Zesty Orange Almond Cake

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a cake that's both simple and irresistible, this Zesty Orange Almond Cake is your answer. With its bright citrus flavor and nutty almond touch, it's perfect for any occasion, from a casual brunch to a special celebration.

Ingredients for Zesty Orange Almond Cake

All-purpose flour forms the base of our cake, giving it structure. Almond flour adds a delightful nuttiness and keeps the cake moist. Granulated sugar sweetens the batter while ensuring a tender crumb. Unsalted butter brings richness and flavor, creamed with sugar until fluffy. Large eggs help bind everything together for a smooth batter. The freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest deliver a punch of citrusy goodness, while vanilla extract adds depth. Baking powder is our leavening agent, giving the cake its rise, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, sliced almonds offer a crunchy contrast on top.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your butter is truly softened for easier creaming with sugar.
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor — bottled juice won't have the same impact.
  • To avoid a dense cake, don't overmix your batter once you've added the dry ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a more refreshing twist, serve it with a citrus salad on the side, highlighting the cake's orange notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with gluten-free blends if needed, although the texture may slightly differ.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
If you need a substitute, try using more all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the nutty flavor will be less pronounced.

Zesty Orange Almond Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it well. This ensures your cake releases cleanly after baking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together your butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. It's this step that gives your cake a tender crumb.

Next, you'll add the eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter. Then, pour in the orange juice, add the orange zest, and the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined and the aroma fills your kitchen.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir just until combined; overmixing can make the cake dense.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, leveling the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top. They will toast beautifully as the cake bakes.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing orange flavor that shines through each bite.
  • Combines the fluffiness of a cake with the subtle crunch of almonds.
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Quick to prepare — from start to finish, you're looking at just about an hour.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sliced almonds for topping

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the batter.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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