Print

Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (GF) Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 10 reviews

This Easy Almond Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful gluten-free dessert bursting with fresh citrus flavor and rich almond notes. Moist almond flour cake layers are infused with orange zest and juice, then topped with a creamy, zesty cream cheese frosting. Optionally garnished with toasted almonds and fresh orange slices, this cake is perfect for any celebration or a special treat.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 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

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 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

Optional Garnish

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Orange Cakes: Zest two medium or large oranges, then juice one to yield at least 1/4 cup of juice and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 6-inch round or two 8-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and spray with non-stick spray.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine eggs, light olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh orange zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Fill Cake Pans: Pour the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Tap the pans gently to release any air bubbles.
  5. Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 24-28 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  6. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange extract, and beat until smooth. Gradually add powdered cane sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  7. Toast Almonds (Optional): Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Melt 1 teaspoon of butter and add sliced almonds and several pinches of salt. Stir constantly until almonds are lightly golden, then immediately remove from heat. Spread on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the top and sides with remaining frosting.
  9. Decorate the Cake: Gently tilt the cake and press toasted almonds into the bottom one-third of the frosted cake. Arrange peeled orange slices in a pinwheel shape atop the cake to resemble a flower, and add fresh mint leaves as the leaves. Scatter a few toasted almonds in the center and between orange slices.
  10. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake to allow the frosting to set before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • This cake is naturally gluten-free due to the use of almond and tapioca flours.
  • Freshly zest the oranges just before using for the best flavor.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter to achieve a smooth frosting.
  • Be careful not to overbake the cake to retain moisture.
  • To toast almonds, watch closely as they burn quickly.
  • The optional toasted almonds and fresh fruit garnish add texture and visual appeal.
  • Store the cake refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/almond-orange-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-gf-recipe/