The Flourless Orange Pistachio and Almond Cake is a vibrant, gluten-free dessert that captures the heart of Mediterranean baking. Made with whole oranges — peel and all — and a blend of almonds and pistachios, this cake combines rich nuttiness with a refreshing citrus brightness. The result is a moist, aromatic treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for any occasion.
With its stunning golden hue and nut-speckled crumb, this cake makes a beautiful centerpiece for spring celebrations, afternoon tea, or festive gatherings. Topped with chopped pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s as visually elegant as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Naturally gluten-free: Made without flour, perfect for gluten-free diets.
- Moist and flavorful: Whole oranges infuse the cake with deep citrus flavor.
- Nutty richness: Ground almonds and pistachios create a tender, dense texture.
- Simple elegance: Easy to make, yet stunning enough for holidays or dinner parties.
Serve it plain, with a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of luxury — this cake is delightful in every form.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 medium oranges (preferably seedless)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 2 ⅓ cups (250g) ground almonds (almond meal)
- ⅔ cup (100g) shelled pistachios, finely ground (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For topping:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Orange zest or candied orange peel (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the oranges:
Place the whole unpeeled oranges in a large saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1½–2 hours until tender. Drain and cool completely. - Prepare the orange purée:
Cut the oranges open, remove any seeds, and blend the peel and pulp into a smooth purée. - Preheat oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with parchment paper. - Make the batter:
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Fold in the orange purée, ground almonds, ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt until combined. - Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes. - Cool and decorate:
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with chopped pistachios or orange zest.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins + simmering
Total Time: ~2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 10 slices | Calories: 320 kcal per slice
The Story Behind the Cake
This cake draws inspiration from Sicilian and Middle Eastern traditions, where citrus fruits and nuts are essential elements in both sweet and savory dishes. Boiling the oranges — a technique rooted in Italian and Sephardic Jewish cuisine — softens their bitterness and enhances their natural oils, resulting in a deep, fragrant flavor that bottled juice can’t replicate.
The use of almonds and pistachios brings richness and texture reminiscent of Mediterranean classics like baklava and biscotti. Together, these ingredients create a cake that feels luxurious yet rustic, refined yet deeply comforting.
Healthier Yet Indulgent
This cake isn’t just flavorful — it’s also more wholesome than most desserts.
- Naturally gluten-free and grain-free, thanks to the nut flours.
- Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein from almonds and pistachios.
- Made with whole oranges, offering vitamin C and antioxidant-rich peel.
- No need for butter or oil — the oranges and nuts provide natural moisture.
You can even substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a naturally sweetened variation.
Taste and Texture
Each slice reveals a moist, golden crumb with hints of nutty crunch and citrus aroma. The flavor profile is a perfect balance — sweet yet slightly tangy, rich yet refreshing, with a faint bitterness from the orange peel that elevates every bite.
Top it with powdered sugar, pistachios, or candied orange slices for an extra layer of visual appeal.
Perfect For Every Occasion
Whether for a holiday dessert, brunch table, or tea party, this cake shines in every setting. It’s also ideal for Passover, Easter, or gluten-free celebrations. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a light, creamy contrast.
- Orange Syrup Drizzle: For an extra citrus boost.
- Fresh Fruit: Berries, pomegranate seeds, or orange segments pair beautifully.
- Dessert Board: Serve alongside dates, figs, nuts, and dark chocolate for a Mediterranean-style presentation.
Variations
- Spiced Version: Add cardamom or cinnamon for warmth.
- Chocolate Twist: Fold in dark chocolate chunks or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Coconut Fusion: Replace part of the almond meal with shredded coconut.
- Citrus Swap: Use blood oranges, clementines, or mandarins for a unique flavor.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Up to 3 days (covered).
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months — wrap slices tightly and thaw before serving.
In Summary
The Flourless Orange Pistachio and Almond Cake is more than a gluten-free dessert — it’s a celebration of natural flavors, traditional techniques, and effortless elegance. With every slice, you’ll taste the essence of the Mediterranean: citrusy, nutty, and perfectly balanced.
Serve it once, and it’s sure to become a signature dessert in your kitchen — proof that simple, wholesome ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. 🍊✨