Spanish Almond Cake
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Spanish Almond Cake is a rich flourless dessert that is popular all over Spain. To make this sweet treat you only need 5 simple ingredients. It’s also naturally gluten-free!
What is Spanish almond Cake?
Tarta de Santiago or St. James’ cake is a typical Spanish dessert that originated in Galicia (Northern Spain). You can easily recognize it by the St. James’ cross in the middle.
The whole prep is quick and easy. You only need 10 minutes for the preparation which makes it a great baking project for kids.
Also, you don’t need any special tools or gadgets to make this flourless almond cake. A fork, a bowl and a wooden spoon is all you need. Plus, a cake tin (preferably a springform pan) and baking parchment.
How to make almond cake
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs. To do this, you only need a fork. Then add sugar and stir until combined.
Now mix together ground almonds, lemon zest and ground cinnamon. Add this mixture to the mixing bowl and use a wooden spoon to mix everything well. When ready, pour it into a springform pan and bake until ready.
This Spanish almond cake will be ready in about 35 minutes.
Let it cool down completely before dusting it generously with powdered sugar.
Planning a Spanish themed party?
Why not try some of these recipes:
- Homemade Churros – usually served for breakfast or at fiestas.
- White Wine Cookies – if you ever get to Spain, check some of the bakeries or supermarkets for these tasty cookies.
- Tortilla Espanola – popular tapas or starter.
- Spanish Calimocho – a refreshing cocktail made with coca cola.
Tips for making Spanish almond cake
- I used a 7-inch/18cm Springform Pan to make this cake. Even though it is a small pan, it serves at leas 6 people as the cake itself is quite rich. You can easily double the recipe, if needed. If you do, use a larger springform pan.
- Traditionally, the top of the cake is dusted generously with powdered sugar. This step can be completely omitted.
- Note that Tarta de Santiago cake is not supposed to be very high.
- Some recipes use a shortcrust pastry or puff pastry as a base, but I have never come across such cake here in Spain.
- Powdered sugar = Icing sugar = Confectioner’s sugar.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, this article might help you: What to use if you don’t have a springform pan.
Want to see how to make Almond Cake? Watch the video!
Spanish Almond Cake
Ingredients
- 3 Eggs , small-medium
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (130 grams)
- 1⅓ cups Ground Almonds (130 grams)
- 1 Small Lemon , zest only
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- powdered sugar for Dusting, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Mix in the sugar.
- In a separate bowl combine together ground almonds, lemon zest and cinnamon. Add this to the mixing bowl and using a wooden spatula stir until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a 7-inch/18 cm springform pan lined with baking parchment and bake for 35 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Video
Notes
- Use 3 small to medium eggs. If you are using large eggs, use only 2.
- This recipe can be doubled. If you double the recipe, use a larger springform pan.
- Powdered sugar = Icing sugar.
- For more detailed explanation and tips, I recommend reading the whole post.
Can this be made in a cupcake pan?
Haven’t tried so not sure.
So delicious I make often and everyone rave about it ! Could I make it couple days in advance and freeze it before I decorate it ?
Hi Annie. I have never tried to freeze this cake so not sure there. Please do let us know if you give it a go!
If I use a larger spring form pan should I bake it for a long time as well?
Hi Leah. If you use a cake pan that is larger than the one stated in the recipe card then the baking time should be shorter as the cake will be flatter. Now that being said, every oven is different so it is always good to keep an eye on your baked goods especially when making them for the first time. Check with a skewer for doneness – it’s the easiest way. Hope this helps. Happy Baking!
Easy and so delicious. Works every time I make it.
Thanks so much for your feedback, JoAnn!
My little boy loves your “brave cake with a sword”
:) Love the way he sees the cake!
I just made this and it was wonderful! I used a 6″ springform pan because that’s the closest I had, it took 30 minutes. It was really tasty, especially with some powder sugar sprinkled on top. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Dana, thanks so much for your feedback! :)
this looks delicious! great idea to make your own almond flour
Thanks!
Such a pretty way to dress up a delicious cake. This is going to be a staple in my dessert arsenal- thank you for sharing!
You are welcome, Mary!
Looks and sounds delicious and love the decoration.
Thanks, Andrea!
That sprinkled powdered sugar over the top is just gorgeous! I love the sound of this cake.
Hope you give it a go, Lisa!
What a fabulous recipe idea! My whole family will love this one!
Yay! :)