Flourless Tangerine Cake Recipe

If you adore bright, fresh citrus desserts that are both naturally gluten-free and bursting with flavor, then you are going to absolutely love this Flourless Tangerine Cake. Made in the Italian tradition using whole tangerines and almond flour, this cake is wonderfully moist and offers an intense citrus punch that somehow feels like biting right into a juicy tangerine. It’s a truly special cake that’s as impressive as it is simple, perfect for when you want a show-stopping dessert without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Flourless Tangerine Cake comes down to a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each plays a crucial role, from providing moisture and texture to lending those signature almond notes and fresh citrus vibrancy.

• Whole tangerines: Using the entire fruit, boiled then pureed, delivers irresistible natural sweetness and a rich, aromatic citrus flavor.
• Eggs: They bind the cake together and create that wonderfully light, tender crumb.
• White sugar: Adds balanced sweetness to complement the tangy tangerines.
• Almond meal (or almond flour): This is the flourless element that brings moistness and a lovely nutty taste that pairs perfectly with citrus.
• Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises just enough to be fluffy without compromising moisture.
• Amaretto (optional): A splash of this almond liqueur adds a subtle, sophisticated warmth.
• Confectioner’s sugar: For a pretty, dusted finish that adds a touch of sweetness and charm.

How to Make Flourless Tangerine Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Tangerine Puree

This is the key step that makes the Flourless Tangerine Cake sing. Start by washing your tangerines thoroughly. Place them whole in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Boil for a full 15 minutes to remove the bitterness from the peel, then drain and cool slightly. Slice the tangerines into quarters, remove any seeds carefully, and put them in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Make sure to weigh the puree—around 11 1/2 ounces is perfect to maintain the cake’s balance of flavors and texture.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Once your tangerine puree is ready, this step becomes a breeze. In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until the mixture looks pale and creamy. Then, gently fold in the almond meal, the tangerine puree, baking powder, and if you’re using it, the Amaretto. Stir just until everything is evenly combined to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9-inch springform or tart pan with a removable bottom to ensure easy release later. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake turns lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the cake begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to protect it from burning. After baking, let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely.

How to Serve Flourless Tangerine Cake

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this cake’s elegance. A generous dusting of confectioner’s sugar is enough to add a delicate sweetness and beautiful finish. For a pop of color and extra zest, sprinkle some fresh tangerine zest on top or scatter a few edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve slices of this cake with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato to complement the citrus brightness. A fresh berry compote also pairs beautifully, adding layers of tartness to balance the almond richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Flourless Tangerine Cake into a showpiece by serving individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of honey or orange glaze. You can also layer it with mascarpone cream and fresh berries for a quick trifle variation that wows guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, it’s preferred to refrigerate it in warmer climates, which will extend the cake’s life up to 5 days without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of the Flourless Tangerine Cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in airtight freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To bring back its moist, tender texture, warm slices gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes or microwave briefly in 15-second increments. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the cake.

FAQs

Is this cake completely gluten-free?

Yes! Since the Flourless Tangerine Cake uses almond meal instead of wheat flour, it’s naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use oranges or other citrus fruits instead of tangerines?

You can experiment with oranges, blood oranges, or even clementines, but keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness levels will vary slightly, impacting the final taste of the cake.

Why do I need to boil the whole tangerines?

Boiling removes the bitter compounds from the peel and softens the tangerines, allowing the puree to have a smooth, bright citrus flavor without any harsh bitterness.

Can I skip the Amaretto?

Absolutely! The Amaretto adds a lovely almond warmth, but the cake is delicious on its own and still full of flavor without it.

How should I serve this cake for a special occasion?

For an elegant touch, serve the Flourless Tangerine Cake dusted with confectioner’s sugar, garnished with fresh citrus slices, and accompanied by a light dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of gelato.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about this Flourless Tangerine Cake that turns a few humble ingredients into a luscious, vibrant dessert filled with sunshine and love. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this cake promises to be a memorable, joyful treat that brightens any table. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for tangerines more often just to recreate this beautiful cake again and again!