Thank you so much for being here — truly. Any day we get to bake something infused with sunshine, butter (or almond flour!), and fresh citrus is a good day in my book. This Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake is one of those recipes that instantly lifts your mood the moment lemon zest hits the mixing bowl.
Let’s say it clearly for both our hearts and search engines: Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake is a moist, gluten-free cake made with almond flour, Greek yogurt, and bold fresh lemon, finished with a tangy lemon syrup that soaks into every tender crumb.
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Overview of Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake
This cake is light yet rich, simple yet elegant — the kind of dessert that works for brunch, afternoon tea, spring celebrations, or when you just need a little edible joy.
Why you’ll love it
- Naturally gluten-free
- Wonderfully moist and tender
- Packed with real lemon flavor
- Simple ingredients, big payoff
- Perfect make-ahead cake
What it tastes like
Bright lemon zest up front, gentle sweetness in the middle, and a soft almond finish that melts in your mouth. The lemon syrup seeps into the cake, creating that irresistible “sunshine” effect — fresh, tangy, and comforting all at once.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups (200 g) almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar or maple syrup
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- ⅓ cup light vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze / Syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar or honey
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Citrus zester
- Small saucepan
Substitutions & Additions
- Swap lemon for orange or blood orange
- Add almond extract (½ tsp) for deeper nuttiness
- Top with powdered sugar or whipped Greek yogurt
- Make it dairy-free with coconut yogurt
For more bright, wholesome bakes, you’ll also love:
- Coconut Flour Carrot Cake
https://poulef.com/coconut-flour-carrot-cake - Blueberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Muffins
https://poulef.com/blueberry-cheesecake-cottage-cheese-muffins
And don’t forget Pinterest inspiration here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
How to Make Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake
This recipe is blissfully simple — no mixer required, just sunshine and a whisk.
- Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round pan with parchment and lightly grease. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth. Add yogurt, oil (or butter), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. - Combine
Fold dry ingredients into wet until fully combined. Batter will be thick but pourable. - Bake
Pour into pan and smooth top. Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. - Make the Lemon Syrup
While baking, simmer sugar (or honey) and lemon juice for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. - Soak the Cake
Poke holes in the warm cake and slowly pour syrup over the top. Let absorb fully. - Cool
Cool completely before slicing — the texture gets even better as it rests.
What to Serve with Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake
- Fresh berries
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Greek yogurt & honey
- Chamomile or Earl Grey tea
- Espresso or iced coffee
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use finely ground almond flour, not almond meal
- Zest lemons before juicing
- Don’t overbake — almond flour cakes stay pale
- Let the cake rest for maximum moisture
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 1 day, covered
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly, freeze up to 2 months
- Serve: Best slightly chilled or room temp
General Information
Flourless almond cakes are beloved across Mediterranean kitchens — naturally gluten-free, rich yet light, and perfect for citrus flavors. This version channels that heritage with a modern, wholesome twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cake gluten-free?
Yes — naturally gluten-free.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut or almond yogurt.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, in both cake and syrup.
Does it need frosting?
Not at all — the lemon syrup is the magic.
Conclusion
This Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly joyful. Moist, bright, and naturally wholesome — it’s a cake that feels like a sunny afternoon on a plate.
If you loved this, don’t miss my Coconut Flour Carrot Cake or Blueberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Muffins next.
Interactive Elements
Leave a review, drop a comment below, and share your slice on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Gloriously Bright Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake — 9 Powerful Reasons This Zesty Beauty Feels Like Pure Happiness
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake is a bright, moist, and naturally gluten-free dessert made with almond flour, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon zest. Finished with a tangy lemon syrup, it’s tender, wholesome, and bursting with sunshine flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar or maple syrup
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Syrup:
¼ cup granulated sugar or honey
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth.
4. Add yogurt, oil or butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
8. Simmer syrup ingredients for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Poke holes in warm cake and pour syrup evenly over top.
10. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use finely ground almond flour for best texture.
Do not overbake—almond flour cakes stay light in color.
The cake becomes even more moist after resting.
Store chilled for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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