This Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake is a naturally elegant dessert that delivers bold citrus flavor, rich nutty texture, and a beautifully moist crumb—all without a drop of flour. Inspired by Mediterranean baking traditions, this gluten-free cake relies on whole oranges, almond meal, and pistachios to create a dessert that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

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Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or relaxed afternoons with tea, this cake proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. If you love desserts that are fragrant, naturally gluten-free, and packed with flavor, this recipe deserves a spot in your collection.

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Ingredients

For the Cake

3 medium oranges (whole, preferably organic)
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
1½ cups almond meal (finely ground almonds)
1 cup pistachios, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt

For Serving (Optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting
Whipped cream or honey

Instructions

Prepare the Oranges
Place the whole oranges in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly. Cut in half and remove any seeds.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the base with parchment paper.
Blend the Oranges
Place the cooked oranges—peel included—into a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and slightly foamy.
Combine the Batter
Gently mix the orange purée into the egg mixture. Fold in almond meal, chopped pistachios, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool fully in the pan before transferring to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with pistachios before serving.

Pro Tips

Use thin-skinned oranges for the smoothest texture and best flavor
Avoid overmixing once nuts are added to keep the cake tender
Let the cake cool completely for clean slices and better structure

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally gluten-free without specialty ingredients
Made with whole oranges for intense citrus flavor
Moist, rich texture from almond meal and pistachios
Perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and zesty notes

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Substitutions & Variations

Swap pistachios for hazelnuts or walnuts
Replace sugar with fine coconut sugar for deeper flavor
Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for warmth
Finish with a light orange glaze for extra moisture

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead: Bake up to 24 hours in advance; flavors improve overnight
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
Reheating: Serve at room temperature or warm gently in a low oven

Serving Ideas

Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert plate
Enjoy with mint tea, espresso, or citrus-infused tea

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: ~220
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 11g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cake completely gluten-free?

Yes. It contains no flour and is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely—there is no dairy in the base recipe.

Do I really use the whole orange?

Yes, including the peel. Boiling removes bitterness and enhances flavor.

Why is my cake very moist?

This cake is meant to be moist due to the whole oranges and nut-based structure.

This Flourless Orange, Pistachio, and Almond Cake is proof that refined desserts don’t need complicated techniques or long ingredient lists. With bold citrus aroma, rich nutty depth, and stunning simplicity, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.