Whole Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of citrus flavor into your kitchen. Bright, moist, and irresistibly fragrant, this cake uses whole boiled oranges—peel and all—creating a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for breakfast, a dinner party finale, or a healthy snack, this Whole Orange Cake Recipe showcases the versatility of oranges in baking. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this easy-to-follow recipe is bound to impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Whole Orange Cake
This Whole Orange Cake is a game-changer for dessert lovers. Here are six reasons why you’ll adore this cake:
- It’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- The use of whole oranges infuses the cake with vibrant citrus flavors, ensuring every bite is a taste of sunshine.
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- This cake is moist and tender, thanks to the almond flour, which adds a delightful texture.
- Serve it plain or with a Whole Orange Cake with Icing for a more decadent treat.
- It can be made vegan or without eggs, opening it up to more dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Whole Orange Cake
Gather these items:
- 2 medium whole oranges
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup olive oil or melted butter
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How to Make Whole Orange Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Wash the oranges thoroughly. Place them in a pot of water and simmer for 30–40 minutes to soften the peel and reduce bitterness. Let cool completely.
- Step 2: Cut the boiled oranges into quarters, remove any seeds, and blend into a smooth purée.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl or food processor, combine the orange purée, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and olive oil or butter. Blend until smooth.
- Step 5: Add almond flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir or pulse until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Step 7: Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool fully before dusting with powdered sugar or glazing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Whole Orange Cake
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your oranges are fully cooked to achieve the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
- For a sweeter touch, consider adding a glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice.
- This recipe is adaptable; try a Vegan Whole Orange Cake Recipe by substituting eggs with applesauce or flaxseed.

Best Ways to Serve Whole Orange Cake
This cake can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Serve it plain for a simple, healthy snack option.
- Top it with Whole Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for a richer flavor.
- Pair it with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store and Reheat Whole Orange Cake
Once your Whole Orange Cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at a low temperature for about 10 minutes. This cake is also a fantastic option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole Orange Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Whole Orange Cake?
The secret lies in using fully boiled oranges. This method ensures the cake has a deep orange flavor and a moist texture, which is essential for a moist Whole Orange Cake.
Can I make Whole Orange Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake keeps well in the refrigerator, making it a great dessert to prepare in advance for special occasions or gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Whole Orange Cake?
To avoid dryness, ensure you don’t overbake the cake. Regularly check with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry.
Variations of Whole Orange Cake You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
- Make a Whole Orange Cake Without Eggs by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal or a vegan egg replacement.
- For a tropical twist, add coconut flakes to the batter.
- Create a gluten-free version using almond flour, as in this recipe, or substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
For more information about baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking. If you’re interested in learning more about gluten-free baking, check out Gluten Free Baking. To understand the health benefits of oranges, refer to Healthline.
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Written by Pin Pan Pro.
PrintWhole Orange Cake: 7 Reasons to Love This Citrus Delight
Bright, moist, and irresistibly fragrant, this Whole Orange Cake is the ultimate citrus dessert made with whole boiled oranges — peel and all. It’s a quick breakfast option, an easy dinner party finale, or a healthy snack for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 medium whole oranges
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup olive oil or melted butter
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly. Place them in a pot of water and simmer for 30–40 minutes to soften the peel and reduce bitterness. Let cool completely.
- Cut the boiled oranges into quarters, remove any seeds, and blend into a smooth purée.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl or food processor, combine the orange purée, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and olive oil or butter. Blend until smooth.
- Add almond flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir or pulse until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool fully before dusting with powdered sugar or glazing.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg










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