There are cakes you enjoy, and then there are cakes that transport you. This Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake is one of those bakes that feels like a sunny stroll through a Sicilian orchard. 🍊🌿 Made with whole oranges, nutty almond flour, and vibrant pistachios, it’s moist, rich, and surprisingly simple to make.
No flour, no fuss—just naturally gluten-free ingredients and bold, zesty flavor. Whether you serve it for brunch, an elegant afternoon tea, or a holiday gathering, this cake brings Mediterranean magic to your table.
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Overview of Flourless Orange, Pistachio & Almond Cake Recipe
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What It Is
A rustic, flourless cake made with boiled whole oranges, almond flour, ground pistachios, and eggs. It’s gluten-free, dairy-optional, and loaded with citrus aroma and nutty richness.
Why You’ll Love It
- Real Orange Flavor: Whole boiled oranges create a deep, natural citrus base
- Nutty & Moist: Almond flour and pistachios make this cake buttery and rich
- Flourless & Gluten-Free: Perfect for anyone avoiding wheat
- Special Yet Simple: Looks and tastes elegant, but requires just one bowl and a blender
Taste & Texture
Incredibly moist with a dense, tender crumb. You’ll taste the zest and juice of oranges, rounded out by the earthy, sweet richness of almonds and pistachios.
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges (preferably seedless)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- ½ cup ground pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Tools Needed
- Saucepan (for boiling oranges)
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- 9-inch springform or cake pan
- Parchment paper
Substitutions & Additions
- Citrus Swap: Use blood oranges or tangerines for a twist
- Nut-Free Option: Try sunflower seed meal and omit pistachios (though flavor will change)
- Sweetener: Use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor
- Toppings: Add Greek yogurt or honeyed mascarpone for serving
How to Make Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake
- Boil the Oranges: Place whole oranges in a saucepan, cover with water, and boil for 1 hour. Drain, cool, then remove any seeds and blend into a smooth purée (peels included!).
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and frothy.
- Add Orange & Dry Ingredients: Stir in the orange purée, then add almond flour, pistachios, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour into prepared pan and bake 50–60 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Garnish: Let cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove and dust with powdered sugar and extra pistachios before serving.
What to Serve With It
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream
- Espresso or cardamom tea
- A drizzle of orange blossom honey
- Fresh berries or pomegranate seeds
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use whole oranges—peel, pith, and all—for the deepest flavor
- Grind your own nuts for the freshest taste and texture
- Don’t skip the boil—it mellows the bitterness of the peel
- Store overnight—the flavor deepens even more the next day
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Keep covered up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Store for 5 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Wrap slices and freeze up to 2 months
General Info
This Flourless Orange, Pistachio & Almond Cake traces its roots to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts, where citrus and nuts play starring roles. It’s flourless by tradition, not by trend, and has been a staple for holidays like Passover and Nowruz. The boiled oranges give it a marmalade-like depth, and the almond flour makes it naturally rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Yes, though the texture may be slightly coarser.
Do I really need to boil the oranges?
Yes! It softens the peel and removes bitterness, creating a rich purée.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. It’s even better the next day!
Can I use fewer eggs?
Eggs are essential for structure in this flourless cake. Reducing them may affect texture.
Conclusion
This Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake is everything you want in a naturally sweet treat—simple, striking, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or just want a little slice of sunshine, this cake delivers.
Other flourless favorites to try:
- Flourless Coconut Greek Yogurt Cake
- Almond Flour Scones
- Quinoa Bread (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
- Date & Walnut Cookies
Interactive Elements
Bake this? Tag me on Pinterest @poulefrecipe! I’d love to see your Mediterranean-inspired creations.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Slice (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 260 |
Fat | 16g |
Carbs | 22g |
Sugar | 16g |
Protein | 6g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 120mg |
Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake – Moist, Mediterranean & Naturally Gluten-Free
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake is zesty, rich, and naturally gluten-free. Made with whole oranges, almond flour, and pistachios, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dessert that’s elegant enough for holidays and easy enough for every day.
Ingredients
-
2 large oranges (preferably seedless)
-
6 large eggs
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 ½ cups almond flour
-
½ cup ground pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
¼ tsp salt
-
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
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Boil whole oranges for 1 hour. Cool, remove any seeds, and blend into a smooth purée.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light.
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Add orange purée, almond flour, pistachios, baking powder, and salt. Mix to combine.
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Pour into pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool 10 minutes in pan. Top with powdered sugar and pistachios.
Notes
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Use seedless oranges or remove seeds before blending
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Boiling oranges softens and sweetens the peel
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Let cake sit overnight to enhance flavor
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Delicious served with whipped cream or yogurt
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
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