Irresistible Almond Orange Cake Recipe: A Zesty Delight for Every Occasion

### Introduction

Indulge in the delightful flavors of the Irresistible Almond Orange Cake, a zesty treat perfect for any occasion. This cake combines the nutty essence of ground almonds with the vibrant citrus notes of fresh oranges, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert that will enchant your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.

### Ingredients

– 1 cup (100g) almond flour
– 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
– ½ cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– Zest of 2 large oranges
– ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¼ cup (60ml) milk
– ½ cup (60g) chopped almonds (for topping)

### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

4. **Add Eggs and Flavorings**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour in the milk and gently fold it into the batter until smooth.

6. **Transfer to Pan**: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped almonds evenly on top.

7. **Bake the Cake**: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. **Cool the Cake**: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

9. **Serve**: Enjoy the cake as is, or dust it with powdered sugar before serving. Alternatively, you can frost it with a light orange glaze or whipped cream for extra decadence.

### Tips

– For a richer flavor, toast the chopped almonds before adding them to the cake.
– You can substitute lemon juice and zest for orange if you prefer a lemon-flavored cake.
– For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to enhance the almond taste.
– Make sure to use fresh oranges for the juice and zest, as they significantly boost the flavor compared to bottled juice.

### Serving Suggestions

The Almond Orange Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal choice for afternoon gatherings. Serve it with a side of whipped cream or ice cream for dessert, or enjoy it alongside fresh fruit for a light, refreshing treat. This cake is also perfect for birthdays or special celebrations and can be adorned with orange slices for a decorative touch.

#almondcake #orangecake #dessertrecipe