Orange and almond cake
This orange and almond cake is a fragrant dessert made with whole softened oranges, ground almonds, butter and caster sugar. The Thermomix boils the oranges until tender, grinds the almonds fresh, and blends the batter into a velvety mixture. Finished with a marmalade glaze, it delivers a moist crumb and intense citrus flavour with minimal effort.
About this recipe
Orange and almond cake with the Thermomix TM7 is one of those recipes that proves why an all-in-one kitchen machine belongs in every baker's cupboard. Instead of juggling a saucepan, a food processor and a mixing bowl, the TM7 simmers the whole oranges until spoon-soft, grinds the almonds into fragrant fresh flour, and whips the eggs and caster sugar into a pale, airy base — all in a single mixing bowl. The result is a dessert with a dense yet tender crumb, bursting with sweet orange and deep marmalade notes, brushed warm with a sticky glaze. Naturally wheat-free thanks to the almonds, it is a brilliant choice for afternoon tea, a birthday table or a festive winter dessert. Anyone searching for orange almond cake recipes that deliver bakery quality at home will find this Thermomix version remarkably forgiving, from the first soft orange to the final glossy slice.
Preparation tips
- Soften the whole oranges completely before blending, including the pith, as this releases natural pectin and sweetness so the cake needs no extra moisture and stays beautifully moist for days.
- Grind the almonds just before mixing the batter; freshly ground nuts give a far more aromatic crumb than shop-bought almond flour, and a few seconds longer in the bowl makes it finer.
- Serve the cake slightly warm and brush it with warmed marmalade straight from the oven; the glaze soaks in better and creates a glossy finish. Leftovers keep well wrapped for up to three days.
Recipe variations
- Lactose-free version: replace the butter with an equal amount of mild olive oil or plant-based margarine. The orange and almond flavours stay front and centre, and the crumb becomes even moister, perfect for dairy-sensitive guests.
- Festive winter variation: add a pinch of ground cinnamon and cardamom to the almond batter, and stir a tablespoon of Cointreau into the marmalade glaze for a grown-up Christmas dessert with extra fragrance.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Hands-free cooking - The Thermomix simmers the whole oranges unattended until spoon-soft, freeing you to prepare the tin. [Hands-Free]
- Fine grinding - The TM7 grinds the almonds into fresh flour in seconds, giving the cake an aromatic, tender crumb. [Multi-Function]
- Even blending - The Thermomix blends the softened oranges and eggs into a silky-smooth batter without any lumps. [Precise Control]. [Precision Control]
- Gentle whipping - The TM7 whisks the eggs and caster sugar into a pale, airy mixture for a lighter crumb. [Time Saving]. [Time Savings]
- Heating control - The Thermomix warms the marmalade glaze to the ideal consistency so it brushes on evenly without burning. [Temperature Control]
Ingredients
- water
- oranges
- butter
- almonds
- caster sugar
- eggs
- baking powder
- orange juice
- caster sugar
- orange marmalade