This is the easiest almond cake with just 4 main ingredients. This cake has a soft, moist crumb and is lightly sweet with a pop of lemon flavor. You won’t believe it is a grain free and gluten free cake recipe!

Almond Cake Recipe over the top view garnished with almond slices and lemons with slice cut out

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This almond cake comes together quickly and is perfect for unexpected company or satisfying the evening sweet tooth. My mother particularly loved this recipe and no matter how old you are, when your Mom is impressed, it’s a big deal :).

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One of my readers, Yana P. wrote in and shared this Calabrian Walnut Cake with us and since there is a Walnut allergy in the family, we made it (even simpler) into an almond flour cake and changed the proportions. I made it 3 times in 1 week and it disappeared fast every single time. Its a keeper!

Watch How to Make Almond Cake:

The texture of this almond cake is so soft and fluffy, you would never guess it is made with finely ground almonds.You can also make a double batch and create a stunning two-layer cake since it bakes up level and is sturdy enough to stack. This would make an amazing gluten free birthday cake!!

Piece of cake on a fork showing texture of soft almond flour cake

Ingredients for Easy Almond Cake:

Literally all you need to make this cake are 4 main ingredients: almond flour, eggs, sugar and lemon zest. I have tested this recipe with and without the sliced almonds over the top and it works both ways. (See exact measurements and print the recipe below)

Ingredients for almond flour cake with almond flour, sliced almonds, eggs, sugar and lemon zest

How to Measure Almond Flour Correctly:

Spoon almond flour into a dry ingredients measuring cup and level off the top with the flat edge of a knife. Do not compress the almond meal into the cup or you may end up with up to 50% more flour! Read all of our tips and tricks for how to measure accurately for baking.

How to Separate Eggs and Bring to Room Temperature:

To separate eggs, you can either use an egg separator or the shells of your egg if you get a clean break on the shell. It is easier to separate eggs while they are cold. To do that, separate eggs then cover and leave at room temperature no more than 30-60 minutes. You could also separate them and place into separate small bowls and set the egg whites over a larger bowl with warm water so the bowl with the egg white warms up within 5-10 minutes.

Angle of slice of cake being cut from the almond cake for serving

Almond Cake Recipe Printable:

Almond Cake Recipe

4.98 from 591 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Almond cake recipe with lemon and a slice removed
This is the easiest almond cake with just 4 main ingredients. This cake has a soft, moist crumb and is lightly sweet with a pop of lemon flavor. You won't believe it is a grain free and gluten free cake recipe!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 slices

Almond Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour, * measured correctly
  • 4 eggs, separated, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest, grated from 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • Confectioners sugar and lemon slices for garnish, optional

Instructions

Prep:

  • Grease/butter a 9" cake pan or 9" springform pan. Line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350˚F.

Almond Cake Recipe Instructions:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar. Beat with an electric hand mixer on high speed 3 minutes or until thick, creamy and lightened in color. Add 1 1/2 cups almond flour and 1 Tbsp lemon zest and use a spatula to fold and stir together until incorporated. Wash and dry attachments from the mixer. 
  • In a second large mixing bowl, add 4 egg whites and beat together until stiff peaks form (about 2 minutes). Fold the egg whites 1 heaping spoonful at a time into the almond batter, folding with each addition just until incorporated and scraping from the bottom of the bowl to ensure batter has an even consistency.
  • Once all the egg whites are incorporated and batter is even in consistency (do not over-mix), transfer batter to the prepared baking pan and sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup sliced almonds. Bake at 350˚F for 30 minutes or until top is firm.
  • Let cake rest in the pan 15 minutes then run a thin spatula around the sides and invert it onto your hand then place it right side up on the rack. Let cool to room temperature and garnish with powdered sugar and lemon slices if desired.

Notes

*To Measure Almond Flour: Spoon almond flour into a dry ingredients measuring cup and level off the top with the flat edge of a knife. Do not compress the almond meal into the cup or you may end up with up to 50% more flour! Read all of our tips and tricks for how to measure accurately for baking.

Nutrition Per Serving

218kcal Calories17g Carbs7g Protein14g Fat1g Saturated Fat81mg Cholesterol31mg Sodium54mg Potassium2g Fiber13g Sugar120IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C65mg Calcium1.3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Almond Cake Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
218
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
14
g
22
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Cholesterol
 
81
mg
27
%
Sodium
 
31
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
54
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
13
g
14
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
120
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
65
mg
7
%
Iron
 
1.3
mg
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: almond cake
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 218
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Almond Flour Recipes you will LOVE:

Q: What are your very favorite almond flour recipes or gluten free recipes? I’d love to hear from you in a comment below! We are always looking for new ideas.

