There is something utterly magical about a cake that comes together without a single grain of flour, and that is exactly what you get with this Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake Recipe. The vibrant citrus notes from whole simmered oranges blend beautifully with the rich, nutty flavors of pistachios and almond flour to create a moist, tender cake that feels both indulgent and light. Whether you’re catering to gluten-free guests or just craving a show-stopping dessert with a fresh twist, this cake delivers an irresistible burst of orange brightness balanced by the satisfying texture of nuts. It’s a cake that feels like a warm hug and a celebration all in one slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake is how few ingredients it uses, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering impeccable flavor, texture, and aroma. From the naturally sweet honey and zesty oranges to the nutty pistachios and almond flour, these essentials create harmony in every bite.
- 2 whole oranges: Simmered until soft to create a smooth and intensely flavored orange puree.
- 3 large eggs: Provide the structure and richness the cake needs without flour.
- â…” cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup ground pistachios: Offers a subtle crunch and gorgeous green hue contributing to both texture and color.
- 2 cups almond flour: The main dry ingredient delivering a dense, buttery crumb perfect for flourless baking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, sweet undertones.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and creates just enough lightness.
- ½ cup fresh orange juice: Used for the glaze to add a fresh, zingy finish.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Combined with orange juice to make the shiny, flavorful glaze.
How to Make Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
The secret to the absolute best orange flavor starts here. Rinse your oranges thoroughly, then place them in a pot and cover them with water. Simmer gently on low heat for one hour. This slow cooking softens the peel and pith, taking away any bitterness and developing a deep, mellow citrus flavor that will shine through in your cake.
Step 2: Make the Orange Puree
Once your oranges have cooked and cooled slightly, drain them and pop them into a blender. Blend until completely smooth. This puree becomes the moist base of your cake, infusing each bite with bright, sun-kissed flavor and vibrant color.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan well to prevent sticking. Proper preparation here ensures your flourless cake will come out clean and intact, ready to impress.
Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine your freshly made orange puree with eggs, honey, ground pistachios, almond flour, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Mix everything thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform. This batter’s texture is unique because it lacks flour but feels delightfully rich and dense, promising a luscious cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for one hour, and keep an eye on the top—if it begins browning too quickly, tent it with foil. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Its surface will be golden and slightly cracked, hinting at the moist treasure inside.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the cake bakes (or shortly after), make the glaze to finish it off perfectly. In a small saucepan, combine your fresh orange juice with honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid reduces by half. This creates a luscious, shiny glaze bursting with bright orange sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.
Step 7: Finish the Cake
As soon as your cake has cooled just a little, brush the orange honey glaze generously over the top. Let the cake cool completely before you remove it from the pan to serve. This glaze adds a subtle sticky sweetness and a radiant sheen that turns this dessert into something truly special.
How to Serve Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To highlight the cake’s nutty and citrus notes, consider sprinkling crushed pistachios on top or adding thinly sliced candied orange peel. A dusting of powdered sugar can also give it an elegant, snowy finish. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers bring lovely color contrast and freshness.
Side Dishes
This Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake Recipe pairs superbly with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a more sophisticated touch, a spoonful of Greek yogurt sweetened with a touch of honey offers tangy richness that complements the cake’s flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into small wedges for an afternoon tea spread or serve individual mini slices with a drizzle of additional orange honey glaze on each plate. For festive occasions, stack layers of the cake with citrus mascarpone cream in between to create an impressive flourless layered treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The nutty and citrus flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers almost as delicious as fresh slices.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to two months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Although this cake is delightful served at room temperature, you can warm slices gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the soft texture and releases those wonderful orange aromas anew.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pistachios and almonds?
Absolutely! While pistachios and almonds give this cake its signature flavor and texture, you can experiment with hazelnuts or walnuts. Just keep the nut quantity the same for best results.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Yes, this Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake Recipe is naturally gluten-free because it contains no wheat flour at all. It’s a fantastic option for people avoiding gluten.
What’s the best way to toast the nuts for extra flavor?
Toast your pistachios lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, shaking frequently. Cool completely before grinding to enhance their flavor.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To make this vegan, you would need to substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based honey alternative or maple syrup. Keep in mind, texture and rise might vary slightly.
Why does the cake need baking soda if there is no flour?
Baking soda helps the eggs and acidic orange puree create lift, giving the cake a lighter texture despite being flourless. It ensures you don’t end up with a dense, heavy cake.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a stunning dessert that feels both wholesome and indulgent, this Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s bursting with fresh citrus goodness and nutty richness, making it a refreshing change from ordinary cakes. Once you make it, you’ll find it hard to resist coming back for just one more slice, and neither will your friends or family. Dive in and enjoy every wonderful bite of this unique, vibrant cake!
Print
Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake is a moist, naturally sweetened dessert bursting with citrus flavor and nutty richness. Made without flour, it combines whole oranges, ground pistachios, and almond flour to create a dense yet tender cake. The honey-sweetened orange glaze adds a glossy, flavorful finish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 whole oranges
- 3 large eggs
- â…” cup honey
- 1 cup ground pistachios
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
For the Glaze
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Oranges: Rinse the oranges thoroughly, then place them in a pot and cover with water. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour to soften the oranges and mellow their bitterness.
- Make the Orange Puree: After simmering, drain the oranges and transfer them to a blender. Blend until completely smooth, creating a fresh orange puree to form the cake’s citrus base.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release after baking.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the orange puree, eggs, honey, ground pistachios, almond flour, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. If the top begins to brown excessively, tent it gently with foil. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, combine the orange juice and honey in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid reduces by half, forming a thick, aromatic glaze. Set aside to cool.
- Finish the Cake: When the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, brush the orange-honey glaze generously over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan and serving to let the flavors fully develop.
Notes
- The simmering step softens the oranges and helps reduce bitterness, making the fruit puree smoother and sweeter.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- This cake is naturally gluten-free due to the use of almond flour and ground nuts instead of regular flour.
- To store, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If desired, garnish with chopped pistachios or orange zest for added texture and color.
