Description
A fragrant and tender loaf cake made with almond flour, semolina, and fresh lemon for a moist crumb and bright citrus flavor. Perfect for everyday snacking or special occasions, with an elegant texture and balanced sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups almond flour or finely ground almond meal (135 g)
- ½ cup semolina flour (79 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, or ¾ cup olive oil
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (243 g)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, semolina flour, baking powder, and salt.
- If using butter: beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually add eggs and beat until smooth and glossy.
- If using oil: whisk oil, sugar, and lemon zest until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Add lemon juice and mix until just combined and smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until golden and lightly springy when pressed.
- Cool in pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Add extra lemon zest for a bolder citrus flavor.
- Substitute orange zest and juice for a warmer citrus note.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for crunch.
- Olive oil provides a dairy-free option with a moist texture.
- The cake improves in flavor after resting for a day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
