Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe – A Simple Burst of Citrus Joy

Nothing brings a taste of sunshine to your kitchen like fresh citrus, and this mandarin orange cake is no exception. Perfectly sweet and refreshingly tangy, this cake is the treat your family didn’t know they needed. It’s quick to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and the best part? It only takes one bowl, so you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying a slice.

Why This Recipe Works

• Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh mandarin oranges.
• Quick preparation: Ready in under an hour, start to finish.
• One-bowl wonder: Less dishwashing keeps the stress levels down.
• Family-friendly delight: The orange flavor is universally loved by kids and adults alike.
• Super moist texture: The mandarin juice ensures the cake stays moist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh mandarin orange juice
• 1 tablespoon mandarin zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Microplane zester
• Juicer

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. As a tip, I recommend using parchment paper because it saves your cake from sticking and is a cinch to clean up after. Gather all your ingredients; a quick setup saves hassle later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Take your time with this step, as the creamy consistency plays a big role in the cake’s texture. Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to ensure they’re fully mixed into the batter, which is crucial for a light cake.

Step 3: Add the Mandarin Zest and Juice

Now, grate the zest from the mandarins using your microplane and add it directly into the batter. Squeeze out 1/4 cup of mandarin juice and add it in. Mixing these in now helps the zesty oils and fresh juice fully integrate, enhancing the cake’s citrus kick. Remember; always zest your fruits before juicing them to make the process easy-peasy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cake fluffy—not dense. A trick here is to gently mix until you can no longer see streaks of flour; it’s better to have a few lumps than a heavy batter. Patience really pays off!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now—a sure sign you’re on the right track. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.

Tips and Tricks

• For extra zest, add a dash of almond extract to complement the mandarin aroma.
• If you’re short on time, mandarin juice from the store works too, but fresh juice is always best for a more vibrant taste.
• To avoid your cake sticking to the pan, a non-stick spray with flour is a great alternative if parchment paper is unavailable.

Recipe Variations

• Substitute half the flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.
• Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for a crunchy texture.
• Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical angle.
• Try adding a drizzle of simple icing by mixing powdered sugar and mandarin juice.
• Elevate it with a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spicy note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned mandarins instead of fresh ones? Absolutely, you can use canned mandarins if fresh ones aren’t available. Be sure to drain them well and consider reducing the added sugar slightly, as canned fruits are often in syrup.

What if I don’t have mandarin oranges? You can substitute with any other citrus fruit, such as regular oranges or tangerines. Just be mindful that the flavor might vary slightly based on the sweetness and acidity of the substitute.

How do I know if the cake is done? Check with a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it. Also, the cake should be pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan.

Summary

With minimal ingredients, easy preparation, and a refreshing citrus flavor, this mandarin orange cake is the perfect antidote to a busy schedule. Share a slice of sunshine with your loved ones any day of the week.