Mandarin Orange Cake

Mandarin Orange Cake: A Fresh and Fruity Delight

Looking for a cake that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a touch of tropical sweetness? This Mandarin Orange Cake is the perfect choice! With soft layers made from real mandarin oranges and a fluffy whipped cream frosting filled with crushed pineapple, this cake brings a refreshing twist to any occasion. It’s light, fruity, and absolutely delicious—ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you’re craving something special.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
• 8 egg yolks
• 1 ⅓ cups fresh mandarin oranges, crushed
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting + Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 16 ounces fresh pineapple, crushed
• Optional: 1 (3.4 ounce) box vanilla pudding mix

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then set aside.
2. Crush the Oranges: In a food processor or blender, crush the fresh mandarin oranges.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg yolks, crushed mandarin oranges, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light, fluffy cake texture.
7. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when lightly touched.
8. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Frosting + Filling:

1. Crush the Pineapple: In a food processor or blender, crush the fresh pineapple and set aside.
2. Whip the Cream: In a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Add Sugar and Pineapple: Gradually add the powdered sugar, crushed pineapple, and the optional vanilla pudding mix. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving dish. Spread a generous amount of the pineapple cream frosting over the top.
2. Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream frosting.
3. Garnish and Refrigerate: Garnish the cake as desired (fresh mandarin slices, pineapple chunks, or edible flowers make a lovely touch). Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

Recipe Tips:

• Fresh Fruit: Use fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple for the best flavor, but canned versions can also work in a pinch—just make sure to drain them thoroughly.
• Pudding Mix: The optional vanilla pudding mix helps stabilize the whipped cream and adds a touch of sweetness to the frosting.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld even more.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-28 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 380 kcal per slice
• Servings: 12 slices

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bright and Fruity: The combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple creates a cake that’s light, refreshing, and full of fresh flavors.
• Creamy Whipped Frosting: The whipped cream frosting is fluffy and pairs beautifully with the cake, adding a tropical sweetness without being too heavy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, special occasion, or just a weekend treat, this Mandarin Orange Cake will impress your guests with its vibrant taste and beautiful presentation.

This Mandarin Orange Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of citrusy freshness and rich, creamy frosting. It’s a must-try for any fruit lover or anyone looking to add a tropical twist to their dessert lineup!

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