Nutrition Notes

Is This Recipe Vegan?

No; this recipe is not vegan because it contains eggs, but it is vegetarian.

Is Almond Flour Healthier than All-Purpose Flour?

Compared to all-purpose flour, almond flour is loaded with nutrients, including heart-healthy fats, protein and fiber. It's also lower in carbs than all-purpose flour, so it can be a good replacement in some recipes for those who are reducing their intake of carbohydrates or looking for a gluten-free alternative.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, all of the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

What Is Almond Flour?

Almond flour is a finely ground powder made from blanched almonds. It's made by blanching whole almonds, removing their skins and grinding them into a fine-textured powder. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and is commonly used in gluten-free baked goods.

I Don't Have Almond Extract. Can I Use Vanilla Extract Instead?

Yes, you can use up to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Almond extract has a stronger, more concentrated flavor than vanilla extract, which means that you can use twice as much vanilla extract as a substitute.

What to Serve with Almond Flour Cake

Serve with fresh seasonal fruit, such as cherries, strawberries or peaches, and whipped cream. Try topping it with homemade Bourbon Whipped Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream for a dairy-free option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Almond Meal as a Substitute?

No, we don't recommend using almond meal as a substitute for almond flour in this recipe. Almond meal is made by grinding whole almonds with their skins. It has a coarser texture and contains small brown flecks of almond skin. The coarser grain is heavier than almond flour, and using it in this recipe may result in a denser cake.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers and Jan Valdez

Ingredients

4 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon orange zest, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ cup granulated sugar, divided
1 ½ cups almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup raw sliced almonds
Sifted confectioners’ sugar for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350℉. Coat a 9-inch cake pan or removable-bottom springform pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
Whisk egg yolks, orange zest, almond extract and 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl until combined, about 1 minute. Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir in almond flour, baking powder and salt.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee
Beat egg whites in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee
Add one-third of the beaten egg white mixture to the egg yolk mixture, gently folding until smooth and lightened. Fold in the remaining beaten egg white mixture carefully until just combined. Spread the batter into the prepared pan; top evenly with sliced almonds.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee
Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and carefully place, almond-side up, on the rack. Let stand until cooled completely, about 30 minutes. Garnish with confectioners' sugar and/or orange zest, if desired.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

Equipment

9-inch cake pan or removable-bottom springform pan, electric mixer

To make ahead

Store garnished cake, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, October 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

258	Calories
17g	Fat
19g	Carbs
9g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 1 slice
Calories 258
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 19g	7%
Dietary Fiber 3g	11%
Total Sugars 14g
Added Sugars 13g	26%
Protein 9g	18%
Total Fat 17g	22%
Saturated Fat 2g	10%
Cholesterol 93mg	31%
Vitamin A 143IU	3%
Vitamin C 2mg	2%
Vitamin D 21IU	5%
Vitamin E 8mg	54%
Folate 14mcg	4%
Sodium 241mg	10%
Calcium 113mg	9%
Iron 1mg	6%
Magnesium 79mg	19%
Potassium 227mg	5%
Zinc 1mg	9%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.