Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I took a bite of this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake, the delightful zesty aroma wrapped around me like a warm hug, instantly brightening my day. This moist dessert is not just an indulgence; it’s a gluten-free gem that combines the bold flavors of whole oranges with the earthy crunch of pistachios, making it a perfect treat for any gathering. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, transforming the usual fresh fruit into a showstopper that your friends and family will rave about. Plus, it’s a nourishing option for those looking to skip the flour while still enjoying a slice of something delicious. So, are you ready to embark on this mouthwatering journey? Why is this cake a must-try? Flavor Explosion: The blend of fresh oranges and crunchy pistachios creates a vibrant taste sensation. Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll whip up this delightful cake in no time! Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for those avoiding gluten, allowing everyone to indulge without worry. Versatile Delight: Serve it at a casual brunch or dress it up for a fancy dinner; it fits any occasion beautifully. Make Ahead Magic: This cake stores well and even improves in flavor after a day in the fridge. Plus, you can freeze slices for a sweet treat anytime! Get ready to impress your guests with this zesty masterpiece, and if you love this, don’t miss checking out my Oreo Cheesecake Decadent for another fabulous dessert! Orange Pistachio Cake Ingredients For the Cake Almond Flour – Provides structure and a nutty flavor; increase the amount if you’re swapping out pistachios. Oranges – The essence of this cake; boil them whole to soften and blend for a bold taste. Honey – Acts as a natural sweetener while adding moisture; substitute with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Eggs – These are crucial for binding and structure; flax eggs won’t work as a substitute in this recipe. Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise to perfection; no substitutes recommended for this essential ingredient. Ground Pistachios – Adds a delightful crunch and flavor; walnuts can be a good alternative if desired. Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; while optional, it adds desired depth to your cake. For the Glaze Fresh Orange Juice – Provides that tangy finish; freshly squeezed juice is preferable for the best flavor. Now that you have the essential ingredients for the delightful Orange Pistachio Cake, you’re one step closer to creating a flourless masterpiece that will steal everyone’s hearts! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Orange Pistachio Cake Step 1: Prep Oranges Begin by washing two whole oranges thoroughly to remove any impurities. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them simmer for about 1 hour until softened. Drain the oranges and allow them to cool slightly before blending them in a food processor until smooth, creating the zesty base for your Orange Pistachio Cake. Step 2: Preheat Oven While the oranges cool, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with a little oil or butter to prevent sticking. This step is crucial to ensure your cake comes out beautifully once baked. Set the prepared pan aside, ready for the delicious batter you’re about to create. Step 3: Mix Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended oranges with ½ cup of honey, 4 eggs, 2 cups of almond flour, ½ cup of ground pistachios, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spatula to mix everything until the batter is smooth and homogeneous. This mixture will yield a moist and flavorful Orange Pistachio Cake that pops with citrusy goodness. Step 4: Bake Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Check the doneness periodically starting at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for that perfect Orange Pistachio Cake. Step 5: Prepare Glaze While the cake is baking, make the delightful glaze. In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup of honey with ¼ cup of fresh orange juice. Heat over medium-low, allowing it to simmer gently until reduced by half, which should take about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on this mixture to prevent it from over-reducing or burning as it will add a lovely shine to your cake. Step 6: Cool Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges before gently releasing the springform. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring it is fully set and ready for the glaze that will elevate its flavor when drizzled on top. Orange Pistachio Cake Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delicious cake with exciting twists and substitutions! Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free alternative that maintains texture without compromising taste. Citrus Swap: Mix things up by using lemons or limes instead of oranges. The zesty flavors will create a refreshing take on the original recipe. Sweetener Alternative: Instead of honey, try using agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option. It offers a similar level of sweetness and moisture! Texture Boost: Incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for an unexpected burst of richness. Chocolate complements the citrus beautifully, taking it to a whole new level. Fruit Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped fresh cranberries or raspberries to the batter for extra tartness and color. These berries will pop with each bite! Spiced Up: Infuse the cake with warm spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a cozy aroma and flavor. Just a pinch can elevate the taste beautifully. Extra Crunch: Top your cake with toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios before serving, adding a delightful crunch for texture variation. Serving Twist: Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a deliciously creamy contrast to the moist cake. Whether you’re looking to switch things up for dietary reasons or simply want to explore new flavors, this Orange Pistachio Cake offers countless opportunities to cater to your taste buds. And once you’ve enjoyed this gem, don’t forget to look at our Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake and Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake for more delightful dessert inspiration! Make Ahead Options Preparing this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake in advance is a fantastic time-saving strategy for busy cooks! You can boil and blend the oranges up to 24 hours in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their flavor. Additionally, you can mix all the batter ingredients and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking, ensuring it stays fresh and ready to go. When you’re set to enjoy, simply pour the chilled batter into the prepared pan and bake! With these make-ahead tips, you can create an effortlessly delicious cake that tastes just as fresh as if made that day. What to Serve with Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake Elevate your beautiful dessert experience with these delightful pairings that complement the cake’s zesty flavors and rich texture. