Flourless Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Flourless Orange Cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests. This elegant dessert is naturally gluten-free, bursting with fresh citrus flavors, and features a rich, velvety frosting that complements the cake beautifully. The combination of almond and hazelnut meals adds a nutty depth, while the zesty orange puree ensures every bite is a refreshing treat. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a stunning dessert that is as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oranges (peeled) | 3 |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Whole Eggs | 6 |
| Caster Sugar | 175 grams |
| Almond Meal (Badam Powder) | 150 grams |
| Hazelnut Meal (Powder) | 100 grams |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 200 grams |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Icing Sugar | 75 grams |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 420 |
| Protein | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 grams |
| Total Fat | 25 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 12 grams |
| Sugars | 30 grams |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Continental
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Eggetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Puree
To begin crafting your Flourless Orange Cake, start by preparing the orange puree, which is the heart of this flavorful dessert.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the orange zest, sugar, and peeled orange chunks.
- Place the pan over medium heat, covering it with a lid. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until the sugar dissolves completely, and the oranges become soft and pulpy.
- Once done, remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender and blend until you achieve a fine, smooth puree. Set this vibrant orange puree aside for later use.
Step 2: Bake the Flourless Orange Cake
Next, it’s time to bring the cake to life.
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the caster sugar and whole eggs. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the eggs turn pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which helps the cake rise.
- Gently fold in the baking powder, ensuring it’s well combined.
- Carefully add the almond meal, hazelnut meal, and the previously prepared orange puree to the egg mixture. Use a spatula to fold in these ingredients gently. Be cautious not to overmix; we want to maintain the airiness of the batter.
- Pour the batter into the lined cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the top; if it browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- After the initial 25 minutes, continue baking for another 25 minutes. You will notice that the sides of the cake will start to pull away from the pan slightly as it bakes.
- After a total of 40 to 50 minutes, test the cake for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean with no batter clinging, the cake is done.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, you can prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting that will crown your creation.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Britannia cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, fresh orange juice, and icing sugar.
- Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture together until it is soft, smooth, and fluffy. The cream cheese should be well incorporated, creating a silky texture perfect for frosting.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Now that both the cake and frosting are ready, it’s time to assemble your dessert masterpiece.
- Once the orange cake has cooled completely, carefully release it from the springform tin and place it on a cake plate or serving tray.
- Generously frost the top and sides of the cake with the prepared cream cheese frosting, creating an inviting and appealing appearance.
- For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing the cake with almond flakes, orange slices, and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Place the frosted cake in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and for the frosting to set properly.
- When ready to serve, present the Flourless Orange Cake chilled or at room temperature, allowing your guests to enjoy this delightful dessert.
Conclusion
This Flourless Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into an exquisite dessert that is sure to impress. With its moist texture, citrusy brightness, and rich frosting, it’s the perfect treat for any celebration or a lovely end to a dinner party. Whether served for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
