Dessert · Mediterranean · European ·

Portuguese Almond Torta de Azeitão with Lemon Zest

Name: Portuguese Almond Torta de Azeitão with Lemon Zest
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds, toasted and finely ground; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 large eggs, yolks and whites separated; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Zest of 2 large lemons; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup sugar; ¼ cup water; Powdered sugar for dusting

Delight in the classic taste of Portugal with this almond torta, made lighter with a hint of lemon zest. Perfect for any dessert table or afternoon tea.

4.3(127 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 5, 2026

Portuguese Almond Torta de Azeitão with Lemon Zest — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Almond Torta

For the Lemon Zest Infusion

For the Sugar Syrup (optional)

For the Dusting (optional)

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 311 kcal
Protein: 8.31 g
Carbs: 44.18 g
Fat: 12.48 g
Fiber: 2.16 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2490 kcal
Protein: 66.5 g
Carbs: 353.4 g
Fat: 99.8 g
Fiber: 17.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup raw almonds, toasted and finely ground	822	30.2	29.7	71.4	16.4
1 cup granulated sugar	774	0	200.5	0	0
6 large eggs, yolks and whites separated	420	36	2.4	28.2	0
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract	12	0	0.5	0	0
Zest of 2 large lemons	5	0.2	1.6	0.1	0.8
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice	8	0.1	2.4	0.1	0.1
¼ teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
½ cup sugar	387	0	100.3	0	0
¼ cup water	0	0	0	0	0
Powdered sugar for dusting	62	0	16	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Almond Torta

1
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare Pan
Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper.
3
Mix Yolks
Beat the egg yolks with sugar until thick and pale.
4
Add Flavor
Mix in vanilla and ground almonds.
Tip: Chef’s Tip: Toasting the almonds before grinding them enhances their natural nutty flavor.

Infusing the Lemon Zest

1
Combine Zest Mixture
Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl.
2
Incorporate Zest
Gently fold into the almond mixture.
3
Whip Egg Whites
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into the batter.
Tip: Ensure no yolk is mixed with the whites to achieve stiff peaks. Pro Tip: Chill the egg beaters and bowl to help egg whites reach peaks faster.

How to Make Portuguese Almond Torta de Azeitão with Lemon Zest

Total time: 2 h · Yields 8 servings

1
Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
2
Syrup Preparation
If using, bring sugar and water to a boil, then simmer until thickened. Cool slightly before using.