Flourless Citrus Cake for Afternoon Tea
A beautifully simple cake can often become the highlight of an afternoon tea. Light, fragrant and full of flavour, this flourless citrus cake is designed to feel both elegant and effortless.
Created by Michelin chef Adam Gray, this recipe brings together fresh lemon, soft sponge and seasonal English strawberries to create a dessert that feels perfectly suited to spring gatherings.
At Mash + Mint, we believe that recipes like this are at the heart of a memorable table - simple, thoughtful and made to be shared.
Why This Cake Works for Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is all about balance - light savoury bites, soft textures and something sweet to finish.
This cake works beautifully because it is:
- naturally light and moist
- full of fresh citrus flavour
- easy to serve in individual portions
- perfectly paired with tea
It also complements other afternoon tea elements such as scones and sandwiches without feeling too heavy.
If you’re planning your full menu, our guide on How to create the perfect afternoon tea at home can help you build a simple and balanced selection.
Flourless Citrus Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 250g unsalted butter (soft)
- 250g caster sugar
- 3 whole eggs
- 100g polenta
- 250g ground almonds
- 3 lemons (juiced and zested)
Method
• Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy
• Add the eggs one by one, mixing continuously
• Fold in the polenta and ground almonds
• Mix in the lemon zest and juice
• Pour the mixture into pre-greased 4oz foil cups
• Bake at 150°C for 25 minutes until risen and golden
The result is a soft, lightly textured cake with a delicate citrus flavour.
Soft Strawberries
Ingredients
- 170g Tiptree strawberry jam
- 1 punnet English strawberries (hulled and quartered)
Method
• Place the jam in a saucepan and bring to the boil
• Simmer for 3 minutes
• Add the strawberries and simmer for a further 2 minutes
• Remove from heat and allow to cool
This creates a soft, syrupy topping that pairs beautifully with the citrus cake.
Vanilla Yoghurt
Ingredients
- 1 vanilla pod
- 300g natural yoghurt
Method
• Split the vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds
• Mix the seeds into the yoghurt
• Chill until ready to serve
The yoghurt adds a light, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the cake and fruit.
How to Serve for Afternoon Tea
Presentation is key when bringing this dish into an afternoon tea setting.
You might serve:
- individual cakes on small plates
- a spoonful of warm strawberries on top
- vanilla yoghurt on the side
- a light dusting of icing sugar (optional)
Pair with a pot of tea for a simple but refined experience.
For table inspiration, see our guides to create a relaxed and elegant setting at home.
Styling the Table Around This Recipe
This cake works beautifully as a centrepiece for your afternoon tea table.
To complement it:
- use soft linens or neutral tableware
- keep cutlery simple and well balanced
- add a small floral arrangement for a seasonal touch
You can also explore How to Style Cutlery for a Beautiful Table to refine the overall look of your setting.
A Recipe Made for Sharing
There is something special about serving a homemade cake at the table. It brings a sense of warmth and care that shop-bought alternatives rarely match.
This flourless citrus cake is designed to be shared - simple to prepare, easy to serve and full of fresh flavour.
