Armenian Orange Cake (Gluten Free)

Armenia by way of North London

Things change. A new presence amongst a group of well-worn, well-loved friends leads to unexpected adventures and chatting late into the night and that slow realisation that for once you feel comfortable in the company of someone, all the time. A question, an answer, so important and yet just the start of many questions and many answers which will now be answered jointly. A new adventure, together. This cake is a present to you B and M, as you start your new adventure together.

Dense and juicy

When I saw this recipe on Around the World in 80 Bakes I knew I had to make it for my friend B. She is of Armenian heritage and is also a gluten-dodger, so this had her name written all over it. It is incredibly moist and not too sweet.  The only fat comes from the almonds, so that makes it fine even if you’re on a pre-wedding tone-up, surely? 

Armenian Orange and Almond Cake

For the cake
2 oranges
230g sugar
230g almonds
1 tsp baking powder

Icing
150g icing sugar
2 tbs orange blossom water
the zest of one orange
a little water to thin the icing if need

Full instructions here – It’s very easy to make but it’s worth knowing that you will need to boil the oranges whole for 2 hours. You can do this the day before.

“may you grow old on one pillow”

B & M – “may you grow old on one pillow” (apparently a traditional Armenian wish for a newly married couple)