh oranges should permeate the air.
- Pour your batter into a 20cm round cake tin lined with nonstick baking paper. In it goes into your preheated oven, and let the magic happen for 55 minutes.
- After 55 minutes, the cake should be golden on top. To confirm it's done, insert a knife into the center of the cake. If it comes out dry, your cake is ready.
- To serve, decorate the cake with sliced almonds and a dusting of icing sugar. A dollop of fruit coulis can add a vibrant note to this citrus medley if you fancy.
Gourmet Tip-Top Tips
- To ensure your cake rises perfectly, make sure your baking powder is fresh.
- For a different taste profile, you could replace the icing sugar with a dusting of cocoa powder or even cinnamon.
- Feel free to play around with the type of nuts used, walnuts or hazelnuts would work well too!
When Life Gives You Oranges, Make Cake!
Finding it difficult to source unwaxed oranges? You can substitute it with regular oranges - just make sure to give them a good scrub before zesting.
What's on the Side?
Serve this cake as a sumptuous end to a Mediterranean meal, or pair it with a cup of coffee as a mid-afternoon indulgence. For a special breakfast, try it with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
Pondering Over the Flourless Orange Cake
The Flourless Orange Cake truly is a testament to the versatility of baking. Its mix of simplicity, elegance, and intense flavors makes it a standout dessert for all seasons.
FAQs
What makes this cake flourless?
This cake is flourless because it uses ground almonds instead of flour. This makes it an excellent choice for those following a gluten-free diet.
How can I store this cake?
You can store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.
What can I use as a substitute for ground almonds?
You can use other ground nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts as a substitute for ground almonds.
Can I use orange extract instead of orange zest and juice?
While you could use orange extract, using fresh zest and juice gives the cake a more vibrant and authentic orange flavor.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and it should keep for up to 3 months.