Blood Orange Almond Cake (Gluten Free)

This is a pretty special cake, sweet and sticky and a beautiful orange and almond flavour. Use blood oranges or standard — both work. So good!

It’s blood orange season, and I wanted to make something which really showed off their lovely flavour and beautiful appearance.

I love adding them to my oats at the time of year, but I thought they deserved something a bit more special to show them off in style.

Plus, I’ve had this orange and almond cake in mind for just this occasion.

I think it’s perfect, not too sweet, which is a lovely almond flavour coming through.

I made a quick syrup to drizzle on top when the cake had cooled a little while added some moisture and an extra orangey zing. Optional, but adds something extra.

Amazingly, my delicious orange and almond cake is both vegan and gluten-free, I really don’t think you’d ever know it.

In my house, this amazing cake was gone in a day!

Love, Niki xxx

The Recipe

Blood orange almond cake (gluten free)

Blood Orange Almond Cake (Gluten Free)

This is a pretty special cake, sweet and sticky and a beautiful orange and almond flavour. Use blood oranges or standard - both work. So good!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
8-10 servings
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup organic gluten-free flour–I used Doves Farm
  • ¾ cup organic coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 7 tbsp ground almonds
  • 1 cup fresh blood orange juice or orange juice
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest 2 oranges finely grated orange zest
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange blossom extract or orange essence
  • 1 tsp almond extract

Syrup – optional

  • 1 cup/250ml orange juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

To make the cake

  • Pre heat you oven to Gas Mark 4/180c
  • Oil then line an 8inch spring form baking pan.
  • Add the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, sugar, baking powder and ground almonds into a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Combine the orange juice, oil, zest, vinegar, vanilla, orange and almond extracts in another bowl and whisk until well combined. Pour into the dry mixture and mix until the batter is smooth.
  • Pour the batter into the pan and bake for approx 45 minutes. Test by inserting a prong into the centre of the cake to see if it comes out clean.
  • When cooled, a little turn out onto a cooling rack.
  • Drizzle with orange syrup and top with sliced blood oranges or fruit of choice.

To make the syrup

  • Add the orange juice and maple syrup to a small pan and heat on a low heat for 5-10 minutes until the juice has reduced slightly.
  • When the cake has cooled a little, drizzle the syrup over the top.
Print Recipe

I'd love to hear your comments…

  • Anne
    6 months ago Reply

    I’ve been making this cake for special occasions for years now. I love it!! So do my guests, always! Thank you so much for creating and sharing your beautiful recipe !

  • Joss
    2 years ago Reply

    5 stars
    Loved this cake as did all my vegan, gluten free guests
    Thankyou

  • V
    4 years ago Reply

    Hello

    Did you mean all purpose gluten free flour ?

    Or self raising or plain ?

    Also, can I make muffins instead of a cake with this recipe ?

  • Ritchie
    4 years ago Reply

    Make sure the oranges are vegan. Most oranges (and clementines, satsumas, etc.) from UK supermarkets and greengrocers aren’t vegan because they are coated with beeswax or shellac – look for E901 or E904 in tiny print on the label. If you want unwaxed oranges, you will probably need to buy the organic ones.

  • Richard Grant
    4 years ago Reply

    Can you start putting your measurements in grams too please? My scales don’t have a ‘cups’ measurement. 🙂

  • Ayesha
    4 years ago Reply

    Hello Niki,

    I live in USA, Which GF flour do you recommend to use for this cake since I cant find Dove Farm brand here. I really want to make this cake it looks so tempting!!!

    Thanks

    Ayesha

    • Niki
      4 years ago Reply

      Hi Ayesha
      I think maybe Bob’s Red Mill GF could be an option?
      Lots of love
      Niki xx

  • Virpal
    5 years ago Reply

    What gives the cake chocolate colored look?

  • Caroline Clarke
    5 years ago Reply

    Could you do these as individuals in a muffin tin? How long should I bake for?

    • Niki
      5 years ago Reply

      Hi Caroline
      I havent tried but I’m sure you could.
      Definitely reduce the time and keep your eye on them.
      Good luck
      Love
      Niki xxx

  • Niki
    5 years ago Reply

    Excellent recommendation Ritchie
    Best
    Niki x

  • Laura
    5 years ago Reply

    I would love to try some of your recipes. When you say gas mark 4, what does this mean? I’m not familiar.

  • Nina
    5 years ago Reply

    Can I convert the recipe and use plain flour? Same amount of flour? We are not gluten free. Would I add the same amounts of being soda and baking powder? Thanks

  • Anne
    5 years ago Reply

    As gluten intolerant vegan, I find it almost impossible to find a cake that doesn’t taste like all the good stuff has been substituted. This cake is delicious!! I made it for my son’s birthday party and have made it lots of times since, anytime I need cake to impress! You’re a genius!! Thank you!!

  • Emma
    6 years ago Reply

    This is a beautiful cake, can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing with us 🙂

  • Ange
    6 years ago Reply

    Do you think you can substitute the oranges for lemons in this recipe? Thanks

    • Niki
      6 years ago Reply

      Hi Ange
      I haven’t tried but I think so, yes.
      I would definitely add more sweetener though.
      My best
      Niki xx

  • Jane
    6 years ago Reply

    Really looks scrumptious- can’t wait to try this!

  • Rachel
    7 years ago Reply

    Thanks Niki! So I have Doves plain gluten free flour but now I’m struggling to find the orange blossom extract, orange extract seems to be more common – what do you use please?

  • Rachel
    7 years ago Reply

    This looks yummy! 😉 Which organic gluten free flour do you use please?

Let me know what you think below…

Latest Recipes