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

  • Dee
    November 16, 2019

    This recipe is amazing. I had made it a few times as a cake but I just tried it as mini muffins and they came out great (they only needed 15 mins in oven). Also, I used brown sugar instead of white, and added a little lemon juice.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 17, 2019

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

      Reply

      • Ellie
        December 9, 2019

        Can i substitute sugar with spelinda

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 9, 2019

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

          Reply

  • rennie
    November 12, 2019

    hi tryed your strawberry cake .it came out lovely

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 12, 2019

      I’m so glad you enjoyed that! Thank you for that great feedback.

      Reply

  • Louise
    November 9, 2019

    Delicious! Would like to make ahead and freeze for Christmas gifts–do you know if it freezes well?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 10, 2019

      Hi Louise, I haven’t tested freezing that but here is what one of our readers wrote ” It was beautiful! I let it sit overnight under a tea towel and the next morning I wrapped it in parchment and aluminum foil and put it in a large Ziploc baggie. I then put it in the freezer where it sat for 3 days. I took it out the night before and let it defrost on the counter for 7 hours before we were going to eat it. It was amazing! I will be making this recipe quite a bit. My mother-in-law is very sensitive to gluten and she will love this! Thank you for the recipe” I hope that helps.

      Reply

      • Connie
        May 12, 2020

        Should this recipe be refrigerated if not all used within a day

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          May 12, 2020

          Hi Connie, 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

  • R. Atwal
    November 3, 2019

    Natasha I would like to thank you for your almond cake recipe it is delicious. I did add some almond extract and the way I served it was l left it in pan to cool down then I spread some strawberry jam on top then sprinkled icing sugar over. It reminded me of a bakery where after school walking back from high school I would stop and buy myself almond tart or lemon tart. Your cake took me back there because the almond tart had raspberry jam at the bottom of it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 4, 2019

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

      Reply

  • Za
    October 15, 2019

    This recipe was perfect and very easy to follow, even for a baking newbie like me!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 15, 2019

      Aww that’s the best! Thank you for sharing that with me

      Reply

  • Vinaya Dani
    October 13, 2019

    I love this recipe of Almond cake.
    We love healthy and gluten free recipes.
    After since following your recipe, I am making this cake at least once in two months.
    Thanks for this healthy and simple recipe.

    Reply

    • Vinaya Dani
      October 13, 2019

      How can I share the photograph of my cake?

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 14, 2019

        Hi Vinaya, social media is the best option. You may share it to IG, FB, or join our VIP Facebook Group here. Be sure to tag “@natashaskitchen” or” “#natashaskitchen”

        Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 14, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Keerthi
    October 12, 2019

    Loved it. First time with sugar it was awesome. Everyone loved it. Tried it second time today with maple syrup, waiting to taste

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 12, 2019

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

      Reply

  • Betsy
    October 10, 2019

    Yum! Our new favorite cake, thank you this delicious recipe. I’ll be making it on a regular basis – easy, quick and wonderfully tasty!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 10, 2019

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Betsy!

      Reply

  • Shyamalima
    October 8, 2019

    Oh my, this is a KEEPER! Recently found out my son is gluten sensitive and baking has since been a challenge. I am constantly searching for gluten free recipes/tips/tricks. Made this today for my husband’s birthday, everyone loved it. Love the light texture of the cake. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 8, 2019

      I’m so happy you discovered this recipe! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Stacey I Davis Jones
    September 20, 2019

    I do have a kitchen scale… How many grams of almond flour is needed?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 20, 2019

      Hi Stacey, If you click “Jump to recipe” at the top of the post it will take you to our printable recipe where you have the option to view the ingredients in US Customary or Metric measurements. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Ping
    September 14, 2019

    Need Baking powder?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 16, 2019

      Hi, this recipe does not require baking powder. It relies on the eggs and sugar to rise so be sure to beat adequately as directed in the recipe. I hope you love the cake!

      Reply

  • Tina
    September 8, 2019

    I made this cake and all I can say is yum thank you sooo much Natasha.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 9, 2019

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Tina!

      Reply

  • Hanan
    September 2, 2019

    Very good recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 3, 2019

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Brinda Govindarajan
    August 30, 2019

    Thanks for this yummy dairy free cake. Was an instant hit at home and among my friends. Will keep making it

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 30, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Brinda!

      Reply

  • Tina
    August 29, 2019

    Hi Natasha
    What is the brand of almond flour you use?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 29, 2019

      Hi Tina, most recently, I tried it with Bob’s Red Mill super fine almond flour with great results.

      Reply

      • Tina
        August 29, 2019

        Thank you

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 29, 2019

          You’re welcome.

          Reply

  • Patti
    August 22, 2019

    Made this recipe as directed and it turned out great! Have also doubled the recipe, and baked in two cake pans. Once cooled, I topped one layer with a simple home made lemon curd and stacked the second layer on top. To serve I just placed on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 23, 2019

      Wow that sounds delicious and beautiful! I will have to try that and thank you for sharing!

      Reply

  • Catherine Walcott
    August 22, 2019

    This was so good it only lasted two days. I love anything with almond I added a dash of almond extract. This was very satisfying I will be making it again

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 23, 2019

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • John Wenning
    August 19, 2019

    I would love to try this recipe! Could I use Swerve instead of sugar to make it sugar free?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 19, 2019

      Hi John, I haven’t tested that but here is what one of our readers wrote “I just made it with Swerve, sugar substitute, the cake is fabulous!!” I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • olga
    August 19, 2019

    Made it yesterday, it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 19, 2019

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Olga! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

    • Ronnie
      September 15, 2019

      Is it possible to add extra ingredients like chopped up figs and pistachio? Or blueberries etc

      Reply

      • Natasha
        September 16, 2019

        Hi Ronnie, I haven’t experimented with that but I think it could work to include some add-ins.

        Reply

        • Ronnie Harris
          September 16, 2019

          Oh I just went ahead and tried it anyway. Maybe a half cup of chopped up dried figs and chopped pistachios. I left out the lemon as I wasn’t too sure how the flavours would blend. I just added them before the egg white and mixed them in as I was adding each spoonful. It turned out lovely. It is such a lovely textured cake.

          Reply

          • Natasha
            September 16, 2019

            Thank you for reporting back and sharing your wonderful results. That sounds awesome!

  • Brittany
    August 13, 2019

    Hi! Love this idea, but my little one is allergic to eggs. Do you think it would still work with an egg substitute (like neat egg?) By chance?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 13, 2019

      Hi Brittany, I haven’t tested this to advise but here is what one of our readers wrote “you can try with a flax seed egg substitute. Just google flax seed egg and youll see how to make it. Its simple, just flax seeds and water. Ive used the flax seed egg with gluten free pancake mix when i didnt have eggs and the pancakes turned out just fine.” I hope that helps

      Reply

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