Authentic Tarta de Santiago Recipe
Galicia, Spain
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Introduction & history
Tarta de Santiago is one of the oldest Galician specialties. This round, almond-based sponge cake is easily recognized for its decorated top that features the Cross of the Order of Santiago stenciled with powdered sugar. The cake is made with a limited list of ingredients, including eggs, lemon zest, and an equal amount of ground almonds and sugar. The eggs can be creamed with sugar or added to the mixture of almonds and sugar. The cake is traditionally round, and it has a distinctive almond flavor. The texture is dense, and when cut, the sponge should have a vibrant yellow color. Tarta de Santiago is usually baked in wide tins, so it is relatively flat and shallow. When baked and chilled, it is generously dusted with powdered sugar. Less common versions of this cake include a base made from puff or shortcrust pastry.
Cooking tips
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almond varieties
Recommended almonds for tarta de Santiago should have higher fat content. Preferred varieties include Mediterranean almonds such as Comuna, Marcona, Mollar, Largueta, and Planeta. -
almonds
The recipe calls for ground almonds, which is the same as almond flour and almond meal. If you are using whole almonds, they need to be blanched, peeled, and then ground into a powder using a blender, food processor, or spice grinder. Since the almonds release oil and tend to turn into a paste, it is recommended to add some sugar from the recipe and then grind them. An additional suggestion is to ... Read more -
flavorings
The most common flavoring in this traditional cake is lemon zest, but cinnamon, sweet dessert wine, brandy, or grape marc (pomace) are also commonly used. -
method
Most tartas are made by adding eggs to a mix of dry ingredients, but another option is to cream the eggs with sugar and then, by hand, mix in the ground almonds and flavorings. Another alternative is to beat the egg whites separately and then fold them into a mixture of whipped egg yolks, sugar, almonds, and flavorings. -
the base
The authentic tarta de Santiago can have a base made with puff or shortcrust pastry.
Classic Tarta de Santiago
PREP 10min
COOK 30min
cooling 2h
READY IN 2h 40min
There is no official recipe for this Galician favorite, but most recipes follow the same methods and use equal amounts of basic ingredients. The only difference is found in the choice of flavorings and the optional pastry base. That said, this recipe shows how to make the classic tarta de Santiago, ground almonds, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and powdered sugar being the only ingredients you need.
Ingredients
Classic Tarta de Santiago
250g ( 1 ½ cups) ground almonds
250g (1 ¼ cups) white sugar
4 eggs
grated zest of one medium-sized lemon
Preparation
Classic Tarta de Santiago
Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F).
Line a round 22cm (approx 8 inches) tart or cake pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the almonds, sugar, and lemon zest.
Add the eggs and whisk until the mixture is well incorporated.
Pour the cake batter into the pan and bake for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Let the cake completely cool.
To decorate, place a stencil of St James' cross on top and then generously dust the cake with powdered sugar. When the cake is complete covered in powdered sugar, remove the stencil and serve the cake cut into slices.
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