Orange Almond Cake: Our Auckland Favourite, Made with Whole Oranges

Of all the cakes we bake at Le Sud Patisserie in Auckland, our orange almond cake is the one I come back to again and again. It is made with whole, slow-boiled oranges and ground almonds, finished with a light, not-too-sweet buttercream, and baked fresh to order. If you want a celebration cake that tastes of real fruit rather than sugar, this is the one.

What makes our orange and almond cake different

Most citrus cakes rely on zest alone. We boil whole oranges slowly until soft, then blend them, skin and all, into the batter.

This does two things. It captures the bright, aromatic oils in the peel, and it mellows the bitterness of the pith. The result is a dense, moist crumb with a deep, natural orange flavour you can't get from zest or juice.

Ground almonds replace much of the usual flour. They give the cake its rich, tender texture and a gentle nuttiness that balances the citrus.

A not-too-sweet cake, the French way

Our baking follows the French tradition of restraint. Sugar plays a supporting role, so the orange and almond can lead.

That's why we finish this cake in our dairy-free Swiss meringue buttercream. It is silky and light, never heavy or cloying, and it lets the fruit shine. If you're looking for more cakes made this way, see our low-sugar custom cakes.

Gluten free, dairy free and vegan options

The orange almond cake is one of our most popular choices for guests with dietary needs. You can order it:

• Gluten free – ideal for coeliac-friendly celebrations (see our gluten-free birthday cakes)
• Dairy free – our buttercream is already dairy free
• Vegan – the same bright flavour, made entirely plant-based

Choose your dietary option when you order the orange almond cake.

Sizes: how many people does it serve?

Cake size

Serves

6 inch

6–8 people

8 inch

10–12 people

10 inch

14–16 people

For larger events, see our cake size guide or request a quote.

How to serve orange almond cake

Because the crumb is so moist, this cake needs very little help. Our favourite ways to enjoy it:

• With afternoon tea – a slice with a pot of Earl Grey brings out the citrus.
• With dessert wine – a chilled late-harvest wine echoes the orange and almond.
• With a creamy side – a spoonful of crème fraîche or whipped mascarpone adds a soft, tangy contrast.
• With extra crunch – a scattering of toasted flaked almonds contrasts with the tender crumb.

Serve at room temperature for the best flavour. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; bring slices back to room temperature before serving.

Order an orange almond cake in Auckland

Whether it's an intimate birthday, a family celebration or simply a quiet Sunday afternoon, this cake brings a touch of refined simplicity to the table. Every cake is handmade to order in limited numbers each day.

Order your orange almond cake, or explore our cake delivery across Auckland and full flavour list.

Orange almond cake FAQs

Is orange almond cake gluten free? It can be. Choose the gluten-free option when ordering and we'll bake it without gluten-containing ingredients.

Does the cake taste bitter from the orange peel? No. Slow-boiling the whole oranges softens the peel and removes the harsh bitterness, leaving a sweet, aromatic orange flavour.

How far ahead should I order? We bake a limited number of cakes each day, so order as early as you can. Orders placed before 9am can be ready for same-day pickup, subject to availability.

Do you deliver in Auckland? Yes. See our delivery and pickup details.