Description
Mediterranean citrus almond cake brings zesty sweetness from Spain’s coastal regions. Delicate almonds and bright citrus create a perfect balance for dessert lovers seeking authentic flavor combinations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (455 g)
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (100 g)
- 2 tsps baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120 ml)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9-inch round cake pan with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray.
- Sift flour and baking powder together in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until light and airy, creating a creamy texture that’s pale and voluminous.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Grate fresh citrus zest directly into the mixture, stirring to distribute the bright, aromatic flavors evenly throughout.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with gentle splashes of milk to create a silky, uniform batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and testing with a toothpick for complete doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before carefully releasing and serving.
Notes
- Fold ground almonds into the batter for added texture and nutty depth, enhancing the cake’s richness and providing a delightful crunch.
- Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk to create a vegan-friendly version that maintains the cake’s moisture and light consistency.
- Use fresh citrus zest from organic lemons or oranges for the most vibrant and intense flavor, avoiding pre-packaged zest which can taste flat.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing or decorating to prevent the topping from melting and ensure a perfect, professional finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg