Tarta de Santiago
Tarta de Santiago is a traditional Spanish almond cake that celebrates the flavors of Spain. This simple yet delicious dessert is perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat after a meal.
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- 3
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Then, add the beaten eggs to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- 4
Fold in the lemon zest without overmixing.
- 5
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly.
- 6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 7
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 8
Place a Cross of Saint James stencil on the cooled cake, dust generously with powdered sugar, then lift the stencil cleanly.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
For a richer flavor, use high-quality almond flour.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate if you plan to store it longer than 3 days.
Substitutions
- You can replace almond flour with hazelnut flour for a different flavor.
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a healthier option.
What to Serve With
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a glass of dessert wine for a sophisticated touch.
Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake.
- Not allowing the cake to cool properly before dusting with powdered sugar can make it clump.
Recipe FAQ
What is Tarta de Santiago?
Tarta de Santiago is a traditional Spanish almond cake, often associated with the region of Galicia.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour.
How do I store Tarta de Santiago?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Tarta de Santiago?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Cook next
You might also like
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Seafood Paella
A saffron rice skillet with shrimp, mussels, peas, peppers, and smoky paprika.
Patatas Bravas
Crispy potatoes served with smoky tomato bravas sauce and creamy garlic aioli.
Tortilla Espanola
A classic Spanish potato omelet with tender onions, olive oil, and softly set eggs.