Finding a dessert that tastes unbelievably indulgent but is actually rooted in wholesome, simple ingredients can feel like hitting the jackpot, right? Well, I’ve got one for you that is naturally gluten-free and so wonderfully moist it barely seems possible. This **TM6 Orange and Almond Flourless Cake** is the star of my healthier baking repertoire! I remember making this when the snow was really deep back home in Vermont. The kitchen filled with the most incredible scent of warm oranges, and that first slice tasted exactly like sunshine in winter—bright, yet deeply comforting.
The real secret weapon here is how we treat the oranges; using the whole fruit is what creates that incredibly aromatic, silky purée when you utilize the Thermomix TM6. It’s proof that you don’t need loads of refined flour to achieve an elegant, tender crumb. This cake is always a hit with friends, especially those who usually skip dessert!
Olivia Bennett is a Healthy Living Recipe Developer at Sena Recipes, known for her colorful and nourishing dishes. With a background in nutrition, she makes healthy eating feel simple and flavorful.
Why This TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake is a Kitchen Favorite
When I started playing around in my Thermomix, I wanted something that felt luxurious but wasn’t heavy or complicated. This cake ticks every single box for me, and I think you’ll find it becomes a staple! It’s such an easy way to make an elegant showstopper.
Here’s why this recipe is so perfect for your routine:
- Effortless Orange Prep: Honestly, the TM6 steaming and blending takes all the scary guesswork out of using the entire orange rind. It’s pure magic!
- Naturally Gluten-Free: We rely on beautiful almond meal instead of wheat flour, which just gives the cake this incredible, tender texture. You can see some of our other favorite gluten-free baking ideas here if you’re interested!
- Whole Food Flavor: You’re getting all the bright, aromatic oils and moisture from a real piece of fruit. That flavor payoff is huge!
- Seriously Moist: Because we use the whole orange, the cake stays fresh and beautifully crumbly for days—if it lasts that long, that is!
Essential Ingredients for Your TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake
I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in developing these healthier recipes is that using high-quality, whole ingredients makes all the difference, especially in a cake that relies on the fruit for structure. Since this recipe is so simple, every single item on this list needs to be exactly what I’ve written.
Don’t skip the sifting step! It’s crucial for getting that light crumb, even though we aren’t using traditional flour. Trust me, you want to make sure your sugar and almond meal are nice and airy before they go into the batter. You can check out some other great simple diet recipes here to see how ingredient quality elevates everything.
Here is exactly what you need assembled on your counter before you start steaming those oranges:
- 2 medium oranges (we use every bit of them, rind and all!)
- 6 eggs (room temperature is always best when baking)
- 265 g granulated sugar, sifted
- 250 g almond meal, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4-6 tbsp sliced almonds for sprinkling on top
- powdered sugar to dust on top, optional
- baking spray or softened butter for greasing pan
Step-by-Step TM6 Cooking Instructions For Orange & Almond Cake
Okay, this is where the Thermomix really shines! Don’t let the total time scare you off; most of that is hands-off simmering time. Once we get to the mixing stage, it comes together surprisingly fast. Remember, you are cooking two oranges completely before we even think about turning on the mixer, so plan ahead for that!
This recipe brings together some truly wholesome baking techniques. If you’re deep into the **Thermomix recipes healthy** lifestyle, you’ll love how clean this batter turns out. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll feel ready to tackle anything, even some of the more complex Thermomix recipes dinner ideas!
Preparing the Whole Oranges for the TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake
First things first: we need to soften those rinds completely so we can blend the whole thing, rind and all! Pop your two medium oranges into a large pot and cover them with enough water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 2 hours. Yes, two hours! This cooks the pith until it’s soft and sweet, just like the notes explained. Once they are done simmering, drain off all that water and let those oranges cool down completely. I think this steaming technique is the most brilliant part of using the Thermomix recipes healthy line!
Seriously, let them chill out! Trying to cut hot citrus is just asking for a major burn. Once cool, use a small, sharp knife to carefully carve out the little stem bit from the top and make a similar shallow carving on the bottom end. Then, chop the whole, soft orange—rind, seeds, and membranes included—into chunks and place the chunks in a food processor. Pulse until you have a purée, leaving only tiny specks of orange rind visible. Set that purée aside for now while you grease your cake pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mixing the TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake Batter
Now we move quickly! While the oven preheats, get your six eggs and the 265g of sifted granulated sugar into a large bowl—or your clean Thermomix bowl if you’re moving fast. Whisk them together until they look combined. Now, pour in that amazing orange purée you just made and whisk again. Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and whisk to mix.
Here’s the moment for the dry stuff: Add the 250g of sifted almond meal and the teaspoon of baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. Don’t go crazy over-mixing! Pour that glorious batter into your prepared pan, sprinkle the top with sliced almonds if you are using them, and slide it into the oven for about 45 to 55 minutes. A skewer coming out clean tells you it’s done! When you pull it out, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a rack. That cooling time is important for the texture!
Tips for Success with Your TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake
This cake is simple, but paying attention to a few little details ensures that beautiful, moist texture we are aiming for. Since we aren’t using standard flour, the quality of your almond meal really matters—aim for fine ground almond meal, not coarse almond flour, for the best results!
Also, please, please don’t rush the cooling process! This cake is heavy because of all that wonderful orange goodness, and trying to flip it out too soon means disaster.
- Sift Everything: I stressed this before, but I’ll say it again! Sifting both your sugar and your almond meal removes clumps and lets the batter become light enough to bake beautifully. It’s a small step with a huge payoff.
