Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake – Moist, Citrusy, and Naturally Gluten-Free

When you want a dessert that’s elegant yet effortless, this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is the one. It’s soft, fragrant, and bursting with bright orange flavor balanced by the nutty richness of pistachios. Every bite tastes like sunshine — moist, tender, and naturally gluten-free.

Made without any flour, this cake uses ground pistachios and almond flour for a rich, slightly chewy texture that’s both wholesome and indulgent. It’s the perfect dessert for any season — refreshing in summer and comforting in winter. And best of all, it looks absolutely stunning on the table, topped with powdered sugar or candied orange slices.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is a celebration of natural ingredients and simple baking. There’s no complicated mixing or special equipment required — just blend, bake, and enjoy. The combination of fresh oranges and pistachios creates a flavor that’s both vibrant and luxurious.

I love that it’s naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free if you use maple syrup or coconut sugar. The ground pistachios give it a beautiful green hue and nutty texture, while orange zest and juice infuse it with a refreshing citrus aroma.

This cake is perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee or tea. It stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Simple, stunning, and satisfying — that’s what makes this recipe so special.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what makes this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake so rich and flavorful:

Oranges
The heart of the cake. You’ll use both zest and juice for full citrus flavor.

Pistachios
Ground pistachios add richness, color, and a hint of crunch. Use unsalted nuts for balance.

Almond Flour
Keeps the cake moist and gluten-free, with a light nutty flavor.

Eggs
Provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully.

Maple Syrup or Sugar
Adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Olive Oil or Butter
Gives a soft, velvety crumb and enhances the richness.

Baking Powder & Salt
Ensure a perfect rise and balance the sweetness.

Here’s a clear ingredient breakdown and why each is important:

Ingredient	Purpose
Oranges (zest + juice)	Adds bright citrus flavor and moisture
Ground pistachios	Replaces flour, adds nutty richness
Almond flour	Creates a tender, gluten-free crumb
Eggs	Provide lift and structure
Olive oil	Adds moisture and richness

Step-by-Step

Making this Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is simple and rewarding. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare pistachios. In a food processor, grind pistachios until they resemble coarse flour. Don’t over-blend or they’ll turn into paste.
3. Mix wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup (or sugar), and olive oil until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients. Stir in the ground pistachios, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until fully combined.
5. Pour and bake. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and garnish. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or top with chopped pistachios and orange zest.

You Must

For the perfect Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake, follow these essential tips:

• Use fresh oranges. Fresh zest and juice make the flavor bright and authentic.
• Don’t overblend pistachios. You want a coarse, flour-like texture — not nut butter.
• Cool completely. The cake firms as it cools, making slicing easier.
• Use good olive oil. A light, fruity olive oil enhances flavor without overpowering.
• Store properly. Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Pro Tips

1. Add a glaze. Mix powdered sugar with orange juice for a glossy finish.
2. Make it dairy-free. Use olive oil instead of butter and it’s fully dairy-free.
3. Top it with yogurt. A dollop of Greek yogurt makes it a lovely breakfast cake.
4. Add cardamom. A pinch of cardamom pairs beautifully with orange and pistachio.
5. Freeze for later. Wrap slices individually and freeze for quick treats.

Conclusion

This Flourless Orange Pistachio Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s fresh, fragrant, and moist — the kind of cake that tastes like it came from a bakery but is easy enough to make at home.

With its golden crumb and vibrant flavor, this cake shines on any dessert table. It’s naturally gluten-free, full of healthy fats and protein from nuts, and just sweet enough to satisfy every craving. One bite, and you’ll see why this has become a staple in so many kitchens.

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