
This Almond Berry Scone Cake is a healthy twist on a classic scone, combining the rich flavour of almond meal with bursts of juicy berries. It’s simple to make, naturally sweetened, and adaptable to various dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Because my kids go to a nut-free school, we often use after school as a time to include the beneficial fats and phytonutrients found in nuts. This Almond Berry Scone Cake is one of my kids favourite after school or weekend snacks. I love it too because it’s easy and quick to make and I have to say, I’m a bit partial to this delicious treat!
It also make a fabulous dessert served with cream or vanilla bean ice-cream.
Health benefits
Almond meal is a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, while berries add a boost of antioxidants and natural sweetness. With the option to use natural sweeteners, this cake is a nutritious alternative to traditional baked treats.
Ingredients
The batter in this scone recipe combines a wholesome blend of almond meal, arrowroot or tapioca flour, shredded coconut, lemon zest, and a choice of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Fresh or frozen berries add a fruity burst to every bite, while vanilla extract and baking powder bring balance and lift to the cake.
How to make almond berry scone cake
Start by combining the wet ingredients, including the melted coconut oil, your chosen sweetener, and an egg, until smooth. Mix in the dry ingredients – almond meal, arrowroot, coconut, lemon zest, vanilla, and baking powder until well combined, then gently fold in the berries. Once the batter is ready, transfer it to a baking tin lined with parchment paper (baking paper), smoothing the surface with a wet spoon. Bake in a preheated oven until golden and cooked through, allowing the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Serving suggestions and how to store
This almond scone cake is best served warm or at room temperature, either on its own or accompanied by a dollop of coconut yoghurt, Greek yogurt or cultured cream (creme fraiche). For added crunch, you can top the batter with slivered almonds (or sliced almonds) before baking. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for a few days, or in the freezer for longer storage.
Vary this almond berry scone cake to suit your dietary needs
For a fructose-friendly version, use rice malt syrup as the sweetener. If you prefer a coconut-free option, replace the coconut oil with melted butter and omit the shredded coconut in favour of more almond meal. Egg-free adaptations can be made by substituting the egg with a chia egg or aquafaba, and a vegan version is achieved by using both a plant-based sweetener and the egg-free adjustment. This recipe is not suitable for nut-free diets, but my Well Nourished Lunchbox ebook offers plenty of nut-free options. Hazelnut meal works beautifully in place of almond meal for a richer flavour, and sliced stone fruits are a delicious alternative to berries, offering a seasonal twist to this versatile cake.
For more delicious, easy to make healthy cakes and sweet treats, click HERE.
Ingredients
- 50 g coconut oil (¼ cup) melted
- 85 g rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (¼ cup)
- 1 egg/s
- 150 g almond meal (1½ cups)
- 2 tbsp true arrowroot flour (or tapioca flour)
- 20 g shredded coconut (¼ cup)
- 1 lemon/s -zest
- 1 tsp vanilla -powder, extract or essence
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 60 g berries (¼ cup) of your choice, fresh or frozen
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180℃/350℉ (fan-forced).
- In a food processor or with a hand mixer combine the coconut oil, sweetener and egg. If using a Thermomix 10 seconds, speed 4.
- Add the almond meal, arrowroot, coconut, lemon zest, vanilla and baking powder and mix until well combined. If using a Thermomix 20 seconds, speed 4 (scraping the sides)
- Fold the berries into the batter. If using a Thermomix 10 seconds, reverse speed 1-2.
- Line a small round cake tin (I used 16cm tin) with baking paper and scrape the thick batter into the tin.
- Using a wet spoon, gently shape the batter into the base of the tin.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes (until cooked in the middle).
Serve
- Serve as is or with a little coconut yoghurt or cultured cream on the side.
- You can also top with slivered or flaked almonds for a nice crunchy top.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.



Wendy says
thanks for this beautiful gluten free recipe, could I use macadamia oil instead of coconut oil
Georgia Harding says
You’re welcome Wendy. I haven’t tested it but I often sub coconut oil for macadamia nut oil so I should think it would be fine, enjoy Gx
Vanessa Miles says
Hi, this looks like a great recipe that my kids will love (they adore your berry oatmeal bake). To make it in cupcake sizes any idea how much I’d need to adjust the cooking time?
And have you tried freezing these?
Thanks!
Peggy Stewart says
Just made this and it is absolutely delicious! I made exactly as per recipe using frozen organic blueberries. This is a keeper. Love the rustic look. 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Yay – thrilled you enjoyed Peggy, have a great weekend x
Georgia Harding says
Okay so it’s quite rustic (like a scone) so you won’t get a pretty cup cake with a full rise. Just bake them until they are firm in the middle. About 20 minutes at a guess G x
Vanessa Miles says
Thanks Georgia, made it today as per your recipe using frozen raspberries and my 5yo LOVED it… as did I! I will try doing muffin sizes for the lunchbox next time
nutfree says
You say this is nut free, but it uses almond meal. What can I substitute to remove the nut meal and make it nut free? Thanks 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Sorry this really isn’t suited to nut free – I have other cakes on the website that are though. This is a good GF/ NF cake (can be made as a whole cake) and berries mixed though too https://wellnourished.com.au/vanilla-bean-cupcakes/ G x
Cara says
One thing you could try is ground sunflower seeds. They sub well for ground almonds in other recipes.
nutfree says
Good if I can read first!! Sorry – my bad. Doesn’t say nut free :O
How can I make it nut free??
