How to Make Sicilian Whole Orange Cake

Have you ever wondered if you can use an entire orange—yes, even the peel—to make a cake that’s moist, sweet, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor?

It sounds strange, right? Most of us are used to peeling our oranges, tossing the skins, and only using the juicy inside. But the Sicilian Whole Orange Cake challenges that idea and shows us the magic that happens when we use the entire fruit. The result? A simple yet unforgettable orange cake that brings a taste of sunny Sicily right to your kitchen.

Let’s discover how to make this amazing Orange Cake step by step!

What Makes This Orange Cake So Special?

How to Make Sicilian Whole Orange Cake

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• Author: nakisha
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 1 (8-inch) cake 1x

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Description

This Sicilian Whole Orange Cake is a rich, moist, and fragrant dessert made using the entire orange—including the peel! The bright citrus flavor, paired with almond flour and olive oil, makes it a rustic Italian classic. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it’s a one-bowl wonder that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 small or 1 large organic oranges (seedless if possible)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup olive oil (or another neutral oil)

• 1 cup almond flour (or ground almonds)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

• Prep the oranges: Wash oranges thoroughly. Cut into chunks (no need to peel), remove seeds. Blend in a food processor or blender until smooth.

• Make the batter:

  • In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until light and frothy.

  • Stir in the blended orange mixture and olive oil.

• Add dry ingredients:

  • In a separate bowl, whisk almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

  • Gradually stir into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

• Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line with parchment.

  • Pour in the batter. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • If the top is browning too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.

• Cool & serve:

  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.

  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • Dust with powdered sugar or glaze if desired.

 

Notes

• Use organic oranges: Because you’re using the peel, organic is best to avoid pesticides.

• Flavor twist: Try blood oranges, tangerines, or even add a bit of lemon zest.

• No almond flour? Replace with more all-purpose flour, though the texture will be slightly different.

• Texture tip: For a smoother blend, remove excess white pith from the orange to reduce bitterness.

• Serving ideas: Great with Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or a drizzle of orange glaze.

 

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
• Cuisine: Italian

The Sicilian Whole Orange Cake is unlike any other cake you’ve tried. Here’s why:

• Uses the entire orange: This gives the cake a bold citrus flavor.
• Moist and tender: Thanks to olive oil and ground almonds.
• Easy to make: No fancy tools or techniques.
• Ready in just over an hour.

Time requirement: About 15 minutes prep, 50-60 minutes baking.

Skill level: Beginner to intermediate. If you can blend, stir, and bake, you’ve got this!

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

Here are the key players in this orange cake recipe:

• Whole oranges (2 small or 1 large): Use organic if possible, since you’re eating the peel. The peel adds bitterness, zest, and fragrance.
• Almond flour (or ground almonds): This gives a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds a nutty flavor.
• All-purpose flour: For structure.
• Olive oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight richness.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the cake lift.
• Sugar: For sweetness.
• Baking powder: To help the cake rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Swap almond flour with more all-purpose flour (if there’s a nut allergy).
• Use coconut oil or canola oil instead of olive oil.
• Try blood oranges or mandarins for a twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your own Sicilian Whole Orange Cake:

Step 1: Prep the Orange

• Wash the oranges well.
• Cut them into chunks (with peel) and remove seeds.
• Place the chunks in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the blended orange mixture.
• Pour in the olive oil and stir until combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
• Stir just until combined.

Step 4: Bake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
• Pour the batter into the pan.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.

Assembly and Presentation Tips

Once the cake is baked:

• Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
• Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Presentation Ideas:

• Dust the top with powdered sugar.
• Serve with whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
• Garnish with thin orange slices or zest curls for an extra citrus pop.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to a week (best to warm slightly before serving).

Freezing:

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Make-ahead:

• Bake a day before serving to allow flavors to deepen.
• The cake stays moist and flavorful!

Recipe Variations to Try

Get creative with these fun twists:

• Chocolate Chip Orange Cake: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter.
• Orange Poppy Seed Cake: Mix in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.
• Orange-Glazed Cake: Pour a simple orange juice and powdered sugar glaze over the top.
• Spiced Orange Cake: Add cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spicy note.

Conclusion: Time to Bake Your Orange Cake!

Now that you know how simple and delicious the Sicilian Whole Orange Cake is, why not try it for your next dessert or snack? It’s a perfect way to use up extra oranges, and the results are so rewarding. You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up something special. So go ahead—make this cake, enjoy every bite, and maybe even share a slice with someone you love.

FAQs About Orange Cake