You are about to discover a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside – the Whole Orange Cake – Flourless and Moist Recipe is everything you want in a dessert and more. This cake brings together the bright zestiness of whole oranges, the nutty richness of almond meal, and the feather-light lift from eggs and baking powder, creating a flourless masterpiece that’s as moist as it is flavorful. Perfect for anyone who loves a naturally sweet, gluten-free cake that’s easy to make but impressively delicious, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thick slice of golden orange cake with a moist texture is placed on a white plate. On top of the cake slice, there is a thin half-moon orange slice along with small white flowers and dark green leaves as decoration. Next to the cake on the plate, there is a dollop of smooth white cream. A silver fork with a detailed handle lies near the cake slice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe’s ingredient list – each one plays an essential role in building the cake’s distinct taste, tender crumb, and inviting color. These ingredients keep it naturally gluten-free and full of wholesome goodness, making it a trustworthy choice for gatherings or a cozy weekend bake.

2 medium oranges, whole with rind (about 600g/1.4 lb): The star of the dish, providing moisture, natural sweetness, and that signature citrus tang with its aromatic peel included.
1 1/4 tsp baking powder: Adds a gentle rise so the cake bakes to a soft, springy texture without using flour.
6 large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and richness, as well as contribute to the cake’s moist crumb.
1 1/4 cups white sugar: Balances the tartness of the oranges with just the right level of sweetness – you can adjust this according to your preference.
2 3/4 cups almond meal (ground almonds): The gluten-free flour substitute that lends a delicate nutty flavor and wonderfully moist texture while keeping the cake dense but tender.

How to Make Whole Orange Cake – Flourless and Moist Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Oranges to Perfection

Start by boiling the whole oranges three times for ten minutes each, refreshing the water each time. This step softens the rind, mellows the bitterness of the pith, and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture later. You can also choose the shortcut and boil them once for forty minutes, but the triple boil method tends to produce a cleaner, fresher flavor in the final cake.

Step 2: Chop and Puree the Oranges

Once your oranges are cooled enough to handle, slice them thinly and dice, making sure to remove any seeds. Then toss them into a food processor and pulse until you get a thick, marmalade-like puree. Some bits of rind remaining add delightful bursts of citrus flavor and texture, so no need to aim for perfect smoothness here.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

Into the food processor with the orange puree, add the almond meal, eggs, baking powder, and sugar. Blitz for a short burst until everything is just combined into a glossy batter. This blend will smell heavenly, with the fresh brightness of oranges mixing seamlessly with nutty almonds and a hint of sweetness.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into a well-greased and parchment-lined 23cm (9 inch) cake pan. Pop it in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) and bake for 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will still be wonderfully moist inside – a hallmark of this Whole Orange Cake – Flourless and Moist Recipe.

Step 5: Cool and Prepare to Serve

Allow the cake to fully cool in the pan before turning it out. Because the texture is sticky and tender, covering the surface loosely with parchment makes it easier to handle without tearing. This cake’s natural moistness means it doesn’t dry out as it cools, so the anticipation of that first slice will only grow stronger.

How to Serve Whole Orange Cake – Flourless and Moist Recipe

A single-layer round orange cake with a smooth golden-brown top sits inside a white bowl lined with crinkled white parchment paper. The cake is decorated with orange peel curls, two small orange slices, green leaves, and small white flowers grouped gently on one side near the edge. Around the bowl are a few halves and whole fresh oranges on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, two white forks rest on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake shines beautifully with just simple, fresh garnishes. Thin slices of fresh orange, delicately curled rind strips, or edible flowers add visual appeal and enhance the citrus aroma. A light dusting of icing sugar provides a soft, snowy contrast that makes each bite look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

While this cake is a star on its own, pairing it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or creme fraiche brings a pleasing tang that cuts through the sweetness and adds creaminess. On warmer days, serving it slightly warmed alongside vanilla ice cream creates a luxurious dessert experience that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, turn this cake into a layered creation by slicing it horizontally and filling with mascarpone sweetened lightly with honey and orange zest. Alternatively, drizzle a simple glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar for extra shine and bursts of bright flavor that elevate the cake’s stunning natural beauty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Whole Orange Cake – Flourless and Moist Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to five days in an airtight container. If your kitchen tends to be warm, pop it in the fridge to maintain its freshness. Despite its moist texture, the cake holds well without drying out, making leftovers just as delightful as the first slice.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. Serving slightly warm enhances the cake’s moist feel and releases more of that fresh orange aroma – plus, it pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a spoonful of cream.

FAQs

Can I use different types of oranges?

Yes! You can use any variety of medium-sized orange for this recipe. The key is to weigh them to roughly 600 grams total. Navel oranges or Valencia are popular choices. Keep in mind that substituting with lemons is not recommended as the bitterness from the pith is too strong for this cake.

Is this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Since the recipe uses almond meal instead of flour and includes gluten-free baking powder, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your baking powder label if you need to ensure a gluten-free product.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can cut the sugar down if you prefer a less sweet cake. The original recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups, but some find 1/2 cup sufficient. Remember that lowering sugar too much will also reduce the cake’s moistness and balance of flavors.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can still make this cake without one! Finely chop the boiled oranges and mash well with a fork or mortar and pestle. Combine the other ingredients by hand. It will be a bit more labor-intensive but still yields a moist and tasty cake perfect for sharing.

How tall is the finished cake?

The cake baked in a 23cm (9 inch) pan usually rises to about 3–4 centimeters tall. It’s dense but springy, with a moist crumb that holds together beautifully without being heavy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cake that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor, naturally gluten-free, and irresistibly moist, the Whole Orange Cake – Flourless and Moist Recipe is here to become your new favorite. It’s an absolute joy to bake and share, whether for a casual afternoon treat or a special occasion. Give it a try and surprise yourself with how such simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable.