Gluten-Free Orange Almond Olive Oil Cake

Baking a gluten-free orange almond olive oil cake creates rich flavors and delightful textures that will captivate your senses. This cake, with its moist crumb and bright citrus notes, proves that gluten-free baking can be incredibly satisfying. The inclusion of olive oil imparts a beautiful tenderness but also a subtle, depth of flavor that complements the bright orange and nutty almond notes. This cake is delicious, approachable and perfect for any occasion or simply just a treat for you and your household.

To ensure your baking experience is as smooth and successful as possible, carefully assemble all your ingredients before you begin. Having everything measured and ready will streamline the process and allow you to focus on the cooking. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the cake's unique flavor profile and tender texture.

Gather these elements to form the foundation of your magnificent cake:

• 2 cups (200g) almond flour: Choose finely ground, blanched almond flour for the best texture.
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar: This provides the perfect balance of sweetness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons gluten-free baking powder: Ensure your baking powder is certified gluten-free.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: This helps with the cake's rise and tenderness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors.
• 3 large eggs: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for optimal emulsification.
• ¾ cup (180ml) Clif Family Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select a high-quality, mild-flavored olive oil.
• ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides the most vibrant flavor.
• 2 tablespoons orange zest: Use the zest from approximately 2 medium oranges.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a layer of warmth and complexity.

Drizzles a simple glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen.

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar: Sifted powdered sugar ensures a smooth glaze.
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency.
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional): This intensifies the orange flavor in the glaze.

Creating this cake is a straightforward process, and by following these steps carefully, you will achieve a great result.

Prepare Your Ingredients with Precision

Begin by setting the stage for a flawless baking experience.

1. Preheat your oven: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare your pan: Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan with gluten-free flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation ensures your cake will release perfectly.
3. Zest your oranges: Carefully zest the oranges, being sure to only get the bright orange part and avoid the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside.
4. Squeeze your oranges: Halve the zested oranges and squeeze out the fresh juice. Strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.

Begin the Cake Batter Creation

With your ingredients ready, it's time to bring the batter to life.

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, gluten-free baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure these dry components are thoroughly combined.
2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well blended. This creates a harmonious liquid base.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a whisk or a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are acceptable. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake texture.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Now, transform your batter into the finished product.

1. Pour into the pan: Carefully pour the prepared batter into your greased and floured (or parchment-lined) 9-inch round cake pan. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake the cake: Transfer the cake pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch.
3. Initial cooling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up before handling.

Cool and Glaze for a Flourish

Don’t forget the final touches.

1. Invert the cake: After the initial cooling, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack. Gently remove the pan and any parchment paper. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing. Cooling completely is crucial for the glaze to set properly.
2. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and optional orange zest until smooth. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
3. Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before serving. This creates an extra burst of orange flavor.

Achieving a delicious gluten-free orange almond olive oil cake involves a few key insights and practices that elevate the final product from good to truly exceptional. These details contribute significantly to the cake's texture, flavor, and overall appeal.

Clif Family’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil influences the cake's character, using this high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a mild, fruity flavor profile. A robust or peppery olive oil might overpower the delicate orange and almond notes, creating an imbalance. A rich-flavored olive oil not only provides incredible moisture and tenderness but also imparts a subtle, sophisticated aroma that beautifully complements the other ingredients without dominating them.

The success of a gluten-free cake often hinges on the quality and type of almond flour used, so opt for finely ground, blanched almond flour. Finely ground flour ensures a smooth, tender crumb, preventing any grittiness in the final product. Blanched almond flour, which has had the skins removed, contributes to a lighter color and a more refined texture, making your cake visually appealing and exquisitely soft. This attention to detail guarantees a superior mouthfeel.

Patience is a virtue when it comes to cooling your freshly baked cake, so resist the urge to rush this crucial step. Allowing the cake to cool completely on a wire rack ensures that its structure sets properly, preventing it from crumbling when sliced. Furthermore, a fully cooled cake is essential for the glaze to adhere beautifully and set into a smooth, even layer, enhancing both the appearance and flavor. This meticulous cooling process guarantees a perfectly structured and gorgeously finished cake.

Once you have mastered the basic recipe, feel empowered to explore exciting variations and delightful serving suggestions that will personalize your cake and enchant your guests. The versatility of this cake allows for wonderful experimentation.

While orange is truly divine, do not hesitate to experiment with other citrus fruits to introduce new dimensions of flavor. Consider using lemon or lime zest and juice for a brighter, more tangy profile, or even a combination of citrus for a complex and intriguing taste. Grapefruit can offer a wonderfully sophisticated, slightly bitter counterpoint, creating an entirely new experience. This simple substitution opens up a world of aromatic possibilities.

To enhance the nutty undertones and add a delightful textural contrast, toast some sliced almonds or chopped pistachios and sprinkle them over the top of the glazed cake. The gentle warmth of toasted nuts brings out their inherent flavors, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the cake's tender crumb beautifully. 

This exquisite cake truly shines when paired with complementary accompaniments, so consider serving it alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream, which provides a light and airy counterpoint to the cake's richness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream would also be a luxurious choice, melting slightly into the cake for a divine combination of temperatures and textures. For a touch of fruity elegance, serve with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, which offer a refreshing burst of tartness.

We suggest a few best pairings to try with your cake like Clif Family Viognier, Reyna Noriega White Wine Blend and Napa Valley Chardonnay. The bright fruit characters of these wines will complement the vibrant citrus notes of the cake.

To maintain the fresh texture of your gluten-free orange almond olive oil cake, proper storage is key. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful. If you wish to extend its freshness, you may refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days; however, be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate its tender crumb and aromatic qualities. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.