Catherine Alioto

Saint James Cake

Tarta de Santiago

Preparation info
  • Yield:

    One

    8-by-8 inch cake
    • Difficulty

      Easy

Appears in
Tapas Espana: 70 Easy Recipes for Gathering and Sharing
Tapas Espana

By Catherine Alioto

Published 2026

  • About

The Saint James cake contains almond flour instead of wheat flour, making it a delicious gluten-free treat. It is closely associated with the Camino de Santiago, the walk that passes through Galicia as pilgrims make their way to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims have been enjoying this cake since the twelfth century.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil for brushing
  • 2 cups almond flour, plus more for dusting
  • 4 large eggs

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Brush an 8-inch square cake pan with vegetable oil and dust with almond flour.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light in color.

In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, lemon zest, and cinnamon.