Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cake with Orange Zest
A moist, tender chocolate cake made with almond flour and brightened by fresh orange zest, perfect for a gluten-free dessert. This general-inspired desserts (gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes layers almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup (optional) dark chocolate chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups almond flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, and 2 tsp orange zest until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold gently until just combined. Stir in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips if using.
- Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cake with Orange Zest take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cake with Orange Zest?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cake with Orange Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cake with Orange Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cake with Orange Zest gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
