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Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe

Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich mandarin orange cake brings zesty Mediterranean sunshine to dessert tables. Moist crumb and tangy citrus notes create a delightful slice of sweet comfort you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
  • 1 ⅓ cups fresh mandarin oranges, crushed
  • 8 egg yolks
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup milk

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting and Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 16 ounces fresh pineapple, crushed
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 box (3.4 ounces) vanilla pudding mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with light grease and flour coating.
  2. Transform fresh mandarin oranges into a smooth puree using a food processor.
  3. Whip butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until achieving a cloud-like, aerated texture.
  4. Incorporate egg yolks, mandarin orange puree, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture.
  5. Sift cake flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate container.
  6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain delicate cake structure.
  7. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, creating smooth surfaces.
  8. Bake for 25-28 minutes until cake springs back when gently touched, indicating perfect doneness.
  9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.
  10. Crush fresh pineapple into a smooth consistency using food processor.
  11. Whip heavy cream until forming sturdy, defined peaks.
  12. Gradually blend powdered sugar, pineapple puree, and optional vanilla pudding mix into whipped cream.
  13. Position first cake layer on serving plate, spreading pineapple cream frosting generously.
  14. Carefully place second cake layer atop the frosted base.
  15. Completely enrobe cake with remaining pineapple cream frosting.
  16. Embellish with optional decorative elements and refrigerate until serving moment arrives.

Notes

  • Unlock the tropical essence of this moist, fruity cake that bursts with mandarin orange and pineapple flavors.
  • Crushing fresh fruits directly into the batter ensures intense, natural sweetness and a vibrant, juicy texture.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more uniform cake batter that blends effortlessly.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough cake texture and maintain a light, tender crumb.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent the cream from melting and ensure a pristine presentation.
  • Refrigerate the cake to help the frosting set and enhance the delightful blend of tropical fruit flavors.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg