Mandarin Orange Cake

This mandarin orange cake perfectly blends light, fruity flavors and creamy textures, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. With a quick preparation time and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe that you can easily whip up at home, impressing your family and friends. The combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple gives the cake a tropical twist, while the whipped topping adds a delightful creamy finish. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want a sweet treat, this cake will be a hit.

Ingredients for Mandarin Orange Cake

• White cake mix: This serves as a reliable base for the cake, ensuring a moist and tender crumb. Yellow cake mix would also work.
• Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding and adding richness to this mandarin orange cake recipe.
• Unsweetened applesauce: This is a healthier alternative to oil, keeping the cake moist while reducing its fat content.
• Mandarin oranges: The canned oranges and their liquid add a burst of citrus flavor and moisture, making the cake delightfully fresh.
• Frozen whipped topping: This topping is light and airy, perfect for creating a fluffy frosting.
• Crushed pineapple: Pineapple enhances the tropical flavor and adds sweetness and moisture to the frosting.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: In this recipe, the pudding mix helps stabilize the frosting, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cake batter

Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, applesauce and undrained mandarin oranges. Beat the mixture on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for two minutes.

Step 2: Bake the cake

Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the frosting

In a medium bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping, undrained crushed pineapple and vanilla pudding mix. Beat until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a portion of the frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. For the best results, chill the cake for at least an hour before serving.

Mandarin Orange Cake Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans between the cake layers and on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Add coconut: Fold shredded coconut into the frosting or sprinkle it on top of the cake for a tropical touch.
• Create a glaze: Mix mandarin orange juice and sugar, and brush this glaze over the cake for added sweetness and shine.

How to Store Mandarin Orange Cake

To keep it fresh, store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered with cling film, or in an airtight container.

How long does mandarin orange pineapple cake last?

When stored in the refrigerator, this cake will last up to three days. Ensure that it’s covered properly to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Mandarin Orange Cake Tips

What makes the cake so moist?

The combination of applesauce and the juice from the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple keeps this cake incredibly moist and tender.

Can I use fresh mandarin oranges?

While canned mandarin oranges are recommended for their consistency, you can use fresh oranges as well. Just make sure they’re peeled and segmented and that any excess juice is used in the batter.

How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?

Grease and flour your baking pans thoroughly to prevent sticking. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for extra insurance.

How do you get the white stuff off mandarin oranges?

To remove the white pith from mandarin oranges, you can use a paring knife to carefully slice it away, following the curve of the fruit.