Tarta de Santiago Recipe – Spanish Special
Tarta de Santiago is a traditional almond cake from the region of Galicia in Spain, known for its delightful texture and rich flavor. This iconic dessert is typically made with ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and a hint of lemon zest, often topped with a distinctive cross of Saint James (the patron saint of Spain) dusted in powdered sugar. Its moist and tender crumb makes it a perfect treat for celebrations or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee. A true taste of Galician culture, Tarta de Santiago is both simple to make and absolutely delicious!
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Perform Time30 min
- Total Time1 hr 20 min
Tarta de Santiago Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200 g) ground almonds
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: a small piece of parchment paper for the cross design
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan (about 9 inches) with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients:
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and baking powder.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth and thick.
Bake the Cake:
Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Decorate:
Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, place a stencil of the Santiago cross (or any design you like) on top of the cake.
Dust generously with powdered sugar, then carefully remove the stencil.
Recipe Note:
Almonds: You can use either blanched or unblanched ground almonds, depending on your preference.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to add a splash of orange juice or a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Tarta de Santiago is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or fresh fruit.
