Zesty Flourless Orange Treat Recipe: Sweet Citrus Magic

Decadent and surprisingly simple, this flourless orange treat brings sunshine to your dessert table with minimal ingredients.

Bakers adore this delightful flourless orange treat that requires just a few pantry staples.

Zesty citrus notes dance through every bite of this naturally gluten-free confection.

Oranges take center stage, creating a moist and tender cake that melts in your mouth.

Delicate crumb and intense orange flavor make this dessert a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Effortless preparation means you can whip up this stunning cake in no time.

One slice will transport you to a Mediterranean kitchen, where citrus and sweetness reign supreme.

Flourless Orange Treat: Reasons to Crave It

• This recipe breaks down complex steps into manageable tasks, making it approachable for home bakers with varying skill levels.
• Blending fresh and candied ginger with oranges creates a vibrant, unexpected taste profile that surprises and delights the palate.
• By using ground almonds instead of traditional flour, this treat becomes a perfect option for those avoiding gluten while maintaining incredible texture and richness.
• Perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this orange cake adapts beautifully to different occasions and brings a touch of homemade warmth to any table.

Flourless Orange Treat Ingredients You’ll Need

• Oranges: Whole citrus fruits that are boiled, cooled, and blended into a smooth paste for intense flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and binding for the cake.
• Ground Almonds: Add texture and nutty flavor to the flourless cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization.

• Fresh Ginger, Candied Ginger: Provide a warm, spicy kick and depth of flavor to the cake.

• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and achieve a light texture.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and complements the orange flavor.

Flourless Orange Treat: Gear & Gadgets List

• Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating a smooth orange puree from boiled oranges.
• Large Pot: Needed to simmer and boil whole oranges until soft.
• Springform Pan (24 cm): Crucial for baking the cake with easy removal.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all cake ingredients.
• Fork: Great for beating eggs thoroughly.
• Wire Rack: Helps cake cool evenly after baking.
• Small Dish: Used for preparing the lemon zest topping.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for peeling ginger and quartering oranges.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center.

Easy Steps for Making Flourless Orange Treat

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 180°C (360°F).

Grab a springform pan and coat its interior with a light layer of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Oranges into Silky Puree

• Whole oranges
• Water

Thoroughly wash the oranges.

Place them in a medium pot and cover completely with water.

Simmer gently over medium heat for approximately two hours, adding hot water if the liquid reduces.

Once tender, drain and let cool.

Chop the oranges into quarters and blend in a food processor until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Craft the Cake Mixture

• Fresh ginger
• Candied ginger
• Eggs
• Orange puree
• Sugar
• Ground almonds
• Baking soda

Peel and finely mince the fresh ginger.

Dice the candied ginger into tiny pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.

Fold in the orange puree, sugar, ground almonds, and baking soda.

Gently incorporate the fresh and candied ginger pieces.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

The cake is ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 5: Create Zesty Glaze

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Sugar crystals

In a small bowl, mix lemon zest, juice, and sugar crystals until well combined.

Once the cake has cooled entirely, drizzle the glaze evenly across the surface.

Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.

Smart Tips for Flourless Orange Treat Success

• Choose thin-skinned oranges like Valencia or Navel for smoother puree and better texture.
• Let orange puree drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cake base and ensure perfect consistency.
• Reduce fresh ginger for milder flavor or increase for more spicy warmth depending on personal preference.
• Pulse ground almonds finely to create a smoother cake crumb and more delicate mouthfeel.
• Allow cake to cool completely before adding zest topping to prevent sugar crystallization and maintain glossy finish.

Twist Up Your Flourless Orange Treat

• Lemon Lavender Delight: Replace oranges with lemons and add dried lavender flowers for a fragrant, herbal version of the cake.
• Almond-Free Version: Swap ground almonds with gluten-free oat flour or coconut flour for those with nut allergies.
• Vegan Orange Cake: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, replace sugar with maple syrup, and add a plant-based yogurt for moisture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce the quantity to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.

Plating & Serving Flourless Orange Treats

• Festive Brunch Delight: Serve slices alongside fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a light, zesty morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with Earl Grey tea or a creamy cappuccino, making it perfect for elegant gatherings or quiet moments.
• Dessert Elegance: Drizzle with orange-infused honey or sprinkle with toasted almond slivers to elevate the cake's rich, citrusy profile.
• Seasonal Celebration: Garnish with candied orange peel and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning presentation at holiday gatherings.

Storing Flourless Orange Treat for Maximum Freshness

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add a few more seconds if needed. Add a small drizzle of water to prevent drying.
• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to let the cake reach room temperature. This helps restore its original texture and enhances flavor.

FAQs

• Why boil oranges whole before blending them?

Boiling softens the oranges completely, removes bitterness, and creates a smooth, rich puree that provides intense orange flavor and helps break down the fruit’s fibers for a better texture.

• Can I use ground almonds from a store?

Yes, store-bought ground almonds work perfectly. Just ensure they are fresh and finely ground for the best cake consistency and smooth mixing.

• What does adding baking soda do in this recipe?

Baking soda helps the cake rise slightly, creates a tender crumb, and neutralizes the acidity from the oranges, resulting in a lighter, more delicate cake texture.

Flourless Orange Treat Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich Brazilian carrot cake blends simplicity with extraordinary flavor. Moist chocolate-glazed dessert delivers pure comfort for chocolate and citrus enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large or 3 small organic oranges (about 600 grams)
• 6 jumbo eggs
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) ground almonds
• 200 grams (7 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 small knob of fresh ginger (thumbnail size)
• 1/4 cup chopped candied ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Topping:

• Juice and zest from 1 lemon
• 60 grams (2.1 ounces) sugar crystals

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oranges by thoroughly washing them, then submerge in a pot of water. Simmer gently for approximately two hours, replenishing water as needed. Drain and allow to cool completely.

1. Quarter the softened oranges and transform into a silky puree using a food processor or blender until completely smooth.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Generously grease a 24 cm springform pan to prevent sticking.

1. Finely mince fresh ginger and dice the candied ginger into tiny pieces. Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly with a fork.

1. Incorporate orange puree, sugar, ground almonds, and baking soda into the egg mixture. Gently fold in both fresh and candied ginger until evenly distributed.

1. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface. Bake for 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

1. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for complete temperature reduction. This helps the cake set and prevents crumbling.

1. Create a glaze by combining lemon zest, juice, and sugar crystals. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the mixture evenly across the surface.

1. Slice and serve, enjoying the rich, citrusy, and gingery flavors of this flourless treat.

Notes

• Swap whole eggs with egg alternatives like applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan version of this orange cake.
• Select organic oranges without wax coating to ensure the best puree and prevent potential chemical residues during boiling process.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for diabetic-friendly adaptation without compromising cake’s delightful texture.
• Toast ground almonds beforehand to enhance nutty flavor profile and create deeper, more complex taste dimensions in the final dessert.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg