Originating from Galicia in North-Western Spain during the time of medieval pilgrimage, this tart is traditionally decorated with the St James cross. With its wonderfully moist almond and citrus flavours, this torte makes a perfect dessert or partner to an afternoon café con leche (milky coffee). This recipe was taken from World's best cakes by Roger Pizey, published by Jacqui Small.
This bake is a perfect option for a gluten free dessert to share with friends or family.
8 ingredients7 steps
Gluten Free
Ingredients
MetricImperial
260gAlmonds (ground)
255gBillington's Unrefined Golden Caster Sugar
1Orange(s) (zest only)
1Lemon (zest only)
6Egg(s) (free range) (separated)
0.5 tspAlmond extract
0.5 tspCinnamon
Icing sugar (to dust)
Utensils
28cm
11in cake tin
Nutritional information per 96g serving
Energy 400cal
Fat 21g
of which Saturates 2.4g
Carbohydrates 37g
of which Sugars 36g
Protein 13g
Salt 0.16g
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 170°C (fan 150°C, gas mark 3) and grease an 28cm (11in) springform cake tin.
Step 2
Cream 180g (6½oz) of the sugar, zests and egg yolks together until light and fluffy. Next, stir in the ground almonds, almond extract and the cinnamon.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs whites with the remaining sugar until stiff. Add about one-quarter of the egg whites into the thick almond mixture and beat. Add a further quarter and repeat. Add the remaining egg white mixture and fold in until fully combined.
Step 4
Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and bake in a preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Step 5
Remove from the oven, allow to cool for 10 minutes in the tin and then turn out onto a wire rack.
Step 6
To follow the time-honoured tradition of decoration, find the shape of the St James cross using the internet and print it out. Cut out the middle of the cross to use as a stencil.
Step 7
Once the cake is cooled, dust the cake with icing sugar and serve straightaway
61 Baker Ratings
Wonderful cake. Everyone wanted the recipe.
Love this?
Excellent recipe! I've made this so many times, it's reliably delicious, a bit different and a crowd pleaser.
