Mandarin Orange Cake is a light, fruity dessert that delivers vibrant citrus flavor in every bite. Known for its incredibly moist texture and creamy topping, this cake has long been a favorite at gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations. The sweetness of mandarin oranges blends beautifully with soft cake layers, creating a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
The first time I made Mandarin Orange Cake, I was impressed by how simple the ingredient list was. Using canned mandarin oranges not only simplifies preparation but also ensures consistent flavor and moisture. As the cake baked, the citrus aroma filled the kitchen, hinting at the brightness to come. What truly sets this dessert apart is the airy topping, which balances the sweetness without feeling heavy. Whether served chilled on a warm day or as a festive dessert, this cake remains a timeless classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is incredibly moist, easy to prepare, and full of fresh citrus flavor. It requires minimal effort yet delivers impressive results. The creamy topping complements the soft cake perfectly, making it suitable for both casual and special occasions.
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Mandarin Orange Cake: Moist, Bright, and Wonderfully Refreshing
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mandarin Orange Cake is a moist and fluffy dessert made with mandarin oranges and topped with a light pineapple whipped topping frosting. Sweet, refreshing, and easy to make, it’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, with juice
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of mandarin oranges with juice. Beat until smooth, breaking up oranges slightly.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix drained crushed pineapple with dry vanilla pudding mix until well combined.
- Fold in whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For extra citrus flavor, add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the batter.
- Ensure cake is fully cooled before frosting.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after chilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Yellow Cake Mix
Yellow cake mix forms the base of the dessert, providing structure while allowing the citrus flavor to shine.
Canned Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges add natural sweetness, moisture, and bright citrus notes throughout the cake.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and help create a soft, tender crumb.
Vegetable Oil
Oil ensures the cake remains moist and soft even after refrigeration.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor and complements the citrus notes.
Crushed Pineapple (with juice)
Crushed pineapple contributes additional moisture and subtle tropical sweetness to the topping.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Pudding mix thickens and stabilizes the topping, creating a creamy texture.
Whipped Topping
Whipped topping makes the frosting light, airy, and easy to spread.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and canned mandarin oranges (including their juice). Beat until smooth, breaking up the oranges slightly to distribute flavor evenly.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before preparing the topping.
In a separate bowl, mix crushed pineapple (with juice) and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until slightly thickened. Fold in whipped topping gently until fully combined.
Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the topping to set.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. Preparation time is 15 minutes, baking time is 30–35 minutes, and chilling time is at least 1 hour, bringing the total time to about 2 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store Mandarin Orange Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Due to the creamy topping, it should remain chilled until ready to serve. This cake is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Mandarin Orange Cake is highly adaptable. For added texture, sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped pecans over the topping. I once added a thin layer of orange zest to the batter for a more intense citrus aroma, and it enhanced the freshness significantly.
If you prefer a homemade alternative, substitute the cake mix with a from-scratch yellow cake base. For a lighter version, use light whipped topping and reduced-fat pudding mix.
You can also transform this recipe into cupcakes for individual servings. Simply adjust baking time to approximately 18–20 minutes.
For a slightly tangier profile, add a small amount of cream cheese to the topping mixture. This creates a richer, cheesecake-like flavor.
If pineapple is not preferred, substitute with crushed peaches for a subtle variation while maintaining moisture.
With these flexible options, this cake can easily be tailored to suit different preferences and occasions.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Drain Oranges
Using the juice enhances moisture and flavor.
Cool Completely Before Frosting
A cooled cake prevents the topping from melting.
Chill Before Serving
Refrigeration improves texture and flavor integration.
Fold Gently
Gently fold whipped topping to maintain airiness.
Add Fresh Garnish
Top with fresh mandarin slices for an attractive presentation.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to add a small amount of orange juice for moisture.
Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended due to the whipped topping texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance and stored refrigerated.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Using sugar-free pudding mix can help lower overall sweetness.
Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter may affect the texture.
Can I use a different cake flavor?
Yes, white or orange-flavored cake mixes work well.
Conclusion
Mandarin Orange Cake is a bright, moist, and refreshing dessert that combines simple ingredients with impressive flavor. Its citrus-infused base and airy topping create a balanced treat suitable for any occasion. Easy to prepare and adaptable to personal preferences, this cake remains a reliable favorite for gatherings and everyday indulgence alike.
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