Name: Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (GF) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 eggs; 1 cup cane sugar; 1/4 cup light olive oil; 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tablespoons orange zest (freshly grated); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 3-3/4 cups almond flour; 1/4 cup tapioca flour; 2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 12 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon orange extract; 2 cups powdered cane sugar; 1 teaspoon butter (for toasting almonds); 1/2 cup sliced almonds; Several pinches of salt; Peeled orange slices (for decoration); Fresh mint leaves (for decoration)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you are searching for a dessert that feels like a cozy hug and a burst of sunshine all at once, look no further than this Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (GF) Recipe. This cake combines moist, tender layers rich with almond flour and vibrant orange zest, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting swirled with hints of citrus. Every bite delivers a perfectly balanced sweetness and a fresh, nutty aroma that makes it stand out as a naturally gluten-free treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving something homemade and delightful, this cake has quickly become one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a slice of two-layer orange cake with light orange frosting between and on top of the layers, placed on a white plate. The frosting is smooth with some almond slices on the edges. The main cake has a soft, moist texture with a light yellow-orange color. Nearby, the edge of the full cake on a white plate is visible with the same frosting and almond decorations along the side, garnished with a small sprig of green mint. Next to the plates, there is a whole orange and a half orange with bright orange flesh, adding fresh color. A small glass bowl filled with mixed sliced almonds rests on a green woven mat. Scattered almonds and almond slices lie on the white marbled surface around the plates. A fork is placed on the edge of the slice plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (GF) Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring a harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the nutty richness of almond flour to the bright zest of fresh oranges, every component plays a part in creating this show-stopping cake.

Eggs: They provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully while keeping it moist.
Cane sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a subtle caramel note.
Light olive oil: Offers moisture and a delicate fruitiness that matches the orange perfectly.
Orange juice: Infuses fresh citrus flavor and keeps the crumb tender.
Orange zest: Delivers a zingy aroma that brightens every forkful.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warmth and depth.
Almond extract: Enhances the almond flour, giving the cake an irresistible nutty undertone.
Almond flour: Acts as the gluten-free base, creating a moist and tender texture.
Tapioca flour: Adds a lightness and bounce to the cake crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly fluffy and airy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights all the other flavors.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, creamy and tangy.
Butter: Adds richness and silky texture to the frosting.
Powdered cane sugar: Sweetens the frosting smoothly without graininess.
Lemon juice: Gives the frosting a lifted, zesty brightness.
Orange extract: Boosts the citrus notes in the frosting for that extra zing.

How to Make Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (GF) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Ingredients

Start by zesting two medium to large oranges and juicing one to yield about 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice. These fresh citrus elements infuse the cake with vibrant flavor that pre-packaged juice just can’t match. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures the cakes release easily after baking and look picture perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer, combine the eggs, oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat everything together until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse for your cake, marrying the richness of almond with the fresh citrus tang.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, and salt. It’s important not to overmix here — just combine until you no longer see dry spots. This step forms a tender yet sturdy crumb that gives this cake its moist and chewy perfection without gluten.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Evenly distribute the batter into your prepared pans, smoothing out the tops and giving the pans a gentle tap to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool in the pans briefly before transferring to a wire rack — patience here rewards you with flawless layers ready to frost.

Step 5: Prepare the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool, beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange extract until creamy and smooth. Gradually blend in the powdered cane sugar until the frosting is light, fluffy, and absolutely dreamy to spread. This frosting complements the cake perfectly with its citrusy tang and creamy texture.

Step 6: Toast Almonds (Optional but Highly Recommended)

For a lovely crunch and extra almond flavor, toast sliced almonds in a skillet with a little butter and a pinch of salt until golden. This simple step adds a wonderful textural contrast and a toasty depth that elevates the entire cake experience.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides beautifully. Press the toasted almonds into the bottom third of the sides for a lovely decorative touch. Finish by arranging peeled orange slices in a pinwheel pattern on top, adding fresh mint leaves for color and a few more almonds in the center and between slices. Chill the cake until the frosting firms up for a perfect presentation.

How to Serve Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (GF) Recipe

The image shows a two-layer round cake with light orange creamy frosting covering the top and sides, placed on a white plate. The frosting has a smooth but slightly textured look. Around the sides near the base, thin almond slices are pressed into the frosting. At the top center of the cake, there are several bright orange segments arranged in a circle with fresh green mint leaves placed between them for decoration. One slice of cake is taken out and placed leaning against the cake, showing the light yellow sponge inside and the thin layer of frosting between the two layers. The scene is on a white marbled surface with some whole and sliced oranges and a green woven cloth underneath the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh peeled orange slices and a sprinkling of toasted almonds add visual brilliance and layers of flavor to this cake. Mint leaves provide a fresh contrast that awakens the senses, making every slice feel festive and inviting. These simple garnishes make serving this cake a delightful moment that impresses guests immediately.

Side Dishes

This Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (GF) Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp cup of herbal tea, citrus-infused sparkling water, or even a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A small bowl of fresh berries can also complement the citrusy notes while balancing the richness of the frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of additional toasted almonds on the plate for extra flair. You could also cut smaller cake squares for dessert platters or party trays. For a festive touch, consider adding edible flowers or gold leaf accents to elevate your presentation to a whole new level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness. The cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days, so you’ll want to enjoy this delightful treat before it loses its perfect texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save cake for later, freeze individual cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. You can also freeze the frosted cake, but be sure to protect it well with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If frozen, allow it to thaw slowly in the fridge. The moist texture and creamy frosting shine brightest when not exposed to heat, so reheating is generally not recommended.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour?

While almond flour is key to the moist, dense texture and nutty flavor of this cake, you could substitute all-purpose flour for a different cake experience, but it will no longer be gluten-free. The texture and flavor will also be quite different, so I recommend sticking with almond flour for the best results.

How can I make this cake nut-free?

This recipe relies heavily on almond flour for both flavor and structure, so making it nut-free would require a significant recipe overhaul. A gluten-free substitute without nuts might use oat or rice flour blends, but the texture won’t be the same.
Consider an entirely different recipe if you need a nut-free option.

Is tapioca flour necessary?

Tapioca flour adds lightness and bounce to the cake crumb, which is especially useful in gluten-free baking. If you don’t have tapioca flour, you can experiment with cornstarch or arrowroot powder, but the texture might differ slightly.

Can I use regular orange juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best vibrant flavor and aroma, but if fresh isn’t available, bottled 100% orange juice will work. Avoid juice with added sugar or preservatives to keep the cake’s natural freshness.

How long does the frosting take to set?

If refrigerated, the cream cheese frosting firms up nicely after about an hour. Allowing the entire cake to chill for at least two hours ensures the frosting is set and the flavors meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (GF) Recipe is such a joyful dish to bake and share. Its balanced flavors, moist crumb, and stunning presentation make it perfect for celebrations or any time you want to treat yourself. I truly believe once you try this cake, it’ll become a treasured favorite in your dessert rotation. Happy baking and even happier eating!