Looking for a cake that’s naturally sweet, gluten-free, and loaded with bright, zesty flavor? This Almond Flour Orange Pistachio Cake with a honey-orange glaze is a stunning dessert that feels decadent, but is made with wholesome ingredients. Blended whole oranges bring natural citrusy moisture, almond flour and ground pistachios add richness and texture, and honey sweetens everything gently without refined sugar.

Almond Flour Orange Pistachio Cake with Honey Citrus Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gluten-free and naturally sweetened
Uses whole oranges for maximum citrus flavor
Perfect for special occasions or tea-time
Easy to prepare with minimal prep time
Nutty, moist, and tender with a glossy citrus glaze

Ingredients

Tip: You can find the full ingredients and measurements list in the recipe card below.

For the Cake

2 cups almond flour
2 whole oranges (boiled and blended)
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

Instructions

1. Boil the Oranges

Rinse the whole oranges thoroughly. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a simmer and let them cook gently for about 1 hour. This removes bitterness from the peel and softens the fruit.

2. Blend to a Purée

Drain the oranges and let them cool slightly. Then blend the whole oranges (peel and all) until smooth and creamy.

3. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.

4. Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the orange purée, honey, eggs, almond flour, ground pistachios, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.

5. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

6. Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey and orange juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer until the mixture reduces by half. Let it cool slightly.

7. Glaze and Cool

Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, brush the glaze over the top. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing and serving.

Variations

Add cardamom: A pinch of ground cardamom adds Middle Eastern flair.
Make it dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free!
Add chopped pistachios on top: For crunch and presentation.
Use maple syrup: If you prefer not to use honey, maple syrup works well too.
Make it more citrusy: Add lemon zest or grapefruit juice to the glaze.

Storage & Reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Best served at room temperature.
Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle.

Do I need to peel the oranges?

No. Boil and blend the whole oranges, including peel and pith, for full flavor.

Can I use orange zest instead of whole oranges?

For this recipe, whole oranges are essential to achieve the moist texture and depth of flavor.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly more rustic and dense.

Is this cake gluten-free?

Yes, almond flour and pistachios make it 100% gluten-free.

What kind of pistachios should I use?

Use raw, unsalted pistachios and grind them into a coarse meal.

Can I reduce the sweetener?

Absolutely. Reduce the honey to ½ cup if you prefer it less sweet.

Can I make it vegan?

Not easily—eggs are important for binding and structure in this cake.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

Use a regular 9-inch round cake pan, but grease and line it well for easy removal.

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, ground almonds or hazelnuts work well as substitutes.

Conclusion

This Almond Flour Orange Pistachio Cake is a celebration of flavor and texture, combining citrus brightness, nutty richness, and natural sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, gifting it during holidays, or indulging in a quiet slice with tea, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make.