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Mandarin orange cake recipe served on a plate with fresh mandarins.

Easy Mandarin Orange Cake – Moist, Light & Just 3 Ingredients

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An easy, nostalgic Southern-style mandarin orange cake made with pantry staples. Soft, fruity, and perfect for spring or anytime baking.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cake (9-inch round) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

34 fresh mandarin oranges, peeled, segmented, and chopped

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 ½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

½ cup milk or orange juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: 1 tsp almond extract, ½ cup shredded coconut, ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk/orange juice to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.

6. Fold in chopped mandarins, vanilla extract, and optional add-ins gently.

7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use fresh mandarins for the best flavor and moisture.

Don’t overmix—mix until ingredients are just combined.

Check doneness at 35 minutes.

Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp mandarin juice, 1 tsp zest.

For frosting: mix 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla.

  • Author: Quinto
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg