Medium
30 min·2 servings
Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes
Decadent chocolate cakes with a molten centre — dinner party perfection.
dessertchocolatedinner-party
dessertcakelemonalmond
Lemon & Almond Cake
Time:50 min
Difficulty:Easy
Servings:8 servings
This Scandinavian-inspired almond cake is naturally gluten-free thanks to ground almonds in place of flour. Fragrant with lemon zest and vanilla, it stays wonderfully moist for days. Serve warm with crème fraîche and a dusting of icing sugar for an effortlessly elegant dessert.
From my gluten-free kitchen
I have made this recipe many times in a home gluten-free kitchen, and it is one of the dishes I rely on when I want dependable texture and flavor. The method is written to remove guesswork, with specific timing and practical notes from repeat test cooks. If you are cooking gluten-free for yourself or someone you care about, this recipe is designed to be clear, safe, and repeatable.
✅ Why this recipe works
- →Ground almonds should be as fine as flour for the best crumb.
- →Room-temperature eggs whisk faster and incorporate more air.
- →This cake is even better the next day — wrap it and it stays moist.
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 175 °C. Grease a 20 cm springform tin and line the base with baking paper.
- 2
Beat eggs and sugar together with an electric whisk for 4–5 minutes until pale, thick, and ribbon-like.
- 3
Fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- 4
Gently fold in ground almonds, baking powder, and salt until just combined — do not overmix.
- 5
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
- 6
Bake for 28–32 minutes until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- 7
Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
- 8
Dust generously with icing sugar. Serve with crème fraîche.
⚠️ Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- →Overmixing — stir just until combined to keep it light.
- →Opening the oven door too early — let it bake undisturbed.
- →Using blanched almonds without checking they're finely ground.
🔄 Variations and substitutions
- →Almond flour → hazelnut flour or mixed nut flour (1:1)
- →Lemon → lime or orange zest and juice
- →Crème fraîche → Greek yogurt or sour cream
🍽️ Serving suggestions
- →Serve slightly warm with whipped cream, creme fraiche, or dairy-free topping.
- →Add citrus zest or seasonal berries to brighten each portion.
- →For gatherings, slice in advance and serve with coffee or tea.
🧊 Storage and reheating tips
- →Cool completely before storing to prevent trapped steam and soggy texture.
- →Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- →Refresh slices in a low oven or toaster for better texture before serving.
Add this recipe to your weekly routine with our gluten-free meal plans or explore more ideas in the full recipe collection.
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Related recipes: Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes, Oven-Baked Salmon with Potatoes, Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread. Pair them with a structured week in our meal plans.
