Happy Foods Tube

Quick and easy homemade recipes for everyone!

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Salads
    • Appetizers
    • Soups
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Bread
    • Drinks
    • Holidays
  • Instant Pot
  • Healthy Corner
  • About Us
  • Contact

Spanish Almond Cake

Homemade Spanish Almond Cake Recipe

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!

Spanish Almond Cake

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 Spanish Almond Cake Step 1

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.

How to make Spanish Almond Cake Step 3

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.

How to make Spanish Almond Cake Step 4

This Spanish almond cake will be ready in about 35 minutes.

How to make Spanish Almond Cake Step 5

Let it cool down completely before dusting it generously with powdered sugar.

Dusting the Spanish Almond Cake 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.
Sliced Spanish Almond Cake

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.
Traditional Spanish Almond Cake Tarta de Santiago

Want to see how to make Almond Cake? Watch the video!

Best Spanish Almond Cake
Print Email Pin
4.89 from 9 votes

Spanish Almond Cake

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!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 263
Author: Julia

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
Prevent your screen from going dark

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

  1. Use 3 small to medium eggs. If you are using large eggs, use only 2.
  2. This recipe can be doubled. If you double the recipe, use a larger springform pan.
  3. Powdered sugar = Icing sugar.
  4. For more detailed explanation and tips, I recommend reading the whole post.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Spanish
Keyword: Almond Cake Recipe, Tarta de Santiago Recipe
Nutrition Facts
Spanish Almond Cake
Amount per Serving
Calories
263
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
14
g
22
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Cholesterol
 
81
mg
27
%
Sodium
 
31
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
55
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
29
g
10
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
23
g
26
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
120
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
9.6
mg
12
%
Calcium
 
71
mg
7
%
Iron
 
1.4
mg
8
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
** As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tried this recipe?Follow @happyfoodstube and tag #happyfoodstube
LEAVE A COMMENT

RELATED POSTS

Raspberry Almond Bars Image
Raspberry Almond Bars
Homemade Blueberry Cake Image
Blueberry Cake
Simple Homemade Lemon Tart Image
Lemon Tart

Desserts, Recipes

« Roasted Beet Hummus
No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake »

Comments

  1. kim says

    28/02/2019 at 16:07

    What a fabulous recipe idea! My whole family will love this one!5 stars

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      02/03/2019 at 09:24

      Yay! :)

      Reply
  2. Lisa Bynum says

    28/02/2019 at 16:38

    That sprinkled powdered sugar over the top is just gorgeous! I love the sound of this cake.5 stars

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      02/03/2019 at 09:25

      Hope you give it a go, Lisa!

      Reply
  3. Andrea Metlika says

    28/02/2019 at 17:30

    Looks and sounds delicious and love the decoration.5 stars

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      02/03/2019 at 09:25

      Thanks, Andrea!

      Reply
  4. Mary Bostow says

    28/02/2019 at 17:44

    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!5 stars

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      02/03/2019 at 09:25

      You are welcome, Mary!

      Reply
  5. rebecca says

    28/02/2019 at 17:45

    this looks delicious! great idea to make your own almond flour5 stars

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      02/03/2019 at 09:26

      Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Dana says

    01/03/2019 at 21:24

    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!

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      02/03/2019 at 09:34

      Hi Dana, thanks so much for your feedback! :)

      Reply
  7. Roksa says

    03/03/2019 at 12:43

    My little boy loves your “brave cake with a sword”

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      04/03/2019 at 09:11

      :) Love the way he sees the cake!

      Reply
  8. JoAnn M. Dombkowski says

    16/12/2020 at 17:55

    Easy and so delicious. Works every time I make it.5 stars

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      18/12/2020 at 10:05

      Thanks so much for your feedback, JoAnn!

      Reply
  9. Leah says

    25/10/2021 at 00:32

    If I use a larger spring form pan should I bake it for a long time as well?

    Reply
    • Julia | Happy Foods Tube says

      26/10/2021 at 09:59

      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!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Julia - Happy Foods Tube Hey! I am Julia. Follow me and I’ll show you that cooking & baking from scratch can be quick, easy and delicious! Read More…

Connect with Me

Most Popular Recipes

Homemade Instant Pot Chicken Risotto

Instant Pot Chicken Risotto

Simple Homemade Lemon Tart Image

Lemon Tart

Creamy Broccoli & Celery Soup

Creamy Broccoli & Celery Soup

Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

As Featured On:

media coverage 2019 as featured on

Copyright © 2023 · Happy Foods Tube | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Policy

  • 11