Orange Almond Cake
A moist, flavorful orange almond cake featuring bright citrus notes and crunchy almonds, perfect for teatime, celebrations, or as a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and sprinkle with sugar a 9-inch round layer pan with 1 1/2-inch sides.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat all ingredients except 2 tablespoons sugar, sliced almonds, and liquor until creamy.
- Beat on high speed until mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top.
- Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar. Drizzle with liquor.
- Cool for 20 minutes in the pan.
- Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure to beat the batter until it is smooth and fluffy. You can substitute almond flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour to enhance the almond flavor. If you don't have shortening, butter can be used instead, though it may alter the cake's texture slightly. For added moisture, consider incorporating a splash of milk or more orange juice.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a lovely accompaniment to tea or coffee. For a festive touch, drizzle with a citrus glaze or serve with a side of raspberry sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Orange Almond Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Almond Cake contains roughly 347 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1062mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute sliced almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that any nuts you use are chopped to a similar size for even distribution throughout the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake's structure.
What can I do if I don't have fresh oranges for the juice and peel?
If fresh oranges aren't available, you can use bottled orange juice and a bit of orange zest from a jar. Just be aware that the flavor may be less vibrant than using fresh ingredients, but it will still yield a tasty cake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).