Description
This Mandarin Orange Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the bright, citrusy flavor of mandarin oranges with a moist yellow cake base. Perfect for any occasion, it bakes up tender, flavorful, and can be enhanced with whipped cream or a citrus glaze for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Mix
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mandarin Oranges
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained (juice reserved)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, drained mandarin oranges (reserve the juice for flavor), eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well blended, ensuring the oranges are evenly distributed.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula to promote uniform rising and baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with minimal crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, you can serve it as is or add a topping like whipped cream or a citrus glaze to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- For extra moistness and flavor, consider folding some of the reserved mandarin juice into a glaze or frosting.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
- If using a different size pan, adjust baking time accordingly and check doneness earlier or later.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut could add texture and flavor if desired.
