Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and zest, then this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake might just steal your heart! This cake has been a favorite in my home for years, and I can’t help but smile every time I make it. The combination of bright oranges and crunchy pistachios creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s gluten-free and uses wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. It’s not only easy to prepare but also looks stunning on any dessert table. Trust me; once you serve this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious cake without any fuss.
- Naturally gluten-free: Made with almond flour and no added gluten, it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Deliciously moist: The combination of whole oranges and honey keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a light dessert or pair it with fresh fruit for breakfast!
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake it ahead of time, glaze it when ready to serve, and watch it disappear!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake, you’ll need simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 whole oranges
- ⅔ cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup ground pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
Variations
One of the best parts about this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is its flexibility! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
- Try different nuts: Swap pistachios for almonds or walnuts to change up the texture.
- Incorporate chocolate: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a rich twist.
- Make it citrusy: Experiment with lemons or limes instead of oranges for a zesty version.
How to Make Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
To start, rinse your oranges under running water. This helps remove any wax or residue. Place them in a pot and cover them with enough water to simmer gently for an hour. Cooking the oranges softens their skin and makes them easier to blend into that velvety texture we love.
Step 2: Blend It Up
Once your oranges are boiled and cooled slightly, drain the water and toss them into a blender. Blend until smooth; this will create a luscious base for your cake batter. The blended oranges add moisture and natural sweetness, which is essential for our flourless cake.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
While blending those oranges, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan! This step ensures your cake will slide out easily after baking—no one likes a stuck cake!
Step 4: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended oranges with honey, eggs, almond flour, ground pistachios, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth; this step is where all those lovely flavors meld together into one delicious batter.
Step 5: Bake Away!
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about an hour. Keep an eye on it—if the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean!
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While your cake is baking, combine honey and orange juice in a small pot over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer until reduced by half. This glaze adds a sticky-sweet finish that complements the cake perfectly.
Step 7: Glaze Your Cake
After allowing your cake to cool slightly (but not completely), brush the glaze over the top using a pastry brush. This finishing touch enhances both flavor and appearance! Allow your cake to cool fully before removing it from the pan—patience pays off when serving up dessert!
Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake with family and friends!
Pro Tips for Making Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake
Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the perfect Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake!
-
Use fresh oranges: Fresh oranges enhance the flavor and aroma of your cake. They provide vibrant zest and juiciness that dried varieties simply can’t match.
-
Measure accurately: For the best texture, ensure you measure your ingredients precisely. This is especially important for almond flour and honey, as variations can affect the cake’s moistness and structure.
-
Cool before glazing: Allow your cake to cool completely before applying the glaze. This will help it set better and prevent it from sliding off the surface, ensuring a beautiful finish.
-
Don’t skip the simmering: Simmering the oranges softens them, making them easier to blend into a smooth mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that luscious texture in your cake.
-
Experiment with nuts: Feel free to substitute or mix different nuts in place of pistachios! Walnuts or almonds can add unique flavors while still keeping this dessert gluten-free and delicious.
How to Serve Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake
Serving this delightful cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.
Garnishes
- Chopped pistachios: Sprinkling some finely chopped pistachios on top adds a lovely crunch and enhances the visual appeal.
- Orange zest: A light dusting of fresh orange zest brightens up your cake with color and an extra citrusy aroma.
- Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and freshness, making your dessert look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
- Coconut yogurt: A dollop of coconut yogurt on the side offers a creamy contrast to the cake’s texture while remaining dairy-free and delicious.
- Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake.
- Herbal tea: Serve with a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint for a soothing pairing that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling a bit of melted dark chocolate over individual slices elevates this dessert’s richness without overpowering its natural flavors.
Now that you’re equipped with these tips on how to prepare and serve your Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake, gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy every bite together! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert over several days or even weeks if frozen.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
- Slice the cake into individual servings for easy thawing.
- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference.
Reheating
- Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
- To warm, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Alternatively, use a microwave for about 20-30 seconds per slice, checking to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful dessert!
Can I make Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this cake a day in advance. Just store it properly, and it will stay fresh and delicious.
How do I ensure my Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake stays moist?
The key to keeping this cake moist is using ripe oranges and not overbaking. The glaze of honey and orange juice on top also helps maintain moisture.
What if I don’t have almond flour?
If almond flour is unavailable, you can substitute with ground hazelnuts or sunflower seed flour. Each will lend its unique flavor while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes! Feel free to swap pistachios with walnuts or almonds. Each nut variety will offer a different taste but will still complement the orange beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is truly special—a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with tea, I hope you find as much happiness in baking it as I do. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I would love to hear how your cake turns out!
Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake
Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is a delightful dessert that boasts a perfect harmony of vibrant citrus and nutty flavors, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. This gluten-free cake is made with wholesome ingredients and is incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring you can whip it up any night of the week or for special gatherings. The cake’s moist texture comes from whole oranges, while ground pistachios add a delightful crunch. Topped with a sweet honey glaze, this cake not only looks stunning but also tastes phenomenal. Whether served as a light dessert or enjoyed for breakfast with fresh fruit, this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is sure to impress everyone at your table!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 whole oranges
- ⅔ cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup ground pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey (for glaze)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Rinse and simmer the whole oranges in water for an hour. Allow to cool.
- Blend the cooled oranges until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, combine blended oranges with honey, eggs, almond flour, ground pistachios, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for about one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the glaze, simmer honey and orange juice in a pot until reduced by half.
- Brush the glaze over the warm cake and let it cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
