Looking for a show-stopping dessert that radiates sunshine and warmth? This Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe is like serving up a slice of Mediterranean summer, right from your own kitchen. The cake combines the nutty richness of almond flour, the brightness of fresh orange and lemon zest, and the luxurious moisture of olive oil and Greek yogurt. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself, this treat brings together simplicity and elegance in every bite. Light yet satisfying, it’s one of those rare cakes that manages to get better as it sits, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this cake has a starring role, contributing something special—be it flavor, texture, or aroma. Simple doesn’t mean boring here; assemble these pantry favorites, and you’ll see how each one makes the Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.
- Almond flour: Adds nutty flavor and keeps the cake delightfully moist.
- All-purpose flour: Balances the texture for just the right crumb, ensuring the cake isn’t too dense.
- Baking powder: Gives your cake lift, resulting in a tender, airy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings harmony to the sweetness and citrus.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, delicate cake structure.
- Zest of 1 orange: Infuses the cake with sunny, aromatic citrus flavors.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds brightness and a touch of tartness that beautifully balances the sweet almond.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake its richness.
- Plain Greek yogurt: For creaminess and moisture, plus a little tang to complement the citrus notes.
- Olive oil: Lends a luxurious moistness, and its subtle grassy taste pairs perfectly with citrus and almond.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds comforting warmth.
- Almond extract: Punches up the almond flavor for extra decadence.
- Sliced almonds: Sprinkled on top for crunch and visual appeal—don’t skip these!
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting for a finishing touch and beautiful presentation.
How to Make Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This step guarantees your cake releases easily, giving you picture-perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The combination of these flours ensures the finished cake is both tender and flavorful, while the baking powder does the all-important job of making it rise.
Step 3: Infuse the Sugar with Citrus
In your largest mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar and both the orange and lemon zests. Take a moment to rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers—the citrus oils will perfume the sugar and give your whole kitchen an instant mood lift.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Into the fragrant citrus sugar, whisk in the eggs, Greek yogurt, olive oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Each of these ingredients plays a role in keeping the cake tender and deliciously moist, while the extracts add plenty of depth.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Now, gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix, which can lead to a denser cake—stop as soon as you see no more dry streaks.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a hearty layer of sliced almonds over the batter for that beautiful, golden crunch. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should turn a delightful golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and slide out more easily. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a gorgeous, bakery-style finish.
How to Serve Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple and elegant touch, a dusting of powdered sugar works wonders and looks stunning against the golden almonds. You can also sprinkle on a few extra strands of fresh citrus zest just before serving to echo the bright, zippy flavors within. If you’re feeling fancy, try a light orange glaze drizzled over the top to really emphasize the citrus profile.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean gelato. Fresh berries—especially raspberries or strawberries—bring out the cake’s citrus notes and add a pop of juicy color, making each slice even more inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe into wedges and serve on vibrant plates for an eye-catching display. Mini cakes or squares work brilliantly for tea parties or bake sales. To impress your guests, layer individual cake slices with citrus curd and whipped cream in parfait glasses—talk about a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe extra fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, and it stays perfectly moist.
Freezing
If you want to savor the goodness later, simply wrap individual slices or the whole cake (sans powdered sugar) snugly with plastic wrap, then foil. Stash in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight on the counter before enjoying—a quick dust of fresh powdered sugar, and you’re set!
Reheating
To refresh a slice, pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, just until slightly warm. If reheating a larger portion, wrap it loosely in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the cake’s just-baked aroma and softness.
FAQs
Can I make the Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. The cake will still have that wonderful moist and nutty crumb thanks to the almond flour.
Is it okay to use different citrus fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix up the citrus zests based on what you have—grapefruit or lime can create exciting new twists, making each Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe unique to your taste.
What should I do if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
No problem—sour cream is a perfect substitute here, giving the cake the same moisture and gentle tang. Even plain, unsweetened yogurt will work in a pinch.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Check at the 35-minute mark, but you may need to increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes for a thicker cake.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The simplest way is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top will also be golden, and the edges will gently pull away from the pan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a cake that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a bite. Invite a touch of Mediterranean sunshine into your home and treat yourself (and your loved ones) by baking this Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe—it just might become your new go-to favorite!
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Delicious Citrus Almond Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this citrus-infused almond cake, a Mediterranean-inspired dessert that is both light and satisfying. The combination of almond flour, citrus zests, and olive oil creates a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For Topping:
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Sugar and Citrus Zests: In a large bowl, combine the sugar with the citrus zests and rub them together. Add eggs, Greek yogurt, olive oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top, sprinkle with sliced almonds, and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- This cake stays moist for several days and tastes even better the next day.
- For extra citrus flavor, drizzle with a simple orange glaze.
- Substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
