Name: Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour; ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 4 large eggs; ½ cup maple syrup or honey; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt

Imagine a cake so bursting with bright citrus that each bite feels like sunshine—yet so moist and melt-in-your-mouth that you’d never guess it’s entirely gluten-free. That’s the magic of this Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake. Whether you’re celebrating spring, need a show-stopping brunch dessert, or simply adore the duo of lemon and almond, this cake delivers on flavor, tender texture, and ease of baking. It’s quickly become my go-to when I want a treat that pleases every palate (even those who say they aren’t “lemon” people).

Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, you can create something truly extraordinary. Each element in this lineup plays a starring role, from the brightness of fresh lemon to the unmatched tenderness of almond flour, ensuring your Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake turns out perfect every single time.

Almond Flour: Provides a naturally sweet, nutty base, keeping the cake moist and giving it that signature tender crumb.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Infuses vibrant citrus flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully—bottled just won’t compare.
Lemon Zest: Packs even more zesty punch and irresistible aroma right into the batter.
Large Eggs: Let them come to room temperature for extra lift and fluffiness in your finished cake.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a touch of warm complexity—choose your favorite!
Plain Greek Yogurt (Optional): Adds additional moisture for an ultra-soft crumb, though the cake works well without it too.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and elevates the almond and lemon notes perfectly.
Baking Powder: Makes the cake rise and gives you that lovely, light texture.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.

How to Make Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures a steady, even bake right from the beginning. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray or a light brush of oil. This tiny bit of prep guarantees your cake will release cleanly, without any sticking drama.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup or honey, Greek yogurt (if using), and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. The zingy lemon and sweet syrup come together here, promising a cake that’s loaded with flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Now add the almond flour, baking powder, and salt right into your wet mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until you have a thick, smooth batter—avoid overmixing to keep your Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake extra tender.

Step 4: Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set and a skewer inserted comes out mostly clean. Your kitchen will smell like citrus heaven as the cake bakes!

Step 5: Cool and Finish with Flair

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then loosen the edges and transfer it to a wire rack. If you’re feeling fancy, dust the top with a snowy layer of powdered sugar once cooled. This final step not only looks beautiful but adds a delicate sweetness you’ll love.

How to Serve Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but don’t stop there—try thin lemon slices, a scattering of toasted almond slivers, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of indulgence. Each garnish brings out a different personality in your Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a fresh berry salad, a big pot of strong tea, or a cold glass of sparkling lemonade for a full-on celebration of spring flavors. The cake is rich and moist enough to stand alone, but these simple sides make dessert feel that much more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into dainty squares for an afternoon tea tray, or plate generous wedges with a drizzle of lemon glaze. For a brunch buffet, I love topping each slice with Greek yogurt and blueberries. No matter how you serve it, your Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake is sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake (if there is any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to five days. The cake stays beautifully moist, and the citrus flavor often becomes even more pronounced overnight.

Freezing

This is a fantastic cake to freeze for later. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. When you need a little citrusy pick-me-up, just thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

If you like your cake slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or gently heat it in a low oven. It brings back that just-baked aroma, making the Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake taste fresh and cozy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is key to getting that lively, refreshing zing in this cake. Store-bought juice just can’t match the flavor or brightness—if possible, squeeze your own lemons for truly delightful results.

Is the Greek yogurt necessary?

The Greek yogurt is optional but recommended; it gives the cake an extra boost of creaminess and moisture. If you need a dairy-free version, simply skip the yogurt and your cake will still come out tender and delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The top of the cake should be lightly golden and the center set—insert a toothpick or skewer into the middle; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Don’t overbake or the cake can lose some of its lovely softness.

Can I make this cake with other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! Try orange or grapefruit for a fun twist, though you may want to adjust the sweetness to taste. The almond base pairs beautifully with a mix of citrus flavors, too.

What makes Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake gluten free?

The cake is made with almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour, so there’s no gluten at all! Plus, this swap makes the cake incredibly moist and gives it a rich, nutty flavor that wheat just can’t replicate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cake that blends zippy citrus with silky texture and zero gluten, the Delightfully Zesty Flourless Lemon Almond Cake is your ticket to dessert happiness. It’s bright, beautiful, endlessly adaptable, and genuinely easy to make—so don’t wait, grab those lemons and get baking!