Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the vibrant scent of citrus wafted through the air, transporting me to sun-soaked groves. This is the magic of Nigella Lawson’s Clementine Cake—the perfect blend of zest and sweetness in an easy-to-make, flourless dessert. Made with whole clementines, this gluten-free delight not only showcases the bright, tangy flavors of the fruit but also caters to those of us seeking a wholesome treat that doesn’t skimp on taste. Imagine serving a cake that’s moist, tender, and bursting with sunshine—a true crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, you’ll find this recipe is a delightful escape from the usual. Got your apron on? Let’s dive into the joy of baking! Why is this cake a must-try? Vibrant Citrus Flavor: The whole clementines infuse a delightful tanginess and brightness that will elevate your dessert game. Gluten-Free Goodness: Say goodbye to flour! This cake offers a rich, moist texture without gluten, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Simplicity at Its Finest: You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this cake—just blend, pour, and bake! Less time in the kitchen means more time enjoying. Versatile Delight: Want to experiment? Try swapping in small seedless oranges for a twist or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. Impressive Presentation: This cake is eye-catching and fragrant, making it an ideal centerpiece for gatherings. Pair it with your favorite coffee or a dollop of crème fraîche for the ultimate treat! Wholesome Indulgence: With ingredients like ground almonds and nutrient-rich clementines, you’ll feel good about serving this delightful dessert. If you’re also interested in other easy desserts, be sure to check out Honey Cheesecake Salted or the decadent Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake. Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake Ingredients For the Cake Whole Clementines – Boil to soften and enhance sweetness; consider using small seedless oranges for a unique twist. Ground Almonds – Essential for a dense, moist structure; no direct substitutes are recommended for the best texture. Eggs – Provide binding and structure; flax eggs can be used but may alter the cake’s desired consistency. Sugar – Balances and enhances the cake’s moisture; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences. Optional Salt – Elevates the flavors; sprinkle in to taste for a well-rounded dessert. Vanilla Extract (optional) – Adds warmth and depth; optional for those who prefer a more citrus-forward profile. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake Step 1: Prepare the Clementines Begin by placing whole clementines in a pot and covering them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the clementines simmer for about 2 hours until they are soft and tender. This process sweetens the peel and elevates the flavor of the Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake. Once softened, drain the clementines and allow them to cool completely. Step 2: Blend the Ingredients In a food processor, combine the cooled clementines (including the skin), ground almonds, eggs, and sugar. Pulse the mixture until it transforms into a smooth batter, which should have a slightly thick consistency. This step is crucial as it fully incorporates the vibrant flavors of the clementines into your cake batter, ensuring each bite bursts with citrus goodness. Step 3: Prepare to Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you grease a round baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Once greased, pour the blended mixture into the pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Featuring a gluten-free structure, the batter will rise beautifully, so make sure your pan is not too small to accommodate this delightful treat. Step 4: Bake the Cake Carefully place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cake appears golden brown on top and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. This aromatic baking process will fill your kitchen with a wonderful citrus scent, heightening the anticipation for your delicious cake. Step 5: Cool the Cake Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential, as it helps the cake firm up, making it easier to slice and serve later, while still retaining its tender, moist texture. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once cooled, your Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake is ready to be sliced and served. It shines best at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair it with whipped cream or crème fraîche for an extra layer of indulgence that complements the bright citrus flavors beautifully. How to Store and Freeze Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake Room Temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its moist texture and delightful flavor. Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Make sure it’s wrapped well to avoid drying out and losing freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it can last up to 1 month. Reheating: Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. You can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer it slightly warm. Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake Variations Feel free to make this delightful clementine cake your own with these fun twists and substitutions! Citrus Swap: Use small seedless oranges instead of clementines for a different flavor profile. The sweetness will still shine through! Nut-Free Option: Coconut flour can replace ground almonds for a nut-free cake; however, this may require moisture adjustments. Experimenting can lead to delicious outcomes! Sweet Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced aroma that pairs beautifully with the citrus zing. This seasonal flair makes each bite a cozy delight. Chocolate Indulgence: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cake for a playful and decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence! Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of a lemon for an extra tangy brightness! This gives added depth, marrying the clementine’s sweet flavor with a refreshing zing. Cranberry Burst: Fold in some dried cranberries or other berries before baking for a pop of color and a delightful burst of flavor. Herb Infusion: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to bring an aromatic herbal dimension that will intrigue your guests. It’s an unexpected yet delightful match! No matter how you choose to customize your cake, you’ll be serving something sensational and uniquely yours. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the delicious Zucchini Coffee Cake for a delightful twist or indulge in the charming Strawberry Spoon Cake for an easy, fruity dessert! Make Ahead Options Preparing Nigella Lawson’s Clementine Cake in advance is a fantastic option for busy home cooks! You can boil and cool the whole clementines up to 24 hours before you plan to bake, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to lock in their freshness. Additionally, you can blend the cake’s ingredients—boiled clementines, ground almonds, eggs, and sugar—up to 3 days ahead of time. Store the batter in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply preheat your oven, pour the mixture into your greased baking pan, and bake as directed. This approach ensures you have a delightful dessert with minimal hassle, perfect for any occasion! What to Serve with Nigella Lawson’s Clementine Cake? Elevate your baking experience by pairing this vibrant dessert with delightful accompaniments that enhance its citrusy charm. Whipped Cream: A fluffy dollop of whipped cream adds a rich, creamy contrast to the moist, tangy cake, making each bite a perfect balance. Café au Lait: This rich, coffee-and-milk blend offers a warm, comforting element that complements the cake’s bright flavors beautifully, perfect for afternoon delights. Almond Biscotti: The crunchy texture of almond biscotti provides a great contrast to the cake’s tenderness and compliments the nutty flavor of ground almonds. Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of fresh citrus fruits enhances the cake’s flavors while providing a light, zesty side dish that brightens up your plate. Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate creates a rich, indulgent layer that pairs wonderfully with the clementines’ sweetness, making it a decadent treat. Honey Yogurt: Creamy yogurt sweetened with honey offers a tangy twist and lightness to balance the richness of the cake, creating a lovely, wholesome dessert. Mint Tea: Serve with a fragrant cup of mint tea to cleanse the palate and refresh the senses after enjoying the cake’s zesty sweetness, a perfect pairing! Blueberry Compote: A vibrant blueberry compote introduces a tart and juicy element that complements the cake while adding a splash of color to your dessert plate. Indulging in these pairings will create a symphony of flavors, turning a simple treat into an unforgettable experience! Expert Tips for Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake Clementine Quality: Choose fresh, organic clementines for the best flavor. Avoid any with blemishes to ensure a vibrant taste in your cake. Boiling Time: Ensure you boil the clementines for the full 2 hours. This step softens the peel and intensifies the sweetness—do not rush this process. Texture Check: For best results, use finely ground almonds; a coarse grind may lead to a crumbly texture in your Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake. Monitor Baking: Check your cake at 40 minutes but remember that ovens differ. If it’s golden brown and a skewer comes out clean, it’s ready! Cooling Note: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy at the bottom and makes slicing much easier. Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake Recipe FAQs How do I select the best clementines for this cake? Absolutely! Look for fresh, organic clementines that are firm to touch, with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes, as these can indicate overripeness. The sweeter and fresher the clementines, the better the flavor of your cake will be. How should I store leftover Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake? You can store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer where it can stay fresh for up to 1 month. Just remember to thaw it at room temperature before serving! Can I freeze the Nigel Lawson Clementine Cake? Certainly! To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps it moist. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature. Alternatively, you can warm slices in the microwave for a comforting treat! What should I do if my clementines aren’t soft after boiling? Very! It’s essential to boil the clementines for about 2 hours; however, if they’re still not soft, don’t hesitate to continue boiling. Add a bit more water if necessary, covering the clementines completely, and check back every 15-20 minutes until they reach that tender, soft consistency. This step is crucial for maximizing the sweetness and flavor of your cake. Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies? Unfortunately, this cake contains ground almonds, which may not be safe for those with nut allergies. I recommend exploring alternatives like a gluten-free cake recipe that uses a different flour blend if you’re looking for a nut-free option. Always double-check with your guests about allergens before serving! What can I do to adjust the sweetness of the cake? This is a great question! You can easily adjust the sugar to your taste. If you know your clementines are particularly sweet, feel free to reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Tasting the batter before baking is always a good idea—just remember that the final taste will be slightly less sweet after baking! Nigella Lawson Clementine Cake: Fresh Citrus Bliss Awaits No ratings yet Experience the vibrant flavors of Nigella Lawson’s Clementine Cake, a delightful gluten-free dessert that showcases the bright tanginess of whole clementines. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 2 hours hrsCook Time 45 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: American, Gluten-FreeCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake4 whole Clementines Boil to soften and enhance sweetness2 cups Ground Almonds Essential for a dense, moist structure6 large Eggs Provide binding and structure; flax eggs can be used1 cup Sugar Adjust according to taste preferences1 teaspoon Salt Optional, to taste1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional for those who prefer a more citrus-forward profile Equipment PotFood ProcessorBaking PanSpatulaWire Rack Method Preparation StepsPrepare the Clementines: Boil whole clementines in a pot covering them with water for about 2 hours until soft. Drain and cool completely.Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, blend cooled clementines, ground almonds, eggs, and sugar until smooth.Prepare to Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round baking pan and pour in the batter, smoothing the top.Bake the Cake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 4mg NotesChoose fresh, organic clementines for the best flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
