Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe - How to Make It ?

To make a mandarin orange cake, mix yellow cake mix with eggs, oil, and canned mandarin oranges. Bake until golden, then top with a fluffy frosting made from whipped topping, crushed pineapple, and vanilla pudding. Chill before serving for the best flavor.

Where does orange cake originate ?

Orange cake has roots in Mediterranean and European baking, but the mandarin orange cake recipe became a Southern favorite in the United States. Often called Pig Pickin’ Cake, it rose to fame at barbecues and church potlucks thanks to its light texture and sunny citrus flavor.

What is the secret ingredient to a moist cake ?

For this mandarin orange cake, it’s all about using undrained canned mandarin oranges. The syrup adds extra moisture, and the fruit blends right into the batter. Paired with oil, this combo guarantees a soft and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.

What is mandarin cake ?

A mandarin cake is any cake made with mandarin oranges. In this recipe, the fruit is blended into the batter to create a fluffy citrus sponge. It’s usually topped with whipped pineapple frosting, turning it into a chilled, nostalgic dessert that feels light and refreshing.

What can you do with mandarin oranges ?

Mandarin oranges are super versatile. You can bake them into cakes, toss them into salads, mix them into smoothies, or layer them over yogurt and oatmeal. Their syrupy sweetness brings a pop of brightness to both sweet and savory recipes.

Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe - 3 Moist Citrus Layers to Love

Description

This mandarin orange cake recipe is a Southern classic made with canned mandarin oranges and a creamy pineapple frosting. Moist, citrusy, and easy to make—perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a comforting weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix

1/2 cup oil

4 eggs

1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges (undrained)

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (undrained)

1 pkg instant vanilla pudding (5.25 oz)

1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, oil, eggs, and undrained mandarin oranges. Beat until well blended.

Mixing bowl with batter and mandarin oranges for cake

3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

5. In a separate bowl, fold together crushed pineapple, vanilla pudding mix, and Cool Whip until fluffy.

6. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Don’t drain the oranges—the syrup adds key moisture.

Refrigerate the frosted cake to set the flavors.

Make a day ahead for even better flavor.

You can freeze the cake before frosting for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Cakes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 310
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg