Candied clementines and almond paste yield a perfect mix of sweet and nutty in this gorgeous one layer cake.
So my daughter, Lucy, and I, have taken up a new activity that I predict will become a Friday ritual. We head into the city, our city, Salt City (not NYC), to a favorite little coffee house, Freedom of Espresso, to do some work. I’ve always imagined I wouldn’t be able to write in a space that A) wasn’t my home office, and B) has music that is not exclusively instrumental playing in the background.
But I was wrong.
And, as a matter of fact, I’ve been able to focus even better than expected. I don’t know, maybe it’s the homey exposed brick walls with their extra tall multi-paned windows which allow light and the view of sharp urbanites to stream in; maybe its the productive energy emitted from my grad school student daughter and all of the other laptop wielding coffee drinking (mostly) millennials seated around us; maybe it’s the aroma of locally roasted coffee beans brewed into my favorite cup of coffee from cooler than cool baristas, setting the tone.
Or perhaps my evolution in life is causing me to do things differently than I have before.
We’ll go with all of them.
So what does this Clementine Almond Cake have to do with Fridays at Freedom of Espresso?
It was there that I showed Luc the new One Layer Cakes publication and asked her to choose one from the 48 gorgeous recipes to be her birthday cake.
She was all about the candied clementines and almond.
I was thrilled that she was.
First of all, these flavors are meant to be together. Seriously. So fabulous. Plus, I’d never candied fruit before, and it was high-time I try.
So, it took me a couple times to get it right – but who’s counting? The main thing to know is to let the sugar water aka simple syrup boil down for a good five minutes before adding the very thinly sliced clementine rounds. Then, once they’ve done their thing for about 20 minutes, carefully remove and allow them to cool on a wire rack to harden. It’s not difficult at all, it just took me a couple times to learn just how easy it is!
As far as the cake itself, my main note concerns the use of the food processor. Do not, I repeat, do not over pulse the flour and almond paste mixture or over process the batter as you add the eggs. (Don’t you love when someone else gets all the mistakes out of the way for you?!)
This Clementine Almond Cake has everything Luc wanted in her birthday cake:
- citrus-y
- almond-y
- moist but not dense
- sweet without being cloyingly so
- homemade
- perfect with a strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso
I highly recommend this cake if you’re a fan of citrus or simply a fan of great tasting food!
Buon Appetito!
One year ago: Garganelli alla Vodka
Two years ago: {Gluten-Free} Fresh Citrus & Berry Galette
Three years ago: Empty Nester’s Journey – The Surprise
Four years ago: Carrot Confetti Cake
And don’t forget to check out Ciao Chow Bambina on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter!
PrintClementine Almond Cake
- Category: Dessert
Description
Candied clementines and almond paste yield a perfect mix of sweet and nutty in this gorgeous one layer cake.
Ingredients
- Cake
- 4 ripe clementines, sectioned
- 1 cup pastry flour, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup almond paste
- 3 Tbsp. orange zest
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved
- 6 large eggs
- Candied Clementines
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 clementines, cut into 1/8-inch rounds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 F.
- Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, and spray with flour.
- Arrange clementine sections in an even layer in prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the sugar, almond paste, zest, and remaining 1/4 cup flour until combined, 3 to 4 times.
- With processor running, add eggs, one at a time.
- Gradually add flour mixture, pulsing until combined.
- Pour batter over clementines.
- Bake until golden brown and wooden pick inserted comes out clean, 50 – 60 minutes.
- Let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
- Run a knife around edges of pan to loosen before inverting onto a wire rack to let cool completely.
- In the meantime, prepare Candied Clementines.
- In a large skillet, prepare a simple syrup by bringing sugar and water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Let boil for 5 minutes; reduce heat to low.
- Add sliced clementines to the simple syrup in a single layer, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove clementines using a slotted spoon, and let dry on a wire rack until ready to use, about 10 minutes.
- To serve, place cake on a serving platter and garnish with Candied Clementines.
(Recipe adapted from One Layer Cakes, Bake From Scratch Special Issue, #thebakefeed}
CIAO!
Ruby & Cake says
Such a gorgeous cake! I love the colours of those pretty little clementines. Pinning in the hopes I shall get my hands on some clementines this winter!
Annie says
I’ll hope with you! Thank you, my friend! 🙂
Milena | Craft Beering says
Annie, so glad you got all the kinks out of this recipe:) The batter looks perfectly light and airy and the clementines are candied perfection. I could top a pork chop with them and have a blast digging in. Then have some of this cake for good measure. I’m so happy for you that you get to spend time working in a cool coffee shop with your girl! Sounds awesome!
Annie says
Mmmm – I would love them with pork chops! Great idea! Thanks so much! Have a great weekend!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
Happy birthday to Lucy!! She picked a yummy cake and you made it so beautiful! WOW! If you want, you can make my birthday cake this year too. It’s in July 😉 hahahaha! Have a wonderful weekend my friend 🙂
Annie says
July birthdays are so fun! I will happily make this for you, my friend! Thank you! 🙂
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
Sometimes getting out and about gets the creative juices flowing. I wouldn’t want to change my “work from home” gig I got going but it is nice to be in the energy of all of the folks that still got places to be. Plus the smell of fresh ground espresso never hurts! Lucy has great taste in cakes. You can be proud you did this cake and the candied fruit justice! The pics are gorgeous and I can see just how moist it is. And clementines are so special 🙂 Take care.
Annie says
It took ‘a minute’ to do the recipe proud but I’m so glad I hung in! This is a special one! Thank you, my friend! 🙂
Cindy says
I am such a sucker for clementines and this cake almost looks too pretty to eat. Glad you are finding your focus here, there, and everywhere! Love the evolution.
Annie says
Ahhh yes! In a box, with a fox, on a train, in a plane… Sorry! I couldn’t resist! 😉 So happy you like the cake! That means a lot, my friend!:)
Sues says
Oooh this cake is gorgeous!!! Those clementines are to die for! I totally know what you mean about working in public places… I thought I’d be bad at it, too, but when I freelanced, I lived for it! I realized I’m way more productive when I’m surrounded by people than sitting alone in my house.
Annie says
Turns out, I might be more productive, too… Well, definitely tied! Yes, tied… Which is great! Thanks my friend! Have a great weekend! 🙂
sippitysup says
Environment always inspires creativity. You just never know how until you see. GREG
Annie says
You are right on, my friend! 🙂
Lucy says
Our “FOE Fridays” are my favorite! I’m still dreaming about how delicious this cake was, mama. Thank you for making it! xoxo.
Annie says
I love them too, sweeta!! Making that cake for you was my pleasure!! Love you! xo
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
I love that you meet your daughter each week for coffee and to get some work done – that’s a great ritual. Spending time with my mom means so much to me (she was just visiting for a month) – I’m jealous that you get to see Lucy every week! And I love this cake – so good, Annie – my mom use to make a cake just like this when I was young – I forgot all about it until now!
Annie says
It is very special! But guess what…she moved back home about 8 months ago, while completing her MA, which means we’re together, a lot! I get to see her everyday! Hahahahah! I’m a very lucky mama! I love that your mom was with you for a month! That is very important time! I also love that she made you this cake! She has very good taste! 🙂
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Oh wow! What a stunning and delicious cake, Annie. Almond and clementine sound like a wonderful combo. I wish I could have a BIG slice of this beauty right away.
Annie says
Wish I could give you one!! It’s a yummy dessert! Thank you, my friend! 🙂
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
I’d like to do that more often, sitting in a café and write, instead of being confined in the house all the time… As for this cake, it has everything I like and I would have chosen the same for my birthday. I have yet to experiment with candied fruit, but thanks to your suggestions I know now what to do 🙂 . Have a great weekend Annie!
Annie says
You know – it was getting too easy to stay in my ultra-comfy duds; I was wanting a reason to throw on a little make-up and some real clothes. 🙂 So glad I did! Luc did choose a great cake – though it would be hard to miss with all the gorgeous choices the publication offers! Thank you, my friend!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
You know I already kinda saw… or wait, didn’t see (?) this cake on Monday, but I HAD to come back for the full experience today! The cake is even more beautiful than I had pictured, Annie!! Absolute heaven! I’m glad you have been able to focus and be productive… maybe you can send a little bit of that energy my way? 🙂 Cheers, my dear! xoxo
Annie says
You are so sweet for coming back! It’s a pretty cake, isn’t it?! And it’s as delicious as it looks! Have you tried working in a coffee house? It might become your ‘thing’ too! Thank you, my dear! Have a great weekend! xoxo
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
Wait, Salt City as in ‘CUSE? I went to school there and totally have been to Freedom of Espresso!
This cake, Annie! It looks completely fabulous. Almond paste is one of my favorite ingredients so I need to try this cake; thank you for troubleshooting the recipe for us :). Have a great weekend!
Annie says
YESSSS! ‘CUSE is in the house!! You went to SU?! I did too! A few moons ago for my MS. Do you ever get back for games or anything? If yes – let me know and we’ll plan a tailgate!! Thanks for your kind words, my friend! Have a lovely weekend!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
Those oranges are gorgeous girl and paired with almond? Yes, please!
Annie says
All the YESES!!! Thanks, hon!
Gaila says
I can’t see myself working in a public place either, funny, I see now that is not that bad. Annie, this cake is so beautiful, I love clementines and they are so in season, I have to go to the market at least three times a week so we get always fresh ones. I sure have to try this now!! I love your pictures, so beautiful.
Annie says
I tell you what…I thought the same thing and now I love it! The week doesn’t feel complete unless I get there for at least a couple hours to do some writing! So happy you like the cake! It’s a definite winner!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Great choice Lucy! This cake is not only gorgeous Annie, but it sounds incredibly delicious. I love candied fruit. A bit more work, but always add that extra special touch! So glad you’ve shared this one! Happy Birthday Lucy!
Annie says
Yep – Luc knows the deal! I have to say, this is one of my faves! Thanks for your kind words, my friend! Have a lovely weekend! 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Absolutely perfect cake! Love everything about it (and want a piece right now 😉 I’ve always thought I couldn’t work/focus outside my home office, but you’ve inspired me to give it a try!
Annie says
Give it a try! If you like the aroma of coffee and sweets, and the cool vibe a place like this can give…it’s worth it! Thanks, friend! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I can’t help but laugh my little buns off at your warning about not over processing the flour and almond paste. I bet there’s a good story there 😉 But, I’m listening to ya!
I would think that I wouldn’t be able to get a peck of work done too in a coffee shop with all the distractions of people, music and just people watching, in general. But, I guess it’s nice to get a chance in scenery, get out of the house and smell some yummy coffee. Annie, this cake is stunning, my dear! And those pics with the clementines in the syrup? What? Totally pinning this beauty and making soon. It just makes ya smile! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend! XOXO
Annie says
You know, I used to think that! I thought I’d never be able to concentrate but the opposite is true (for me, anyway)! I love it… Plus, I love that it’s become a ‘thing’ for Luc and me! I think you’ll adore this cake! Heed my remarks! 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend, my dear! XOXO
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Aren’t coffee shops the BEST to work at? Every now and then, I’ll go for a few hours and I get SO much work done! I need to do that more often because it forces me to just work on my computer (and stay out of the kitchen ha). This cake is absolutely gorgeous, Annie! I love those candied oranges. I’ve never had a cake like this before, so I can only imagine how delicious it must taste! So perfect for a birthday!
Annie says
They are!! I never thought I could do it but I love it! The hours pass and I can’t believe when it’s time to leave…I really do get in a zone. Plus, the never-ending aroma of coffee is just perfection! Thank you for your kind words, my friend! Have a great weekend!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Beautiful cake!! I love the colors. I really can see why you can be more productive away from home — you don’t have the usual distractions. Like, oh, I’ll just put in a load of laundry. I think I”ll make me a cup of coffee/tea. Hubby walks in and says, “Any news?” I could go on and on. What a nice way to spend Fridays and I love the name!! But I have an important question. Yes, it is being nosey, but what happened to the cake rejects? I always wonder about that. I’m pinning the cake. Have a great day– tomorrow is Friday. ?
Annie says
I bet all I have to give you is one guess! We ate them (well, the cake) of course! Could not salvage the candied fruit. And it definitely was not photo-worthy! Having to make this sweetie a second time was certainly not a bad thing! 😉 I think you’d really enjoy this! Thank you, my friend! Have a great weekend!