 

4.98 from 591 votes (390 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Fiona
    January 15, 2025

    I wish that the almond flour measurement was given in grams, almond flour can be clumpy and measuring with a measuring cup feels very imprecise. I used 168g of Bob’s Red Mill almond flour since they list 112g/cup on their website and it came out way too thick 🙁

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 15, 2025

      Hello! Have you tried this? Click jump to recipe, then click Metric to see the ingredients in grams.

      Reply

  • Wendy
    January 15, 2025

    Do you ever bake by weight instead of volume? I find it more precise and easier. 1 cup of almond flour is 100 grams. I’m going to try your cake by weight – it looks delicious and I love that the amount of sugar is minimal. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 15, 2025

      Hi Wendy! Yes, I do sometimes. The recipe card has a metric button you can click on to convert the recipe.

      Reply

  • Mireille HANNA
    December 24, 2024

    I have made this easy cake many times. I have used lemon or orange peel. Always good. I have also served it with a side of whipped cream and berries. Thank you.

    Reply

  • PamC
    December 15, 2024

    Fantastic recipe! Easy n tasty! Thanks Natasha!

    Reply

  • Madhu
    December 11, 2024

    Can I use the same recipe in 9 inches cake pan .? If not how much amount of the ingredients should I increase ?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 11, 2024

      Hi Madhu! We use a 9” cake pan or springform pan for this recipe.

      Reply

  • Shibani
    December 8, 2024

    I have been making many of your recipes and love all and enjoy making them. Have made this cake a few times and always turns out great. Want to ask if I have to make it for more number of people, then can I double the quantity of the recipe and use the same 9” cake pan and only increasing the bake time ?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 9, 2024

      I’m glad to hear that! Doubling the quantity of the recipe using the same 9-inch cake pan can be tricky. Instead of doubling the recipe in a 9-inch pan, you might want to use a larger cake pan (like a 10-inch or 11-inch) to accommodate the increased batter. This will allow the cake to bake more evenly and avoid an undercooked center then adjust the baking time.

      Reply

  • Shibani
    December 8, 2024

    Can I double the quantity of the recipe and use the same 9” cake pan?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 9, 2024

      Hi Shibani, I haven’t tested that to advise, I worry it will overflow and you will need to adjust bake time.

      Reply

  • Nena
    November 21, 2024

    Love this recipe, made it many times and always used brown sugar and probably less than 1/2 cup. But I was wondering if I can make it with coconut sugar instead?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 21, 2024

      Hi Nena! More than one of our readers reported great results substituting with coconut sugar. Glad you love the recipe!

      Reply

  • Olga Snopok
    November 12, 2024

    Hello Natasha. Would you advise making this in cupcake forms instead of a standard cake shape?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 12, 2024

      Hi Olga, I haven’t tried that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes!

      Reply

  • Rabiah Samadi
    October 12, 2024

    Hi Natasha! i love your recipes & I have made this one so many times & it turns out absolutely perfect buttt it has a very strong egg smell (guests have said the same thing). any ideas on how I can reduce this?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 13, 2024

      Thank you! It could be because of several reasons but I would make sure that you are using fresh eggs. Do not overmix too as it can enhance the egg smell if overmixed. Make sure that it’s bakead thoroughly.

      Reply

  • Sue
    September 23, 2024

    Hi Natasha,
    Can I add a little baking powder for it to rise more, if so how much should I add. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 24, 2024

      Hi Sue! I have to personally experiment on that to give you an accurate measurement and advise. I have not tried that yet.

      Reply

  • Minoshka
    August 5, 2024

    Love this recipe, simple and delicious. I did have a question though.
    What’s the total weight of the cake once baked ?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 5, 2024

      Hi! I’m so glad you love the recipe. I did not weigh the cake once it was done so I am not sure how much it weighs, I’m sorry.

      Reply

  • Shoghig
    June 30, 2024

    Very soft and tasty. Wonderful recipe. Thanks Natasha for all your great recipes.

    Reply

  • LinZ
    June 27, 2024

    I’m an experienced baker and loooove this one bc it’s amazingly fast & easy, GF + healthier bc no butter, perfectly tender & slightly dense texture, and not too sweet. Made as written + 1 tsp almond extract. Will be making again & again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 27, 2024

      Thank you for your review, Lin! I’m so happy you found a new favorite on my blog.

      Reply

  • Alie
    June 22, 2024

    Absolutely heavenly delicious <3
    My 2nd review, this time i didn’t substitute the sugar for allulose and as I learned from my last 2 times making this to check the cake every 5 minutes so it doesn’t burn! This might be a regular cake I make now! Best almond flour cake recipe so far.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 22, 2024

      That’s great, Alie. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

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