If you have followed my recipes (you have, haven’t you?), then you must have noticed how much I like the combination of almonds and orange flavours… Last time I showed you my Orange and almond cream and now it’s the turn of orange and almond cake. See how much I like these two put together? I have also told you before that I’m not a sweet tooth at all. Believe it or not, most of the times, I would not even have a piece of my own birthday cake! If I really want to have a 3-course meal, then dessert has to involve chocolate, fresh fruit or ice cream. If we manage to get it all in one dessert, even better 🙂
The reason I bake cakes is the boyfriend. He does like a nice cookie, biscuit or piece of cake with his coffee in the morning. So, like a good girl, every so often, I bake something for him. And I might have a piece myself, just to taste, you know, quality control!!!
I always try to find the history behind the dishes I cook, their origin and any other curious facts about it… This time, honestly, all I want to do is show you what a nice cake this is… I know is not an original recipe and I don’t want to pretend I invented it… I just want to share it and make sure you enjoy it as much as we did 🙂
A traditional Mediterranean combination of flavours in a delicious and moist cake
- 125 g butter
- 125 g sugar + 1 tbsp
- 4 eggs
- 150 g sifted flour
- 1 tsp yeast
- 100 g skinless almonds coarsely grated
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- Preheat the oven - 180C
- Grease the cake tin with butter and sprinkle with flour. Set aside.
- Separate the yolks from the whites of 3 eggs. Set aside.
- Knead the butter with the sugar until you get a smooth cream.
- Add 3 egg yolks + 1 whole egg and continue to beat.
- Then add the juice and orange zest.
- Stir until well combined.
- Beat the 3 egg whites till stiff and firm. At the end add the tablespoon of sugar gradually.
Alternately, mix the egg whites and flour with yeast to the previous preparation, stirring slowly.
- Add the almonds and mix well.
- Pour the batter into the previously prepared cake tin and bake for 40 min.
- Check a cake for doneness by using the toothpick test. Just stick a toothpick into the center of your cake. If there is wet batter still on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven. If it comes out clean, your cake is done!
