Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of almond flour and honey makes this cake naturally rich, moist, and satisfying without being too heavy. The orange zest gives it a fresh and aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey. With the added crunch of pistachios on top, this cake provides both texture and flavor that will have everyone coming back for another slice. It’s gluten-free, quick to prepare, and absolutely delicious, making it a wonderful option for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups almond flour or finely ground almonds
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 jumbo eggs (or 3 large eggs)
• ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Zest of 1 medium orange (or to taste)
• ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the almond flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, confectioner’s sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Stir in the zest of 1 medium orange, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the batter.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients (the almond flour mixture) into the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Sprinkle the roughly chopped pistachios on top of the batter, pressing them down slightly so they stay in place during baking.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour is essential for this recipe as it gives the cake its moist texture and nutty flavor. Substituting it with regular flour would alter the texture and may not produce the same results.

2. Can I substitute honey with something else?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even coconut nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake a day ahead. It will stay moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

4. Is this cake gluten-free?

Yes, this cake is gluten-free because it’s made with almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I add other nuts to the cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute the pistachios with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just chop them roughly before adding to the cake.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

7. Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this cake vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a flax or chia egg. Use 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with 6 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes until it thickens, and then use in place of the eggs.

8. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

9. Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of orange?

Yes, you can substitute the orange zest with lemon or lime zest for a different citrus flavor. You can even mix it up with a combination of citrus fruits if you prefer.

10. Can I top this cake with frosting?

While this cake is delightful on its own, you can certainly add a simple frosting if desired. A cream cheese frosting or a dairy-free coconut whipped cream would complement the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

This Orange Honey Almond Cake is a wonderful, easy-to-make dessert that brings together the richness of almond flour, the bright citrus flavor of orange zest, and the sweetness of honey. The pistachios on top add a crunchy texture, making every bite satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free treat, a simple cake for afternoon tea, or a dessert to impress guests, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the light, fragrant flavors of this delightful cake!

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