Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe

Mandarin Orange Cake is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor, making it a favorite for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. The best part? This cake only requires seven simple ingredients, including the frosting, and comes together quickly. With its moist texture and fruity topping, it’s no wonder everyone asks for this recipe again and again.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces, dry)
• 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, undrained
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil

For the Frosting:

• 12 ounces Cool Whip (or stabilized whipped cream)
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, undrained mandarin oranges, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix well with a hand mixer or spoon.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
5. Let the cake cool completely.
6. In a large bowl, whip together Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth.
7. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• For extra presentation, garnish with fresh mandarin slices or toasted coconut.

Variations

1. Coconut Mandarin Cake – Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the frosting for a tropical twist.
2. Almond Mandarin Cake – Add 1 teaspoon almond extract to the batter.
3. Chocolate Mandarin Cake – Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips before baking.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting – Swap Cool Whip with 8 ounces softened cream cheese for tangy frosting.
5. Pineapple Coconut Cake – Add ½ cup crushed pineapple to the cake batter itself.
6. Orange Zest Cake – Add 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest to the batter for extra citrus punch.
7. Caramel Mandarin Cake – Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cake.
8. Mandarin Poke Cake – Poke holes in the baked cake and pour orange juice over before frosting.
9. Nutty Mandarin Cake – Sprinkle ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans on top of frosting.
10. Layered Mandarin Cake – Cut cake horizontally and add frosting between layers.
11. Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free yellow cake mix.
12. Mini Cupcakes – Bake batter in cupcake liners for individual servings.
13. Mandarin Cheesecake Cake – Fold in 8 ounces of cream cheese to the batter before baking.
14. Spiced Mandarin Cake – Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the batter.
15. Mandarin Yogurt Cake – Replace half the oil with plain yogurt for a lighter, tangy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
   Yes, peel and segment fresh mandarins and use the juice for extra flavor.
2. Do I need to drain the pineapple for the frosting?
   No, the undrained pineapple adds moisture and sweetness to the frosting.
3. Can this cake be made in advance?
   Yes, make the cake a day ahead and store in the fridge after frosting for best results.
4. Can I use boxed whipped topping instead of Cool Whip?
   Yes, any whipped topping works, but Cool Whip gives a stable texture.
5. Is this recipe suitable for parties?
   Absolutely! It serves 20 pieces, perfect for gatherings.
6. Can I substitute yellow cake mix with white cake mix?
   Yes, it will slightly change the flavor but still be delicious.
7. How do I prevent the cake from being too soggy?
   Do not overbake and allow the cake to cool completely before spreading frosting.
8. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months; add frosting after thawing.
9. Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
   Yes, sugar-free pudding can be used to reduce sugar content.
10. How long will the frosted cake last?
    Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, up to 5 days.

Mandarin Orange Cake is a simple yet irresistible dessert that impresses with its light, moist texture and sweet, citrusy flavor. With only seven ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make, yet feels like a special treat perfect for any occasion. Whether served at a summer gathering, family dinner, or holiday celebration, this cake is sure to delight everyone. Its versatility allows for countless variations, from adding coconut, chocolate, or nuts to creating mini cupcakes or layered cakes. Easy to prepare, quick to bake, and deliciously refreshing, this Mandarin Orange Cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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