Phoebe Trongchittham says
Love it Georgia, it cooks up beautifully. I didn’t have a lemon so used lime zest instead and it was lovely. I reckon I’ll try it again with raspberries and lemon zest.
Georgia Harding says
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the feedback G x
Allen Blacklidge says
Thank you Georgia for your wonderfully helpful site/blog. Tried this yesterday with plums as didn’t have any berries – delicious warm from the oven. My husband loved it too, blissfully unaware that it was grain free. I put the leftovers in the fridge, might try half amounts next time as there is only 2 of us.
Georgia Harding says
Thrilled you enjoyed it – I love it hot or cold. The recipe would be fine halved, or you can actually freeze this also. Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated G x
Alicia says
Made this a few nights ago – very easy to follow. I served it alone as I didn’t have any extra fruit etc, but my husband and eldest commented it needed more sugar!!! To which I told them it was sugar free. so next time I might need to serve with some berries or a smidge of ice cream. My 2 youngest loved it though.
Georgia Harding says
Glad they (mostly) enjoyed it lol! You can always increase the sweetener if need be, my recipes are generally a bit light on G x
Gwen says
Looks delicious – how many servings is this? Thanks.
Georgia Harding says
Yes it is Gwen. It’s quite a filling cake, depending on how big the slices 4-6 approx G x
Prue says
Hi can you replace the arrowroot powder with something else?
Georgia Harding says
You could try corn flour or just increase the almond meal Prue G x
Varina says
Can I grind almonds in the thermomix to make almond meal?
Georgia Harding says
You can, but you’ll need less coconut oil (as the fresh meal is much oilier than dry) – start with halving the oil and add a little more if necessary. It’s quite a thick batter but shouldn’t have any oil settling out of it Gx
Paula says
So easy and delicious – will be a regular here. Love it, like all your recipes.
Georgia Harding says
Thanks again G x
Christine says
I just made this cake and my family loved it! I was out of arrowroot powder so I substituted about 6 tbsp wholemeal flour and I used frozen raspberries stirred through. I had some mixed berry puree which I spooned over the top and served with yogurt. Really tasty! I’m very pleased that I managed to get this recipe right! But how best to store the leftovers (if any)?
Georgia Harding says
Hi Christine – thanks so much for your feedback and your variations too. So pleased you enjoyed it. With the leftovers – if you think you will eat it the next day, store it airtight (if longer, pop it in the fridge). Appreciate the 5 star rating too Gx
Brigitte Dossor says
Oh yum. Totally my kind of food. I will try this asap.
Georgia Harding says
Hope you love it Brigitte! Georgia x
Rach says
Wow, just made this more ‘loaf’ style – delicious! Had to substitute with coconut sugar and cinnamon (out of sweetener and lemons), and maybe doubled the frozen blueberry amount, but it’s delicious! Thanks Georgia for the inspiration 😉
Georgia Harding says
Glad you enjoyed it Rach, great subs too! Appreciate your feedback and c heres for rating the recipe. Georgia x
Natacha says
Just saw your post on Instagram… prepared, baked, gone! My whole family and guests loved it 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Perfect – so glad you all enjoyed it and thanks Natacha for the 5 ?s too, G x
Anastasia says
The kids all loved this. Fabulous high protein snack for pre/post training. Making again today and doubling the recipe this time.
Georgia Harding says
Ah so great, yes it’s a small batch so well worth doubling for sure G x
Anna Vranes says
Absolutely LOVE IT! THank you!!!
Georgia Harding says
So glad you loved it Anna G x
Leesa Young says
This is delicious!! so super quick and simple, and loved by the whole family. Thanks Georgia!
Georgia Harding says
So glad everyone loved it Leesa and cheers for the 5 ?s G x
Jessica Petroni says
I am usually not a baker BUT this is super easy to whip up, for the slap-dash baker (like myself), and utterly delicious! Another win from WN! Thank you xx
Georgia Harding says
Ha ha, it is a pretty simple recipe – I’m a bit slap dash myself so that may be why ? Cheers for the 5 stars Jessica G x
Wendy Baker says
Yum! Had this for dessert tonight and kids loved it! 2 serves each! Used hazelnut meal as that’s all I had and it was spot on. Love the rustic look and it was delicious with cream and raspberries. Will def make again. Thanks Georgia!
Georgia Harding says
So glad it was a winner Wendy, cheers for the 5 stars too G x