Zesty Citrus Almond Cake: The Moist & Tangy Recipe You Need

Whipping up a delectable citrus almond cake can spark joy in any kitchen.

Tangy oranges and bright lemons dance through this moist recipe.

Almonds provide a rich, nutty backdrop that complements the zesty fruit perfectly.

Each slice promises a delightful balance of sweet and bright flavors.

Soft crumb and aromatic notes make this dessert irresistible for afternoon tea or special celebrations.

Baking enthusiasts will appreciate the simple yet elegant approach to this classic treat.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring every delicious bite.

Top Reasons To Bake Moist Citrus Almond Cake

• Quick-to-Prepare Delight: This citrus almond cake comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for brunches, afternoon tea, or casual dessert gatherings, the cake appeals to both adults and kids with its bright, balanced flavor profile.
• Family-Friendly Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, encouraging kitchen collaboration and fun.
• Zesty Mood Lifter: The combination of orange and lemon zests creates a vibrant, refreshing dessert that brightens any meal and lifts spirits with its sunny, tangy notes.

Citrus Almond Cake Ingredients

• Almond Flour: Gluten-free base that adds rich, nutty flavor and moist texture to the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cake together.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Crucial for helping the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic background flavor.
• Orange Zest, Lemon Zest: Bright, fresh citrus notes that add depth and complexity.
• Orange Juice, Lemon Juice: Adds moisture and intense citrus flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze with perfect drizzling consistency.
• Orange Juice, Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness to the glaze.

Citrus Almond Cake with Zesty Glaze Baking Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and get your cake pan ready by giving it a light coating of grease and a dusting of flour.

This will help your cake slide out perfectly later.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

• Almond flour
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed and looking smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Wonders

• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest
• Lemon zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Fresh lemon juice

Blend until everything looks harmonious and bright.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Use a soft touch and mix until everything is just combined.

Don’t overmix – you want a tender cake!

Step 5: Pan and Prepare

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan.

Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface for beautiful baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and golden.

Step 7: Craft the Glaze

• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Powdered sugar

Stir until silky smooth and drizzle-ready.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

After the cake has rested for about 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

Let the cake cool completely to let those flavors mingle and settle.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Slice into your masterpiece and enjoy the burst of citrusy, almond goodness!

Citrus Cake Tips with Almond Flavor

• Sift almond and all-purpose flour together to eliminate lumps and ensure a smoother, more consistent cake texture.
• Gently roll citrus fruits on the counter before zesting to release more essential oils and boost flavor intensity.
• Don't overmix the batter; fold ingredients gently to keep the cake tender and prevent developing tough gluten strands.
• Adjust glaze consistency by adding powdered sugar or citrus juice gradually to achieve your desired thickness and tanginess.
• Substitute melted butter with neutral-flavored vegetable oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version of this delightful cake.

Almond Cake Leftover Instructions

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its moisture and zesty flavor intact.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap, ensuring it stays soft and delicious.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its fresh-baked warmth and texture.

Cake Matches for Citrus Almond Dessert

• Pair with Bright Citrus Wine: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that echoes the cake's zesty citrus notes and complements its delicate almond flavor.
• Enhance with Herbal Tea Companion: Brew a refreshing herbal tea such as chamomile or lavender that softens the cake's sweetness and provides a gentle, aromatic counterpoint to its tangy glaze.
• Match with Creamy Mascarpone Topping: Dollop a small amount of softened mascarpone cheese beside the cake slice, creating a rich, smooth texture that balances the cake's light and citrusy profile.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Scatter a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries around the cake plate, adding a burst of color and a tart, juicy element that harmonizes with the cake's citrus undertones.

Citrus Almond Cake Served In New Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or additional almond flour for a completely wheat-free cake.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based friendly dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delightful citrus flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil or vegetable oil in place of butter, and choose a dairy-free milk alternative if needed for moisture and binding.

FAQs

• What makes almond flour different from regular flour?

Almond flour is made from ground almonds and is gluten-free, providing a nutty flavor and moist texture compared to traditional wheat flour. It’s lower in carbs and higher in protein and healthy fats.

• Can I substitute the citrus juices in this recipe?

You can use different citrus fruits like grapefruit or lime, but keep the total liquid amount consistent. Each citrus will slightly alter the cake’s flavor profile, giving you a unique taste experience.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using 100% almond flour. However, it contains eggs and dairy, so it’s not vegan. Those with nut allergies should avoid this cake.

• How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with no dry flour patches visible. When you fold wet and dry ingredients, mix gently to maintain the cake’s light texture and prevent overmixing.

Moist Citrus Almond Cake with Zesty Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Silky Citrus Almond Cake whispers Mediterranean sunshine, blending bright orange and lemon notes with delicate almond undertones. Each slice promises a refreshing journey through elegant flavors that dance gracefully across palates.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) almond flour
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) lemon juice

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 zest of 1 orange
• 1 zest of 1 lemon

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine ground almonds, wheat flour, crystallized sweetener, leavening agent, and mineral seasoning in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Vigorously whisk eggs, liquefied butter, aromatic vanilla, fragrant citrus zests, and freshly squeezed citrus juices in a separate container.
3. Gently incorporate liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring until a uniform, silky batter emerges without overmixing.
4. Transfer the luminous mixture into a prepared circular baking vessel, meticulously smoothing the surface for even distribution.
5. Position the pan in a preheated thermal chamber calibrated to 350°F, allowing the confection to transform for approximately 35 minutes.
6. Verify cake’s readiness by inserting a slender wooden probe, which should emerge pristine and unadorned with raw batter.
7. Craft a luminescent glaze by whisking powdered sugar with vibrant citrus essences until a glossy, pourable consistency develops.
8. Allow the golden-hued creation to rest and cool for several moments, then cascade the translucent glaze across its undulating surface.
9. Permit the elaborate dessert to reach ambient temperature before presenting this delicate, fragrant delicacy.

Notes

• Swap out almond flour for gluten-free alternatives like coconut or rice flour to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance the cake’s moisture by adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients, creating an even softer texture.
• Elevate the citrus flavor by incorporating fresh zest just before serving, which helps maintain the bright, aromatic notes of orange and lemon.
• Experiment with different nuts like ground pistachios or walnuts to create unique variations of this versatile cake, adding depth and complexity to the recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg