This gluten free Almond Lemon Cake has become my go-to for company. It’s a total crowd pleaser and it goes with just about any diet or allergy. The fresh flavor of the lemons and subtle texture of the almond flour makes the perfect combination. Plus, it’s only 5 ingredients.
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Main Almond Lemon Cake Ingredients…
Fresh lemons – For this recipe, you’ll definitely need fresh lemons, no lemon juice in the little squeeze-y lemon.
Almond Flour – You can use either ground almond flour or blanched almond flour. The difference is in the skins. Blanched does not include the almond skins and has less texture. I used regular ground almond flour with the skins, so it has a bit of grainy feel. I like it either way.
Eggs – Make sure your eggs are room temperature. They will mix in and beat up better this way.
Recipe Inspiration…
I found the inspiration for this lemon cake from Natasha’s Kitchen. She has so many awesome healthy recipes. Definitely check our her blog here. I find inspiration for recipes all over the place, how about you? Do you tend to keep coming back to the same blog, magazine or cookbook? You find someone that speaks your food language and you sort of fall in love with them, right?
I tend to fall in love with just about everyone’s recipes. And I’m game to try just about anything. I’m a firm believer in not judging a food unless you’ve tried at least 3 bites. (Also a rule I make my kids stick to.)
To make this gluten free lemon cake, simply…
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a spring form pan and spray with non-stick spray and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar. I like to use my hand mixer for this. Beat for about 2 minutes until it gets thick, creamy and gets light in color.
Add the almond flour and lemon zest, using a spatula to fold and stir together until incorporated.
In a second large mixing bowl, beat the 4 egg whites and beat until stiff peaks form (you should be able to hold the bowl upside down over your head, like on the Great British Baking Show).
Fold the egg whites into the almond mixture. This is where the cake gets its rise, instead of using flour or baking powder/soda. This is why you want to gently fold in the egg whites and do not over-mix. Be sure to scrape all the way to the bottom of the bowl.
Once batter is even in consistency, transfer to the prepared spring-form pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the top bounces back when touched.
While the cake is baking, mix the lemon juice with confectioners sugar for the lemon syrup.
Once baked through, let cake rest for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the outer edge and turn over onto your hand then place right side up on cooling rack.
While still warm (not hot), brush the lemon syrup on top of the cake with a pastry brush or a spoon. Use it all up! Once cake is completely cool, add sliced almonds and/or lemon slices. If you want to add confectioners sugar (which I highly recommend) then serve immediately (or wait until ready to serve), since the sugar will dissolve into the syrup.
Love this gluten free almond lemon cake recipe? Try these other delicious cakes!
If you decide to give this recipe a try, be sure to snap a photo to share, tagging @theovenlight and #theovenlight on Instagram or Facebook!
Gluten Free Lemon Almond Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 4 eggs, separated room temperature
- 1/2 C granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest grated from 1 large lemon
Lemon Syrup
- 1/4 C lemon juice the juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 C confectioners sugar
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Confectioners sugar and lemon slices
Instructions
- Grease and line the bottom of a 9" springform pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Heat oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 egg yolks and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed 2 minutes or until thick, creamy and lightened in color. Add almond flour and lemon zest. Use a spatula to fold and stir together until incorporated.
- In a second large mixing bowl, add 4 egg whites and beat until stiff peaks form (about 2 minutes). Fold the egg whites into the almond batter. Be sure to scrape all the way to the bottom and continue folding until there are no more white streaks.
- Once all the egg whites are incorporated and batter is even in consistency (do not over-mix), transfer batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake at 350˚F for 30 minutes or until top is firm.
- Let cake rest in the pan 15 minutes then run a thin spatula around the sides and invert it onto your hand then place it right side up on the rack.
- In a small bowl, stir together the lemon juice and confectioners sugar. Using a pastry brush (or a spoon), brush the top of the cake with the lemon syrup. Use it all up! Sprinkle almond slices, confectioners sugar and lemon slices on top. The confectioners sugar will dissolve into the syrup, so serve immediately or wait to sprinkle with sugar until just before serving.
This looks delicious. Can’t wait to give it a try.