Authentic Spanish Tarta de Santiago Recipe

Ingredients

200 grams of finely ground almonds
200 grams of granulated sugar
4 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon of almond extract
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Confectioners' sugar for dusting
St.James Cross template for dusting confectioners' sugar
Butter for greasing the tart pan

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F.
Grease a tart pan with butter and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the finely ground almonds and granulated sugar.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Grate the zest of one lemon into the egg mixture, then add the almond extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
Pour the mixture into the greased tart pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Before serving, place the St. James Cross template on top of the cake and dust with confectioners' sugar.
Remove the template to reveal the cross shape.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the almonds, sugar, and other ingredients.
Whisk - Used to beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
Grater - For grating the lemon zest into the egg mixture.
Tart Pan - A pan used for baking the Tarta de Santiago.
Toothpick - To check if the cake is cooked by inserting it into the center.
Wire Rack - Used for cooling the cake after baking.
St. James Cross Template - A template used for dusting the confectioners' sugar in the shape of a cross on the cake.
Sifter or Sieve - To evenly dust the confectioners' sugar over the template.
Baking Brush - Used for greasing the tart pan with butter.
Oven - Preheat to 180°C or 350°F.

Recipe variations

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of almonds for a nut-free version.
Replace the almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Add a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrus twist.
Add a splash of Amaretto liqueur to the batter for an almond liqueur flavor.
Top the tart with sliced almonds for extra texture.
Serve the tart with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Make a graham cracker crust instead of using a tart pan.
Add a layer of raspberry jam or lemon curd between the almond batter and crust.
Make individual mini tarts using a muffin tin.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom.

Recipe overview

Tarta de Santiago, also known as St. James Cake, is a traditional Spanish dessert originating from Galicia. It's a beautifully simple, yet rich almond cake, typically characterized by the cross of Saint James dusted atop the cake in confectioners' sugar. This classic recipe calls for minimal ingredients: almonds, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and a touch of cinnamon. Baking the Tarta de Santiago delivers a moist, flavorful tart that's not overly sweet, making it the perfect dessert to accompany a cup of coffee or tea. Despite its elegant presentation, this tart is surprisingly easy to make. With this recipe, you'll be able to create an authentic Tarta de Santiago in your kitchen and immerse yourself in the sweet traditions of Spanish cuisine.

Common questions

Can I substitute the almonds with another type of nut?
It is best to use finely ground almonds for the authentic flavor and texture of Tarta de Santiago. However, you may try substituting with other nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts if desired.
Can I use a different type of extract instead of almond extract?
While almond extract adds a delicious flavor to the tart, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute if you prefer.
Do I have to use a St. James Cross template to dust confectioners' sugar?
No, using a St. James Cross template is optional. If you don't have one, you can simply dust the confectioners' sugar evenly over the top of the tart without a template.
Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Yes, Tarta de Santiago can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients used are certified gluten-free. Make sure to double-check that the almond meal and other ingredients are produced in a gluten-free facility.
How should I store the Tarta de Santiago?
To maintain its freshness, store the tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate it, but it is best enjoyed at room temperature.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - Used to beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
Grater - To grate the zest of the lemon.
Tart Pan - A pan specifically designed for making tarts.
Wire Rack - Used for cooling the tart after baking.
St. James Cross Template - A template used to create the cross shape on top of the tart.
Sifter - To dust the confectioners' sugar evenly over the tart.
Toothpick - Used to check if the tart is fully baked by inserting it into the center.
Butter - To grease the tart pan.

Origin stories

Tarta de Santiago, or Saint James' Cake, is a classic dessert from the Galicia region of Spain. This rich, almond-based cake has a long history and is traditionally adorned with the Cross of Saint James dusted in powdered sugar. The cake’s origins trace back to the Middle Ages, and it was closely tied to religious pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela, the resting place of the apostle Saint James the Great. Over time, this humble cake has gained international fame and was officially recognized by the European Union as a product with Protected Geographical Indication in 2006. The Tarta de Santiago combines simplicity and tradition, offering a sweet and flavorful experience that transports you to the beautiful, rain-swept landscapes of Galicia with every bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.