Description
Looking for a light, refreshing dessert that’s easy to make? This Mandarin Orange Cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, packed with fresh mandarin flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this cake is moist, fluffy, and bursting with citrus goodness. Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or with a dollop of whipped cream, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion—family gatherings, afternoon tea, or a quick sweet fix.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh mandarin orange juice (about 2–3 mandarins)
- 1 tablespoon mandarin orange zest
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mandarin orange segments (peeled and chopped)
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh mandarin orange juice
- ½ teaspoon mandarin zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, mandarin juice, and zest.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with Greek yogurt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped mandarin orange segments to distribute them evenly in the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, mandarin juice, and zest until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g