Tarta de Santiago: Spanish Almond Cake

Indulge in a slice of Spanish tradition with the classic Tarta de Santiago, an exquisite almond cake hailing from the Galicia region. Known for its simplicity and delicious taste, this cake combines ground almonds with eggs and sugar to create a moist and flavorful treat. Decorated with powdered sugar and the iconic cross emblematic of Santiago de Compostela, it makes for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering.
“Tarta de Santiago: A slice of Spain in every bite.”
Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
- 250g (2 cups) ground almonds
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Edible ink cross or stencil
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake tin (about 20cm/8 inches) with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground almonds, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Incorporate Egg Yolks: Add egg yolks to the almond mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until smooth.
Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate them.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Decorate: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar through a stencil of the cross before serving.
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:
- Serving: 1 slice
- Calories: 300kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 17g
Enjoy this delightful Tarta de Santiago as a sweet ending to any meal, or serve it with coffee for an afternoon treat. Its rich almond flavor and elegant presentation make it perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Whether you’re exploring Spanish cuisine or seeking a new dessert recipe, this cake is sure to impress!