Name: Citrus Almond Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons orange zest; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; Powdered sugar

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Get ready to brighten up your dessert table with this Citrus Almond Cake Recipe, a Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s all about zesty citrus flavor, light almond undertones, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This gorgeous cake manages to be both uncomplicated and elegant, with every bite delivering a burst of orange and lemon laced through a soft, slightly nutty crumb. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to add a bit of sunshine to your weeknight, this Citrus Almond Cake Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation!

Citrus Almond Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this cake is how each simple ingredient pulls its weight, contributing just the right note of flavor, texture, or color. From almond flour’s rich, moist crumb to the lively duo of orange and lemon zest, every component is key to the Citrus Almond Cake Recipe’s signature appeal.

Almond flour: Gives the cake its delicate texture and nutty richness—don’t substitute for the real almondy depth!
All-purpose flour: Adds just enough structure while keeping the crumb light.
Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises gently and stays tender.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
Large eggs: Provide structure and airiness for that perfectly fluffy bite.
Granulated sugar: Offers sweetness while helping whip up that cloudlike cake batter.
Plain Greek yogurt: Brings lovely moisture and a subtle tang, keeping the cake from drying out.
Olive oil: Adds fruity notes and helps keep the crumb soft—it’s a Mediterranean must.
Orange zest: Packs fresh, fragrant citrus flavor into every bite.
Lemon zest: Elevates the citrus notes, ensuring brightness all through the cake.
Fresh orange juice: Infuses even more orange flavor and a touch of natural moisture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with classic, cozy warmth.
Almond extract: Just a hint delivers an irresistible, aromatic depth.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds the final, picture-perfect snowy finish right before serving.

How to Make Citrus Almond Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this lets the cake bake up evenly and beautifully golden. Grease your 9-inch round cake pan well, then line the bottom with parchment paper so the cake slides right out later. No crumbling or lost edges here!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures each dry ingredient is distributed evenly and prevents any lumps from sneaking into your Citrus Almond Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. It’s this base that forms the essential airy structure of the cake.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Zest

To your fluffy egg-and-sugar mixture, add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything’s smooth and gloriously fragrant—this is where the Citrus Almond Cake Recipe starts to really shine!

Step 5: Combine Batter and Bake

Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet, taking care not to overmix. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes so it sets up, then gently remove and transfer it to a wire rack. Dust with a generous flurry of powdered sugar once completely cool. All that’s left is to slice, serve, and bask in compliments!

How to Serve Citrus Almond Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, you can’t go wrong with a delicate shower of powdered sugar. If you want to go all out, add a few fresh citrus segments or a twist of lemon and orange zest on top—the extra pop of color makes every slice feel like pure sunshine. A sprig of mint or some toasted almond slivers will take presentation to the next level.

Side Dishes

I adore this Citrus Almond Cake Recipe alongside a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato. If you’re keeping it on the lighter side, pair with a bowl of mixed berries or even a tart fruit compote. Each of these extras makes the flavors sing in their own unique way.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into wedges and layering with lemon curd and fresh whipped cream for a trifle-inspired dessert. You can also cut it into cubes and skewer with fresh fruit for easy party bites, or serve thin slices with a drizzle of citrus glaze for a tea party-ready treat. The versatility of this Citrus Almond Cake Recipe means you can let your imagination run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Citrus Almond Cake Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The olive oil and yogurt help maintain moisture so you can enjoy a tender crumb, even days later!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices—or the whole cake, tightly—in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Tuck in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about an hour, then dust with fresh powdered sugar just before serving.

Reheating

If your cake feels a bit firm after storing, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or in a low oven (250°F) for a few minutes. This revives both the fragrance and tender texture of your Citrus Almond Cake Recipe, making it taste just-baked.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. The almond flour already provides that classic crumb, making this Citrus Almond Cake Recipe an easy candidate for gluten-free baking.

What other citrus fruits can I use?

Feel free to experiment: try adding grapefruit zest, blood orange, or even a hint of lime for a twist. Just keep the overall zest and juice quantities about the same for the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Do I have to use olive oil?

While olive oil contributes a subtle, fruity richness, you can use a light-flavored oil (like grapeseed or sunflower) if you prefer. Just know the Mediterranean charm of this Citrus Almond Cake Recipe shines brightest with a quality olive oil.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors deepen as the cake rests. Bake a day in advance, store tightly wrapped at room temperature, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a show-stopping finish.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

A sunken center often means the cake was underbaked or the batter was overmixed. Make sure to test with a toothpick for doneness and stir gently when combining wet and dry ingredients. Next time, your Citrus Almond Cake Recipe will turn out picture-perfect!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s sunshine in cake form, this Citrus Almond Cake Recipe is the answer. It’s such a breeze to make yet delivers on every level—from flavor and aroma to tender texture. Gather your ingredients, zest those citrus fruits, and treat yourself (and those you love) to a slice of pure Mediterranean joy!

Citrus Almond Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Citrus Almond Cake is a delightful treat with a burst of orange and lemon flavors complemented by the nuttiness of almond flour. Moist and tender, this Mediterranean-inspired cake is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

1 cup almond flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract

For dusting:

Powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.