Bright, fruity flavors and melt-in-your-mouth softness make this Mandarin Orange Cake a true celebration in every bite. You won’t believe something so simple can deliver such memorable results! The cake itself is bursting with mandarin orange pieces, and it’s topped with a fluffy, pineapple-studded cloud that makes each slice impossibly refreshing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer picnic or just want to add a splash of sunshine to your kitchen table, Mandarin Orange Cake is destined to become a beloved favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Mandarin Orange Cake is its complete ease—each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that signature texture and tropical flavor. Gather these staples before you begin, and you’ll be well on your way to dessert bliss.
- Yellow cake mix: A classic shortcut that bakes up moist and tender, providing the perfect base for all the fruity goodness.
- Large eggs (4): They give structure and richness to the cake, making it fluffier and helping it rise beautifully.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps every bite incredibly moist and soft, even after refrigeration.
- Mandarin oranges with juice (1 can, 11 oz): These burst with citrusy flavor and little pops of fruit throughout the cake.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth that lets the fruit flavors shine even more.
- Whipped topping (1 tub, 8 oz): Creates a light, creamy frosting that’s less sweet than traditional buttercream, letting the fruit take center stage.
- Crushed pineapple with juice (1 can, 8 oz): Brings a tangy freshness to the cake and perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 package, 3.4 oz): Thickens the topping and imparts a lovely hint of vanilla creaminess.
How to Make Mandarin Orange Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. This simple step guarantees that your Mandarin Orange Cake pops out of the pan with no fuss (and minimal cleanup!).
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, four large eggs, vegetable oil, the whole can of mandarin oranges with its juice, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and blend everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes. The mandarin segments will break up into little bits throughout the batter, ensuring you get a pop of fruit in every bite!
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible! Once baked, let the cake cool completely—this is crucial for a flawless topping application.
Step 4: Create the Fruity Topping
While your cake cools, get started on that luscious topping. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whipped topping, crushed pineapple with juice, and the package of instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir everything together until it thickens into a perfectly spreadable frosting, flecked with juicy pineapple pieces.
Step 5: Frost and Chill
Spread the pineapple topping evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing it right up to the edges. Pop the cake into the fridge for at least an hour so the topping can set nicely. If you can wait that long, the flavors get even better as the cake chills!
How to Serve Mandarin Orange Cake
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, add a handful of mandarin orange segments on top right before serving, or sprinkle with toasted coconut for a hint of crunch and tropical flair. The garnishes add both color and a little extra wow-factor whenever you bring this Mandarin Orange Cake to the table.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of Mandarin Orange Cake with light, summery sides like a fresh berry salad or a glass of homemade lemonade. These simple pairings let the cake’s fruit-forward flavors shine, making it a perfect dessert after a barbecue or casual get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve the cake cut into cubes in parfait glasses with extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of granola. Or try layering slices in mason jars for picnic-ready portable treats—the vibrant colors of the Mandarin Orange Cake really pop when presented this way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mandarin Orange Cake covered in the refrigerator—its cool, creamy topping keeps best when chilled. Simply use plastic wrap, foil, or a tight-fitting lid. It will stay fresh for up to four days, and you may even find the citrus flavors deepening over time.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Mandarin Orange Cake, though it’s best to do so before adding the topping. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the topping just before serving for maximum freshness.
Reheating
This cake is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve made it ahead, just let it sit out briefly to take the chill off before serving, or enjoy it straight from the refrigerator for a truly refreshing treat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Yes! If you have access to sweet, juicy fresh mandarins, peel and segment them and use only the equivalent weight. Add a bit of fresh orange juice to make up for the canned juice to keep the cake extra moist.
Is Mandarin Orange Cake gluten free?
Not with the standard boxed cake mix, but you can substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix for a version that nearly everyone can enjoy. Just double-check all ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I use homemade whipped cream for the topping?
You can substitute homemade whipped cream for the store-bought whipped topping, but keep in mind it won’t be quite as stable and may deflate over time—so serve soon after assembling for best results.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
Mandarin Orange Cake actually improves with a bit of chilling—feel free to make it the day before you plan to serve. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to slice.
What’s the best way to transport Mandarin Orange Cake?
Since it’s topped with a fluffy, delicate frosting, transport it in a lidded container (like a cake carrier) and keep chilled right up until serving, especially if you’re taking it to a potluck or picnic.
Final Thoughts
This Mandarin Orange Cake is proof that a handful of pantry staples and a dash of tropical fruit can create something truly magical. I hope you give it a try soon—it’s just the kind of dessert that sparks smiles and turns ordinary days into a celebration!
Print
Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing citrus flavors of this delightful Mandarin Orange Cake topped with a creamy pineapple topping. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges with juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, mandarin oranges with juice, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool the cake.
- Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, mix whipped topping, crushed pineapple with juice, and instant pudding mix until smooth.
- Top Cake: Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead.
- For extra flair, garnish with mandarin slices or toasted coconut before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
