There’s something magical about the combination of citrus and almonds in a cake. This Moist Citrus Almond Cake is bursting with bright, zesty flavors and a soft, nutty texture. Topped with a tangy glaze, it’s perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a special dessert. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bright and Flavorful: The perfect balance of citrus zing and almond richness.
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to almond flour and a citrus syrup that soaks into the cake.
- Simple Elegance: A stunning dessert that’s easy to prepare.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Great for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious cake:
- Almond flour
- Citrus zest (lemon, orange, or a mix)
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Butter or oil
- Baking powder
For the zesty glaze: powdered sugar, fresh citrus juice, and a hint of zest. Full ingredient details are below in the recipe card!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the citrus zest, melted butter or oil, and almond flour mixed with baking powder.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Citrus Syrup
While the cake bakes, combine citrus juice and a bit of sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, creating a light syrup.
Step 4: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, prick the surface gently with a fork and drizzle the citrus syrup over the top. This keeps it moist and adds extra flavor. For the finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar and citrus juice to make a glaze, then drizzle it over the cake.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with extra zest, slivered almonds, or even candied citrus slices. Slice and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use a mix of citrus for a layered flavor profile—try lemon, orange, and lime together.
- Ensure the almond flour is finely ground for a smooth texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter.
- Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom complements the citrus beautifully.
- Coconut Twist: Replace some almond flour with shredded coconut for extra texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a sparkling citrus drink for a refreshing combination.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If glazed, refrigerate to keep the glaze fresh. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen after a day, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
2. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
You can, but the texture will differ. If you’re not avoiding gluten, a mix of all-purpose flour and ground almonds works well.
3. How do I avoid a dense cake?
Ensure you beat the eggs and sugar well for a light, airy batter. Don’t overmix once the almond flour is added.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
The glaze adds extra citrus flavor, but you can skip it and dust the cake with powdered sugar instead.
Conclusion
This Moist Citrus Almond Cake with Zesty Glaze is a stunning dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to something special, this cake delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation. So grab your citrus, whip up this beauty, and enjoy every tangy, nutty bite!
Print
Moist Citrus Almond Cake with Zesty Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist citrus almond cake is the perfect blend of refreshing citrus and nutty almond flavor, topped with a zesty glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ cup powdered sugar.
- Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Notes
- This cake is best served at room temperature.
- The glaze can be adjusted to your sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg