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 604 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 604 votes (390 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Averil
    August 3, 2019

    Hello! Was wondering if anyone had tried freezing this cake? Looking to portion it up for myself to take to work.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 3, 2019

      Hi Averil, I honestly haven’t tried freezing this cake and can’t really say how this will taste after the fact. If you try that please let us know how it goes!

      Reply

      • Averil
        August 3, 2019

        Will do! Have a lovely day!

        Reply

  • Leslie
    July 27, 2019

    Hi Natasha, I am getting to make this cake and wanted to ask if I can substitute agave for sugar to make it glycemically lower? Adore all your recipes. Can’t wait to make this!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 28, 2019

      Hi Leslie, I haven’t tested that so I cannot advise. Here is what one of our readers wrote by using truvia. I hope it helps “For those interested in sugar-free, my niece made the almond cake for Christmas using Truvia. It was delicious! She also added more lemon zest and a small amount of almond extract.”

      Reply

  • Ruchira
    July 25, 2019

    Hi Natasha,

    Is it true that this recipe does not need any baking powder or baking soda? I dont see it being mentioned in the ingredients list?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 25, 2019

      Hi Ruchira, that is correct! This almond cake relies on the volume of the eggs for leavening

      Reply

      • ZAINAB R
        September 9, 2019

        Hi I would like to make this today but in a loaf tin… can I? And can I add some lemon juice to the batter as well ?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 9, 2019

          I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

          Reply

  • Aarthi Krishnan
    July 16, 2019

    Omg this cake came out so well and it was delicious

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 16, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Aarthi!

      Reply

  • Amy
    July 11, 2019

    I want to make this into a 2 layer cake. What would go well as the filling? The whole cake must be gluten free. Thanks!

    Reply

  • Ellie
    July 4, 2019

    Love this recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 4, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that Ellie!

      Reply

  • Melissa
    July 1, 2019

    My mother in-law made this cake and after the first bite I said “I need this recipe” 🙂
    Question…
    How far in advance can you make this cake? I have guests coming Wednesday and don’t want it to taste stale if its best served same day.
    Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 1, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that Melissa! It will keep for a day or two at room temperature. If it is going to be in a warm area, I would cover and refrigerate to be safe. Before serving, bring to room temperature then dust with powdered sugar just before serving

      Reply

  • Susan
    June 9, 2019

    I made the cake. I put lemon extract instead of lemon zest because I didn’t have any lemons on hand. I was going to add orange zest because I use it in everything, but I decided to keep it lemon. I also added vanilla extract, and almond extract. I crushed my own almonds and left the skins on. When I took the cake out of the oven, it fell a little even though it was done baking, but it turned out so springy and fluffy, and so delicious! I garnished it with orange slices and sprinkled a little powdered sugar. It wasn’t too sweet at all. This is an amazing recipe. I would definitely try it again soon 😀

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 9, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us Susan!

      Reply

  • Joan
    June 1, 2019

    Can you use lemon juice from fresh lemons instead of zest? How much for a single recipe?
    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 1, 2019

      Hi Joan, a few of our readers mentioned adding lemon juice to the batter and enjoyed that.

      Reply

  • Bee
    May 22, 2019

    Can Truvia be used instead of regular sugar?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 22, 2019

      Hi Bee, I haven’t tested that but here is what one of our readers wrote “my niece made the almond cake for Christmas using Truvia. It was delicious! She also added more lemon zest and a small amount of almond extract.” I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Adrii
    May 21, 2019

    Hi Natasha! I was wondering if I could make this cake with oatmeal instead of almond.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 21, 2019

      Hi Adrii! I haven’t tested that so I can’t advise. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

      • Christy
        August 6, 2019

        Would cherry butter cream pair well with this? I’m considering making this cake for a client. Thank you.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          August 6, 2019

          Hi Christy, we typically serve this plain but a buttercream should pair well with this almond cake.

