Imagine a cake so moist, so fragrant, and so irresistibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary birthday celebration into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Amazing Orange Almond Birthday Cake is not just a dessert—it's a slice of pure joy that combines the nutty richness of almonds with the bright, zesty essence of fresh oranges. Perfect for those who crave a sophisticated yet crowd-pleasing treat that breaks away from traditional birthday cakes, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and create unforgettable memories with every single bite.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure complete incorporation and a smooth texture.
- Gently fold in the almond flour, carefully mixing to prevent lumps and create a uniform batter.
- Add orange zest, baking powder, and salt to the mixture, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Slowly pour in the orange juice, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with orange-infused glaze before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Zest Matters: Use fresh orange zest for maximum flavor intensity—avoid using dried or pre-packaged zest.
- Almond Flour Technique: Sift the almond flour to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, even batter.
- Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease and line your pan with parchment paper to guarantee easy cake removal.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to maintain the cake's delicate structure and prevent a dense result.
- Toothpick Test: Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding any glaze or powdered sugar to prevent sogginess.
- Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain optimal moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
