Flourless Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Description:
The Flourless Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an exquisite dessert that blends the natural sweetness of oranges with the richness of nuts. This cake is made without traditional flour, using almond and hazelnut meal to create a moist, tender crumb. The combination of fresh oranges and nutty flavors gives the cake a unique and unforgettable taste. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle sourness, making it an ideal dessert for any special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, New Year’s party, or simply want a show-stopping treat for a birthday, this cake is sure to impress. The vibrant orange flavor and soft texture are complemented by the smooth, velvety frosting, creating a truly decadent experience.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For Orange Puree | |
| Oranges (peeled, deseeded, and chunked) | 3 Oranges |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| For Cake | |
| Whole Eggs | 6 eggs |
| Caster Sugar | 175 grams |
| Almond Meal (Badam Powder) | 150 grams |
| Hazelnut Meal (Powder) | 100 grams |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| For Cream Cheese Frosting | |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 200 grams |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Icing Sugar | 75 grams |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Puree
Start by preparing the orange puree. Combine the zest, sugar, and orange chunks in a medium-sized pan. Place the pan over medium heat and cook, covered, for 6 to 8 minutes. The sugar should dissolve, and the oranges will soften into a pulpy texture. Once softened, remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Once cooled, blend it into a fine puree using a blender. Set the puree aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, then set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the whole eggs and caster sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer on high speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This should take around 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, add baking powder and stir gently to combine.
Next, fold in the almond meal, hazelnut meal, and the orange puree. Be careful not to overmix—use a spatula to fold the ingredients in gently to retain the airy texture of the eggs.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when the top turns golden brown and appears set. If the top seems to be browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Continue to bake for another 25 minutes. By the 40-50 minute mark, the cake’s sides should begin to pull away from the pan, and it should shrink slightly.
To test doneness, insert a skewer into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before removing it from the springform pan.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the Britannia cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, fresh orange juice, and icing sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness by adding more icing sugar if necessary.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully release it from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Slather the prepared cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake, covering it generously.
Place the frosted cake in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the frosting to set.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, you can garnish the cake with a handful of almond flakes, orange slices, and mint leaves for a decorative touch.
Serve the Flourless Orange Cake chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Allergen Information
- Contains Nuts: The cake uses almond meal and hazelnut meal, so it is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies.
- Contains Dairy: The cream cheese frosting contains dairy (cream cheese and heavy cream).
- Eggs: This recipe is eggetarian and contains eggs as a primary ingredient.
Dietary Preferences
- Gluten-Free: This cake is entirely gluten-free as it contains no wheat flour.
- Vegetarian: The recipe is suitable for vegetarians but not for vegans due to the use of dairy and eggs.
- Nut-Free Alternative: To make this cake nut-free, you can replace the almond and hazelnut meals with sunflower seed meal or coconut flour, but the texture and flavor will change.
Tips and Advice
- Orange Flavor: For a more intense orange flavor, you can increase the quantity of orange zest. It will add a fresh, citrusy bite that complements the nuttiness of the cake.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of black coffee or fresh herbal tea. For a festive touch, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Conclusion
This Flourless Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an impressive and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for special occasions. Its moist, nutty texture and the tangy cream cheese topping provide a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, celebrating the holidays, or simply craving a unique and delicious treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste. Enjoy every bite of this festive and indulgent dessert!
