This vegan gluten-free Mallorcan almond-orange cake recipe draws inspiration from Gató d’Ametlla while reimagining it for today’s dietary preferences.
By staying true to the ingredients that define Mallorca—almonds and oranges—we create a cake that is rich, moist, fragrant, and wholly plant-based. It is more than just a dessert; it’s a bridge between tradition and modern food culture.
The Spanish island of Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is known for its turquoise waters, terraced olive groves, and centuries-old villages that cling to the Tramuntana mountains. But beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Mallorca holds a deeply rooted culinary heritage.
Traditional Mallorcan desserts often celebrate the island’s agricultural bounty—almonds, citrus fruits, figs, and olives. Among these, the most beloved is Gató d’Ametlla, a rustic almond cake usually paired with almond ice cream. It’s simple, naturally gluten-free, and has been baked in family kitchens for generations.
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Why This Vegan Gluten Free Mallorcan Almond-Orange Cake Is Special
Traditional Gató d’Ametlla uses eggs to bind the almond flour, creating a light but satisfying crumb. To veganize it, we turn to flaxseed as a natural binder and rely on fresh orange juice for brightness and moisture. The result is astonishing: a cake that is simultaneously airy and dense, nutty yet citrusy, rustic but refined.
This cake is special because it captures the essence of Mallorca—its almond groves that turn pink-white each February when in bloom, and its citrus orchards that scent the air with bitter and sweet orange blossoms. Eating it feels like tasting the island itself. It is also inclusive, welcoming both vegans and those avoiding gluten, so no one is left out of enjoying Mallorca’s flavors.
Recipe: Vegan Gluten Free Mallorcan Almond-Orange Cake
- Serves: 8–10 slices
- Prep m Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Calories (per slice): ~320 kcal (based on 10 servings)
- Recipe Cuisine: Mallorcan / Mediterranean
- Recipe Keywords: vegan gluten free cake from Mallorca, almond-orange cake, Mallorcan dessert, Mediterranean vegan cake, gluten free almond cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) finely ground almond flour (preferably from Mallorcan almonds if available)
- 1 cup (120 g) gluten-free oat flour
- 1 cup (200 g) organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- Zest of 2 organic oranges
- ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil (extra virgin, Mallorcan Arbequina if possible)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (flax “eggs”)
- 1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or a drizzle of dark chocolate glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23-cm (9-inch) springform pan and line the base with parchment.
- Prepare flax eggs: mix ground flaxseed with water, stir, and set aside for 10 minutes until gelled.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine orange juice, olive oil, flax eggs, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but pourable.
- Pour batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with dark chocolate if desired.
Serving & Enjoying Mallorca at Home
Traditionally, Mallorcans enjoy their almond cake with a scoop of almond ice cream or a spoonful of gató-paired sorbet. For a vegan twist, serve it with coconut-based vanilla ice cream or a refreshing lemon sorbet. The nutty richness pairs beautifully with the brightness of fruit-based desserts.
What makes this cake extraordinary is how a handful of simple ingredients tells a story of place and time. Each slice carries the warmth of Mediterranean sun, the resilience of almond trees rooted in rocky soil, and the zest of oranges harvested at their sweetest. It’s more than dessert—it’s a sensory journey to Mallorca, a way of experiencing the island’s culture and landscape through flavor.
Whether enjoyed on a sunny afternoon with tea or shared at a festive gathering, this vegan gluten-free almond-orange cake is a tribute to Mallorca’s enduring culinary soul. By adapting tradition to modern needs, it ensures the island’s sweet heritage continues to inspire, delight, and bring people together across tables worldwide.
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