Full Breakdown
Bright and Zingy Citrus Almond Cake Recipe
1/30/2026, 2:41:05 PM
Overview of the Recipe
The Citrus Almond Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for brightening up the winter months. This recipe, attributed to Benjamina Ebuehi, utilizes leftover marzipan from the festive season, combining it with citrus flavors to create a moist and flavorful loaf cake.
Ingredients and Preparation
The preparation time for the Citrus Almond Cake is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 1 hour and 10 minutes, yielding 8-10 servings. The key ingredients include:
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 125g marzipan
- 150g caster sugar
- Finely grated zest and juice of 1 orange, plus 2 tablespoons extra juice for icing
- Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 220g plain flour
- 50g ground almonds
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 50g plain yogurt
- For finishing: 100g icing sugar and 40g toasted flaked almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the softened butter and marzipan, blitzing until smooth.
3. Add the caster sugar and the zests of orange and lemon, pulsing briefly. Incorporate the eggs and pulse again.
4. Add the dry ingredients (plain flour, ground almonds, sea salt, and baking powder) and pulse until a smooth batter forms. Mix in the orange juice and yogurt until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
7. For the icing, mix the reserved citrus juices in a bowl with the icing sugar, adding the juice gradually until achieving a slightly thick but pourable consistency.
8. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the icing over the top and sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds. Let the icing set before slicing and serving.
Why It Matters
This Citrus Almond Cake not only serves as a delicious treat but also highlights the creative use of leftover ingredients, promoting sustainability in cooking. The combination of citrus and almond flavors offers a refreshing contrast to the winter season, making it an appealing option for gatherings or personal enjoyment.
Conclusion
The Citrus Almond Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that showcases the versatility of marzipan and citrus fruits. With its bright flavors and easy preparation, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of zing to their winter baking repertoire.
