Are you looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and incredibly easy to make? This mandarin orange cake recipe is the perfect choice. Combining the bright flavors of mandarin oranges with a moist, tender cake, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something sweet to enjoy at home, this cake is light, delicious, and full of citrusy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe
This mandarin orange cake recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more. Firstly, the cake is extremely moist thanks to the combination of mandarin orange juice and other fresh ingredients. The balance between the natural sweetness of the oranges and the subtle richness of the cake makes it irresistible.
Moreover, this cake is versatile. It can be enjoyed at a casual family gathering, but it’s also fancy enough for special occasions. Therefore, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting an afternoon tea, this cake has you covered. Additionally, the recipe is quite straightforward, which means you don’t have to be a master baker to make a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
Another reason to love this recipe is its adaptability. You can add different toppings, change the frosting, or even include a mix of fruits to create your unique twist. Plus, the use of mandarin oranges means the cake has a light and fresh flavor, making it perfect for any season, especially spring and summer. The bright, zesty notes make it feel like a slice of sunshine in every bite.
Furthermore, this cake is great for sharing with loved ones. The cheerful citrus flavor often evokes a sense of nostalgia, making it a comforting treat that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it as an afternoon snack, a family dessert, or even a potluck dish, this mandarin orange cake recipe is bound to create wonderful memories with every slice.
Ingredients for Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe
To make this delicious mandarin orange cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. Most are simple and easy to find at any grocery store.
Main Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix: This forms the base of the cake and makes preparation easy.
- 4 large eggs: Adds structure and richness to the cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges with juice: Provides flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds thickness and flavor to the frosting.
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice: Brings a sweet, tropical note to the frosting.
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): Creates a light, fluffy texture.
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut: Adds extra texture and flavor.
- Fresh mandarin orange segments: For garnishing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds a zesty kick.
How to Make Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make this mandarin orange cake recipe at home.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the cake.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and mandarin oranges along with their juice. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until everything is well incorporated. The mandarin oranges should break up slightly, infusing the batter with flavor while leaving small pieces throughout the cake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and crushed pineapple (including the juice). Mix until the pudding mix is well dissolved. Fold in the whipped topping until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can use a spatula to create swirls or patterns for a decorative touch. Garnish with fresh mandarin orange segments or shredded coconut if desired.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the cake easier to slice. Cut into squares and serve chilled for the best flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe
- Use the Juice: Make sure to include the mandarin orange juice when mixing the batter. It adds moisture and flavor, keeping the cake soft and tender.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best results, chill the cake for at least an hour before serving. The flavors develop further as the cake sits, and the frosting sets nicely.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the mandarin oranges. Overmixing can break them down too much and affect the cake’s texture.
- Fresh Garnish: Garnishing with fresh mandarin segments adds a bright and vibrant look, making the cake visually appealing.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the fluffiest texture, make sure your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly, resulting in a tender cake.
Variations of Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe
One of the wonderful things about this mandarin orange cake recipe is its versatility. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Mandarin Orange Layer Cake: Instead of baking in a 9×13-inch pan, divide the batter between two 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes and layer with the pineapple frosting in between.
- Chocolate Drizzle Mandarin Cake: Add a chocolate drizzle over the top of the frosted cake for a contrast between the sweet mandarin and rich chocolate flavors.
- Coconut Mandarin Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle some on top of the frosting for an extra tropical twist. The coconut pairs wonderfully with the citrus and pineapple flavors.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute the whipped topping frosting with a cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. Simply mix 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Mandarin Orange Cupcakes: Turn this recipe into cupcakes by dividing the batter evenly among lined muffin cups. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost with the pineapple topping.
- Spiced Mandarin Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced version of the cake. These spices complement the mandarin orange flavors beautifully.
- Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake: Bake the batter in a bundt pan for an elegant presentation. Top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and mandarin orange juice for added sweetness.
How to Store Mandarin Orange Cake
This mandarin orange cake recipe stores well, making it a great make-ahead dessert option for gatherings.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The whipped topping frosting needs to stay chilled, so make sure the cake is kept cold.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the cake (without the frosting) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
Freezing Tips
If you plan to freeze the cake, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap. This makes it easy to grab a piece whenever you have a craving for something sweet. When thawing, let the slices come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This mandarin orange cake is delightful on its own, but you can pair it with a few other treats to make your dessert table even more impressive:
- Fresh Berries: Serve the cake with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a great addition, especially if you want to add a creamy element to the dessert.
- Lemon Curd: Drizzle a bit of lemon curd on the plate before placing a slice of cake on top. The tartness of the lemon complements the sweet citrus flavor of the cake.
- Whipped Cream: Add an extra dollop of whipped cream on top for even more creamy texture.
- Candied Orange Peel: Garnish with candied orange peel for a sophisticated touch that adds extra citrus flavor and texture.
- Mint Leaves: Add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing hint of mint that pairs beautifully with the citrus notes.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make a slightly healthier version of this mandarin orange cake recipe, here are some adjustments you can make:
- Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute vegetable oil with Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content and add protein.
- Low-Fat Whipped Topping: Use low-fat whipped topping for the frosting to cut back on calories.
- Reduce Sugar: Opt for a sugar-free cake mix or use less sugar in the batter. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting if desired.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace a portion of the yellow cake mix with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. This will change the texture slightly, but it adds a nutritious element.
- Fresh Mandarin Oranges: Instead of using canned mandarins, use fresh mandarin oranges to avoid added sugars. Simply peel and section fresh mandarins and use them in the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Is It Called Pig Pickin’ Cake?
The term Pig Pickin’ Cake comes from its popularity at Southern barbecues, often called pig pickins. The cake’s light and fruity flavors are the perfect end to a rich barbecue meal. It typically features a yellow cake mix base with fruit such as mandarin oranges, topped with a pineapple and whipped cream frosting, similar to this mandarin orange cake recipe.
What Can I Do with Excess Mandarin Oranges?
If you have extra mandarin oranges, there are several ways to use them. You can add them to fruit salads, make mandarin orange jam, or use them in a smoothie for a burst of citrus flavor. Additionally, they work wonderfully in savory dishes like Mandarin Chicken Salad or even as a topping for yogurt and granola.
Can You Use Mandarins Instead of Oranges in Baking?
Yes, you can use mandarins instead of oranges in baking. Mandarins are smaller, sweeter, and have a slightly thinner skin, which makes them perfect for desserts like this cake. They add a delicate citrus flavor that complements a variety of baked goods.
Does Duncan Hines Make Orange Cake?
Duncan Hines does make an orange-flavored cake mix called Duncan Hines Orange Supreme Cake Mix. It can be a convenient substitute if you’re looking to add more orange flavor to your cakes without having to start from scratch.