Flourless Orange, Pistachio & Almond Cake – Best Moist & Zesty 8-Ingredient

Flourless Orange, Pistachio & Almond Cake
Flourless Orange, Pistachio & Almond Cake

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

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

  1. 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!).
  2. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and frothy.
  4. Add Orange & Dry Ingredients: Stir in the orange purée, then add almond flour, pistachios, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  5. Bake: Pour into prepared pan and bake 50–60 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. 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:

Interactive Elements

Bake this? Tag me on Pinterest @poulefrecipe! I’d love to see your Mediterranean-inspired creations.

Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Slice (approx.)
Calories260
Fat16g
Carbs22g
Sugar16g
Protein6g
Fiber3g
Sodium120mg
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Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake – Moist, Mediterranean & Naturally Gluten-Free


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 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

Scale
  • 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

  • Boil whole oranges for 1 hour. Cool, remove any seeds, and blend into a smooth purée.

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.

  • In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light.

  • Add orange purée, almond flour, pistachios, baking powder, and salt. Mix to combine.

  • Pour into pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cool 10 minutes in pan. Top with powdered sugar and pistachios.

Notes

  • Use seedless oranges or remove seeds before blending

  • Boiling oranges softens and sweetens the peel

  • Let cake sit overnight to enhance flavor

  • Delicious served with whipped cream or yogurt

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 60
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Product Image

26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

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I’m 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!. Let’s be friends!