Tarta de Santiago
A traditional Galician flourless almond cake, famously decorated with the Cross of Saint James. This dense, moist cake is a perfect finale for any meal, especially after a long journey.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Ground almonds(Finely ground almonds are preferred for a smoother texture. You can grind them yourself from whole almonds or buy pre-ground.)
- 250 g Granulated sugar
- 4 Large eggs(At room temperature for better incorporation.)
- 1 medium lemon Lemon zest(Zest from about 1 tablespoon. Ensure no white pith is included, as it can be bitter.)
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- for greasing pan Butter
- for dusting pan All-purpose flour(Optional, for easier release. Can also use ground almonds for dusting.)
- for dusting Powdered sugar(For the traditional Cross of Saint James decoration.)
- Cross of Saint James stencil(Can be made from parchment paper or cardboard.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F). Grease a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan with butter and lightly dust with flour or ground almonds, tapping out any excess.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together. Beat vigorously with an electric mixer or a whisk for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture is very thick, pale yellow, and forms ribbons when the whisk is lifted. This incorporates air and creates a lighter texture.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add the ground almonds, lemon zest, and ground cinnamon to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cake.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. The batter will be quite thick.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when it's golden brown on top, the edges are pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan, and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
⏱️ 35-40 minutes - 6
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before decorating.
⏱️ 20 minutes (cooling) - 7
Once completely cool, place the Cross of Saint James stencil in the center of the cake. Generously dust the entire cake with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Carefully lift the stencil to reveal the cross.
⏱️ 3 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The Cross of Saint James stencil is a traditional and iconic decoration for this cake.
- ✓This cake is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
- ✓Expect a moist and dense crumb, characteristic of almond-based cakes.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add the zest of half an orange along with the lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- A tablespoon of brandy or rum can be added to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.