- The Skewer Test is Key: Don’t just trust the clock when it gets near the 45-minute mark. Insert a skewer right into the center—if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, you’re done! If it’s wet, give it five more minutes.
- Don’t Skip the Steam: That two-hour gentle simmer of the whole oranges is non-negotiable. It tenderizes the rind so beautifully that it blends seamlessly into the batter, giving the cake its signature fragrance and moisture.
If you’re looking for more simple treats that are easy for the little ones or just a quick afternoon snack, check out these easy snacks and treats for kids ideas!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake
Because this cake is so rich with fruit and almond meal, it actually keeps wonderfully! If you happen to have any left over—which is a big ‘if’ in my house—keep it stored airtight at room temperature for about two days. You really don’t need to refrigerate it unless your kitchen is super warm.
If you end up putting it in the fridge, bring a slice back to room temperature before eating, or warm it gently for about 10 seconds in the microwave. That little bit of warmth really wakes up all those lovely orange oils again. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Serving Suggestions for This Italian-Inspired Cake
Even though this cake is wonderfully nourishing, pinning down the perfect serving style elevates it to something truly special for company. Since we’ve categorized this as one of our Italian recipes, keeping it simpler really feels traditional and lets that glorious orange shout!
My favorite way is the simplest: just a light dusting of sifted powdered sugar right before serving. If you want to make it feel richer for a weekend dessert, serve a slice alongside a dollop of slightly sweetened mascarpone cheese. And honestly? Nothing beats a piece of this citrus cake with a steaming hot, strong espresso after dinner. It’s just perfect!
Frequently Asked Questions About the TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake
I always get so many questions when I share recipes that use whole fruit—and that’s great! It shows you’re thinking about how to make this recipe work perfectly for your kitchen. This cake is super versatile, but understanding a few key adjustments helps a ton. Even if you’re exploring other blending methods, like those you might find in Vitamix recipes, the orange prep stays crucial.
Can I make this TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake without a Thermomix?
Oh, absolutely, you can! The Thermomix just makes the orange prep seamless. If you don’t have one, you’ll just do that first step manually, which is totally fine. You’ll need to boil the whole oranges in a regular pot on the stove for about 2 hours until they are completely tender. Once they are cool enough to handle, you’ll chop them up and transfer them into a standard food processor or a very powerful blender. Pulse it until you get that smooth, speckly purée. It takes a bit more elbow grease, but the result is the same amazing cake!
Is this recipe suitable for Autumn Recipes?
It is perfectly suited for **Autumn Recipes**! I know citrus feels very summery, but honestly, the deep, warm fragrance of cooked orange rind mixed with the nutty almond meal makes this incredibly comforting when the weather starts turning crisp. It’s bright enough to beat those grey days, but cozy enough to enjoy curled up with a blanket. It’s a wonderful palate cleanser after heavier fall meals, too, and it never feels too light for an autumn gathering!
Nutritional Information Of Orange & Almond Flourless Cake
As a recipe developer focused on balanced eating, I always want to be upfront about what goes into our food. Please know that the specific nutritional breakdown for this cake is an estimate, especially since we are relying on whole fruits and almond meal.
Because ingredient brands and exact measurements can shift how things break down per slice, these numbers are just a guide. They help us appreciate that this is a wonderfully wholesome dessert, naturally gluten-free, and made with real, simple ingredients!
Share Your Experience Baking This TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake
I absolutely love hearing when you’ve tried one of my special recipes in your own kitchen! Honestly, seeing your beautiful orange cakes makes my day.
If you made this TM6 Orange & Almond Flourless Cake, please take a moment to leave a rating below—I always aim for that five-star response! Also, if you have any questions about the two-hour steam time or the blending process, drop them in the comments. We can chat all things almond meal and citrus!
Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us if you share it on social media! Sharing the joy is what baking is all about. Check out more of my latest thoughts and creations right here on the blog!
Print
TM6 Orange and Almond Flourless Cake
- Total Time: 2 hr 35 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A naturally gluten-free, moist, and fragrant cake made using whole oranges and almond meal, prepared easily with the Thermomix TM6.
Ingredients
- 2 medium oranges
- 6 eggs
- 265 g granulated sugar, sifted
- 250 g almond meal, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4–6 tbsp sliced almonds for sprinkling on top
- powdered sugar to dust on top, optional
- baking spray or softened butter for greasing pan
Instructions
- Place the oranges in a large pot and cover them with enough water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 2 hours. Drain the pot and let the oranges cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carve out the stem/stalk from the cooled oranges using a small, sharp knife. Make a similar shallow carving on the opposite end (the bottom).
- Cut the oranges, including the rind, seeds, and membranes, into chunks. Place the chunks in a food processor. Pulse until you have a purée, leaving only tiny specks of orange rind visible. Set the purée aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs together until they are combined. Add the orange purée and whisk again. Add the vanilla extract and whisk to mix.
- Add the almond meal and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Pour the batter into a prepared (greased) cake pan. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds, if using.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Steaming the whole oranges in the Thermomix (TM6) for 2 hours softens the rind completely, allowing you to blend the entire fruit into a silky purée.
- This cake is naturally gluten-free because it uses almond meal instead of wheat flour.
- For the best texture, make sure you sift both the sugar and the almond meal before mixing them into the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 2 hr 15 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: Orange Almond Cake, Flourless Cake, Thermomix TM6, Gluten Free Dessert, Citrus Cake, Almond Meal Recipe, Autumn Recipe, Whole Food Dessert