Is it really possible to have a slice of cake without carb counting? Yes! Not only is this flourless almond orange cake gluten and refined sugar-free but it also offers you the option to have your cake AND eat it!

This is an old recipe that I have continued to tweak over the years and finally, I think I have got the recipe just right for an exceptional flourless almond orange cake. If you love a super moist, super delicious carb count free cake then this recipe is just for you.

This almond cake is great enjoyed as a dessert with a big dollop of creme fraiche or simply as the perfect slice of cake with a cup of tea.

Not only is this cake gluten-free, and refined sugar-free but it is also carb count free, which for us means that my daughter can indulge in a slice or two without having to think about it.

Why this Flourless Almond Orange Cake is the perfect sweet treat

Even though this cake is rather simple, in my opinion, it is one of the best. This cake has quite an intense buttery almond flavour to it as you would expect but it is wonderfully complimented by the freshness of the orange zest.

However, one of the best things about this almond cake is its texture. It really is super soft and fluffy, you would never guess that this cake was flourless. Which of course naturally makes it a gluten free bake!

Another brilliant thing about this cake is that it’s carb count free for an insulin-dependent diabetic! The use of a sugar replacement and almond flour means that none of the ingredients needs to be counted. We have found that making these switches has helped us with our daughter’s overall Type 1 diabetes management and she can enjoy a slice of cake without having to think about it!

If you would like to read more about THE BENEFITS OF USING ALMOND FLOUR IN BAKING then make sure to read this post!

Other Almond Flour recipes to try:

if you like this recipe then why not try these other delicious almond flour treats

Using Sugar Alternatives for Diabetics

In this recipe, I use a white sweetener, xylitol. This is a nutritive 1:1 substitute for sugar and I find it works really well in baking and cooking.

This is my sweetener of choice due to its low glycaemic index, it doesn’t have a funny taste profile and we found that it doesn’t cause a rise in blood glucose levels.

You could also use an erythritol-based sweetener if you prefer. This is also a 1:1 sugar replacement and doesn’t cause a rise in blood glucose levels, but I personally find it can alter the taste profile of your food.

You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!

If you prefer to use other sweeteners like sucralose or stevia, remember to convert your quantity. Most brands have this information on their websites. And if you would like to read more on sugar substitutes and diabetes then make sure to read this post.

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The Best Sugar Substitutes for Diabetes Management

The world of sugar substitutes and type 1 diabetes can be confusing. This guide explores substitutes in the UK and diabetes management

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However please also feel free to use good old-fashioned caster sugar if that is your preference. Just remember to carb count for it!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sweeteners and quantities in my sweet treat recipes. It may take a few attempts to find your preference as we all have different palates.

What you will need for the Flourless Almond Orange Cake

Eggs
- A key component to any bake and should be free-range
Xylitol / Erythritol
- A sugar alternative option that won’t raise blood glucose levels
- I used xylitol as that is our taste preference
- See notes above on using sweeteners for more information
Greek yoghurt
- Adds a little tangy sourness and moistness to the cake
- Make sure it is a greek yoghurt and not greek style yoghurt, which is too runny
Oranges
- Adds a little zesty tang to compliment the buttery almond flavour
Ground almonds/ almond flour
- Gluten-free and gives this cake a wonderful buttery nutty flavour
- Is a great no-carb-count option for baking
- Most UK supermarkets sell ground almonds but it can be a bit more expensive. Amazon usually has a good selection of products that are larger packet sizes and so therefore a bit cheaper.
Almond extract
- A concentrated liquid made from bitter almond oil, alcohol, and water
Baking Powder
- I use Gluten-free
- Essential for adding air and lightness to your bake
Flaked Almonds (optional)
- Add a lovely crunch to the top of the almond cake

How to make the Flourless Almond Orange Cake

Flourless Almond Orange Cake ingredients

Uncooked Flourless Almond Orange Cake in tin

Preheat the oven to 180c / 160c fan. Grease and line an 8-inch / 20cm springform tin
Beat the egg whites using a stand mixer or electric whisk until stiff. Decant into a clean bowl
In your large mixing bowl beat the egg yolks with the sugar alternative until you get a pale creamy mixture.
Then add the almond extract, yoghurt, and orange zest and whisk together.
Finally using a slow speed, add in the almond flour, and baking powder. Mix until well combined
Fold the egg whites gently back into the cake mixture until combined but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and if using sprinkle with some extra flaked almonds. Bang the cake tin down to get rid of air bubbles and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 until firm and a skewer comes out clean.
Let the cake cool slightly in the tin before turning it out onto a cooling rack.
Serve warm or cool with extra creme fraiche mixed with some of the juice from your oranges.

How to store this cake

This almond cake will keep in an airtight container, or well wrapped in some foil for 4 to 5 days. However, it really is highly unlikely that it will hang around for that long.

Recipe variation and tips

This cake recipe would also make an amazing gluten-free and lower-carb birthday cake. Simply omit the orange zest and almond extract and replace them with sugar-free vanilla drops or vanilla extract.

If you make this as a double batch it can create a really tasty two-layer cake as it is sturdy enough to stack. Simply sandwich the cakes together and cover them with the filling of your choice.

More Easy & Delicious Diabetic Recipes for BALANCED Blood SugARS:

Diabetes Note

This delicious flourless almond orange cake is carb-count-free for us! But as always you know best what ingredients if any you need to count for.

Carb Counting

The overall carb count for a slice of this cake is 0 grams! However, you may see a slight rise in blood sugars depending on the sweetener used and your individual response to it

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