Discover the authentic Santiago Cake , or Tarta de Santiago in Spanish, with our step-by-step recipe.
It is a classic Spanish treat bursting with almond flavor that is a crowd pleaser anywhere you go in Spain as it is the oldest original recipe with an interesting history.
Here we will share our favorite Santiago cake recipe as well as some delectable variations.
What is the origin of the Santiago Almond cake?
The cake of Santiago is a traditional Spanish dessert hailing from the Galicia region in the northwest of Spain. This cake holds a significant place in Spanish culinary culture, not only for its delicious flavor but also for its historical and cultural importance.
The Santiago almond cake dates to the Middle Ages and the complex religious and military history of Spain.
One of the distinctive features is the powdered sugar cross that adorns the top of the cake. This symbolizes the cross of Saint James, the patron saint of Spain. The cross is significant as it served as a symbol for the Order of Santiago in the 12th century as a religious and military order.
Nowadays, the cross is a reminder of God’s protection over the Galician people.
Legend has it that the cake originated as a means to honor Saint James, whose remains are believed to be enshrined in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which is a major pilgrimage site.
Another origin story suggests that nuns from the convents along the pilgrimage routes baked a special treat for the weary travelers to sustain and encourage them to continue their pilgrimage.
What is the composition of ‘Tarta de Santiago’?
The recipe for Tarta de Santiago is a simple yet elegant almond cake, typically made with ground almonds, eggs, sugar, and sometimes flavored with lemon zest or cinnamon.
These ingredients were considered essential throughout generations and history. At the heart of this traditional Spanish dessert lies the rich and nutty taste of almonds, which forms the foundation of the cake. These almonds give the cake a dense and moist texture. It simultaneously infuses the cake with a subtle nuttiness that is both comforting and indulgent.
The sweetness of the Santiago cake is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sugar to enhance the natural flavors of the almonds without overwhelming the palate. A hint of citrus zest adds a refreshing brightness to the cake to create a delicious flavor profile. But enough with all this talk about rich flavors and mouthwatering cake, let’s dive right into the recipe for Tarta de Santiago!
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of almonds. We highly recommend using these Deliart Marcona Almonds as its sweet and buttery flavors enhance the taste of the cake.
- 1 lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
- Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pulse the Marcona Almonds in a food processor until finely ground, but not too much to where the consistency is more of an almond butter.
- Beat the eggs and sugar until combined.
- Incorporate the lemon zest and cinnamon to the egg and sugar mix.
- Gently fold in the ground Marcona Almonds to the other ingredients.
- Pour the cake batter into a greased pan, preferably round.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring to a serving dish.
- Print out the cross of Saint James and place it over the cake. Sprinkle with powdered sugar then remove the cross stencil.
- Serve the cake in slices!
Serving Suggestions
Overall, the taste of Tarta de Santiago is a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures. There is the nuttiness of the almonds, the sweetness of the sugar, and the zing of the citrus coming together to create a dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated.
The Santiago Almond Cake recipe is already so flavorful that you will definitely enjoy it as is. But if you want, you can serve it along with fresh, seasonal fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
All these flavors pair well with the almond cake so as not to overshadow the cake.
Variations and Tips
The Spanish almond cake recipe has been passed down through generations, with slight variations depending on family traditions and personal preferences.
Some versions may include a splash of brandy or orange liqueur for added depth of flavor, while others might incorporate ground spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the aroma.
Another traditionally Galician product to add is a tablespoon of orujo which is a Galician grape liquor.
You could even add some cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a decadent twist. All these variations are wonderful and play on different flavor profiles that pair well with the Santiago almond cake.
As you can see, there are many variations that can be made to the traditional Tarta de Santiago cake and we encourage you to get creative and experiment with the Santiago Almond Cake recipe.
Conclusion
Baking a Tarta de Santiago is not just about making a delicious dessert; it’s also about celebrating a sense of tradition and heritage.
Tarta de Santiago has become an iconic symbol of the best Galician cuisine and culture. Its association with the Camino de Santiago and the pilgrimage to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral has only enhanced its significance, making it a beloved dessert not only in Spain but also around the world.
Each bite of this moist and nutty cake is a taste of Spanish history, a reminder of the rich culture that defines the gastronomy of the Iberian Peninsula.