          Reply

  • Rosie
    May 21, 2019

    Omg! I made it and it came out just like the one in the picture! Best cake ever! Thank you so much for this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 21, 2019

      That’s so awesome Rosie! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Dorothy
    May 19, 2019

    I made this cake for the GOT finale, since lemon cake is Sansa’s favorite and my friend can’t have gluten. I did make a few changes: I used Meyer lemons. The batter was a little thick so I added 2 tsp lemon juice. I wanted to add some more complexity so I added 1 tsp orange blossom water and 1/2 tsp almond extract. It was a very humid day so I added 1/4 tsp cream of tartar to the egg whites to make sure the cake would rise and hold its structure well. I wanted a thicker cake so I used an 8 in cake pan, cook time stayed the same. I docked the cake then brushed it liberally with lemon simple syrup. Since I topped the cake with thin candied lemon zest strands, I left the almond slices out. I still used the powdered sugar. The rustic yet beautiful and tasty topping made more of a Winterfell style lemon cake than a Red Keep style 😉. I definitely prefer it over icing. The cake was an all around success. The few crumbs that were left were scrapped off. Thanks!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 20, 2019

      Hi Dorothy, I’m so glad you loved the cake!

      Reply

    • Felvira Godinho
      May 18, 2020

      I loved this cake. It’s the first time I am making an almond flour cake.
      It had a bit of egg my taste to it. Is there anything I am doing wrong or it’s meant to be that way.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        May 18, 2020

        Thank you so much for sharing that with us!

        Reply

  • Jane
    May 8, 2019

    I would like to try making the almond cake as a double batch with icing in between. Do you have any good gluten free icing that is not just butter and sugar? Do you think that Mascarpone cheese and some whipped cream with cocoa and sugar might work?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 8, 2019

      Hi Jane, I don’t have a recipe for a frosting like what you are describing but if you do, that could work, although I’m not a big fan of combining lemon and chocolate. I think a Swiss Meringue Buttercream might also be nice.

      Reply

      • Jane
        May 20, 2019

        You are so right. I must have been thinking almonds and chocolate combination. I totally forgot about the lemon part. LOL. The Swiss Meringue Buttercream sounds like a good idea. I will give it a try.

        Reply

    • Susan
      May 9, 2019

      I made filling with mascarpone, sugar and whipped cream, went well. Could also combine with lemon curd. Do not think chocolate would be good.

      Reply

  • AJ
    May 6, 2019

    How would you adjust the recipe or cooking time/temp to make this in mini muffin form?

    Reply

  • Clementine
    May 3, 2019

    Love this recipe – no dairy or oil and uses up the mountain of almond flour I’ve accumulated from making almond milk! I dehydrate the almond meal in the oven and then blend it to a fine powder in my nutribullet. The brown flecks are fine. 🙂 I only use 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 tsp of stevia for sweetness as well as a handful of raisins. New favourite snack! So quick and easy to whip up

    Thanks x

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 3, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Clementine! & especially thank you for sharing that process with us!

      Reply

  • Molly Boyll
    April 29, 2019

    Con this cake be made the day before? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 29, 2019

      Hi Molly! It will keep for a day or two at room temperature. If it is going to be in a warm area, I would cover and refrigerate to be safe. Before serving, bring to room temperature then dust with powdered sugar just before serving. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Derek
    April 26, 2019

    This cake is heaven on earth. It was so simple to make (thank you for the perfect instructions). I added a touch of almond extract and its flavor is amazing. No oil, not butter and gluten free…..no one is going to believe it when I serve it at my next dinner party. Yum yum yum.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 26, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review Derek!

      Reply

      • Mary
        March 7, 2020

        Can I leave lemon zest out?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 7, 2020

          Hi Mary, since this recipe is so simple, you would have to replace it with something else for added flavor. You might try doubling the vanilla extract instead. The zest is not overpowering here though and it complements the almond flavor very well.

          Reply

  • Jalelah Abu Baker
    April 26, 2019

    I’ve been baking for about 7 years and using all kinds of recipes online but it’s the first time I’ve been moved to write a review for the recipe. This recipe was as it promised! Easy. And I needed that because it was my first time baking an almond flour based cake, and had no idea how to work with it. For a birthday no less! It was so very fluffy, which came as a surprise. I was trying to make it healthier so I used lower GI coconut sugar, which works for 1-1 substitution. And I topped it with a raspberry compote which worked well.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 26, 2019

      Thank you so much for that feedback Jalelah! It’s so good to know this works with coconut sugar! I’ so happy you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Nadia
    April 22, 2019

    Hi Natasha,
    I’m going to try out your recipe. I was wondering about the baking powder since you don’t use in the recipe. As you are a baker, can you explain why because I am curious and would love to learn why 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 22, 2019

      Hi Nadia, this almond cake relies on the volume of the eggs for leavening.

      Reply

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