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🍰 Desserts

Tarta de Santiago

Galicia's signature dessert. Almond cake with sugar glaze and the Cross of Santiago. Naturally gluten-free.

⏱ 55 min
🔪 15 min prep
🔥 40 min cook
🍽 8 servings
medium
Tarta de Santiago with Cross of Santiago stencilled in icing sugar

Ingredients

  • 250 g ground almonds
  • 250 g sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • Icing sugar to decorate
  • Butter for the tin

History on a plate

Tarta de Santiago has borne the apostle’s name since the 16th century. The Cross of Santiago in icing sugar is not just decoration — it marks the authentic cake.

The perfect sponge

The secret is beating eggs and sugar well. The mix should be pale and airy before adding almonds. Fold gently or the sponge will deflate.

Oven temperature

  • 180 °C conventional
  • 170 °C fan

If the top browns too fast, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Storage

Stays moist 4–5 days in an airtight container. Almond flavour intensifies on day two.

Tags

  • #cake
  • #almond
  • #galicia
  • #gluten-free