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast, enhancing the moistness of the cake. It’s simple yet classic. Greek Yogurt: Rich and tangy, this option offers a guilt-free way to add creaminess while balancing the cake’s sweetness and enhancing its citrus notes. Fresh Berries: Mixed berries like raspberries or strawberries create a refreshing burst of flavor and color on the plate, beautifully brightening up the dessert experience. Espresso: A cup of bold espresso provides an excellent contrast to the sweet and zesty elements of the cake. The rich flavors of coffee enhance the overall taste. Mint Chutney: This vibrant and fresh chutney brings a burst of herbal notes, providing a surprising and delightful contrast to the dense cake. It adds an exciting dimension to every bite. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy smoothness of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm orange pistachio cake, creating a decadent treat. It’s an indulgent pairing that’s always a hit! With these extraordinary accompaniments, your Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake will not only shine on its own but truly transform into a memorable dining experience. Expert Tips for Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake Fully Blend Oranges: Make sure the oranges are thoroughly blended for a uniformly smooth texture throughout the cake. Keep an Eye on Baking: Check the cake as it bakes; if it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-baking. Toothpick Test: Poke the cake with a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean or slightly crumbly, indicating a perfectly cooked Orange Pistachio Cake. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, feel free to reduce the amount of honey without sacrificing moisture. Mind the Nuts: If substituting ground pistachios, remember that the flavor and texture may change, so opt for walnuts or hazelnuts carefully for the best results. How to Store and Freeze Orange Pistachio Cake Room Temperature: The cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. Fridge: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week; its flavors will actually deepen and improve during this time. Freezer: For longer storage, cut the cake into slices and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll have a delicious Orange Pistachio Cake ready for any occasion! Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. Orange Pistachio Cake Recipe FAQs What type of oranges should I use for this cake? Absolutely, using fresh, whole oranges is key for this recipe! I recommend using organic oranges since you’ll be boiling and blending them entirely, including the peels. Look for oranges that are firm and vibrant in color without dark spots all over, which indicates ripeness and juiciness. How long can I store the Orange Pistachio Cake? The cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, but for best flavor, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. A fun fact: the flavors actually deepen as it sits in the fridge! Can I freeze slices of the Orange Pistachio Cake? Yes, you can! To freeze, make sure your cake is completely cooled, then slice it into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. What if my cake sinks in the middle? Very common! If your cake sinks, it could be due to underbaking or using too many eggs. Always ensure the toothpick test is your best friend; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Also, avoid opening the oven door too often while baking, as sudden temperature changes can affect the rise. Is this cake safe for those with allergies? Great question! This Orange Pistachio Cake is gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for many diets. However, be mindful of nut allergies when using almond flour and pistachios; always double-check ingredient labels or consider using alternative flours and seeds for those who need to avoid nuts. How can I enhance the flavor of this cake? If you want to elevate the taste, try adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla for a deeper nutty essence. You might also consider adding spices like a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a surprise flavor twist. The more the merrier in baking! Moist Orange Pistachio Cake That Will Steal Your Heart This Orange Pistachio Cake is a moist, gluten-free dessert that combines the bold flavors of whole oranges with crunchy pistachios. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: Gluten-FreeCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake2 cups Almond Flour Provides structure and a nutty flavor; increase the amount if you're swapping out pistachios.2 Oranges Boil them whole to soften and blend for a bold taste.½ cup Honey Acts as a natural sweetener; substitute with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.4 Eggs Crucial for binding and structure.1 teaspoon Baking Soda Essential ingredient for rise.½ cup Ground Pistachios Adds crunch; walnuts can be a good alternative.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances overall flavor; optional.For the Glaze¼ cup Fresh Orange Juice Freshly squeezed juice is preferable.¼ cup Honey Mix with orange juice for glaze. Equipment food processor9-inch Springform PanSaucepanMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsWash two whole oranges thoroughly. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 1 hour until softened. Drain and cool slightly.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended oranges with honey, eggs, almond flour, ground pistachios, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for about 1 hour, checking periodically for doneness.In a saucepan, combine honey and fresh orange juice. Heat until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before releasing it from the springform and cooling completely on a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg NotesThe cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices overnight before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!