Flavors Worth Savoring
Delightful Orange Cake Recipe: Easy, Mandarin & More Variations
When the sun shines through the kitchen window, the smell of orange cake fills the air. It reminds me of my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. Her secret recipe brings back fond memories and a sense of nostalgia.
Today, I’m excited to share a wonderful orange cake recipe with you. It’s perfect for anyone who loves citrus or just wants a moist, sweet treat. This recipe is easy to follow and will make your taste buds happy.
Key Takeaways
- Discover an easy-to-make orange cake recipe with a moist, tender crumb.
- Explore variations like mandarin orange cake for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Learn expert baking tips to create the perfect summer dessert with orange-infused deliciousness.
- Enjoy a classic orange cake or try something new with a variety of exciting twists and variations.
- Indulge in a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers.
Irresistible Mandarin Orange Cake
Get ready to enjoy a homemade mandarin orange cake. It’s a mix of mandarin oranges’ tangy taste and pineapple’s sweetness. This cake is a perfect treat for any event.
Ingredients for Mandarin Orange Cake
- 1 (13.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant lemon pudding
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained and chopped
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions for Mandarin Orange Cake
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a big bowl, mix the cake mix, lemon pudding, eggs, oil, and water. Beat it on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
Then, add the mandarin oranges and pineapple. Pour the mix into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool, then spread the whipped topping on top. Make sure it’s even. Refrigerate for 2 hours to let the flavors mix. Enjoy the citrusy taste of this cake!
Variations on the Classic Orange Cake
There are many ways to make orange cake even better. You can add crunchy nuts or tropical flavors. This makes baking orange cake a fun adventure.
Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. This gives a nice crunch and a nutty taste. For a tropical twist, mix shredded coconut into the frosting. It creates a perfect mix of citrus and coconut.
Want more orange flavor? Make a glaze with mandarin orange juice and sugar. Brush it on the cake for a shiny top and extra sweetness.
Trying different mix-ins and flavors is exciting. You can choose nuts, tropical flavors, or a zesty glaze. There’s something for everyone.
Orange cake recipes are all about trying new things. Be creative and make your own version. You might find your new favorite orange cake recipe.
Tips for Moist and Flavorful orange cake recipe
To make your orange cake moist and flavorful, mix the right ingredients. Use unsweetened applesauce and juice from mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. This combo keeps the cake moist and tender.
What Makes the Cake So Moist?
For a moist cake, canned mandarin oranges are best. But, you can also use fresh oranges. Just peel and segment them and add any extra juice to the batter. Grease and flour the pans well, or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Using Fresh vs Canned Mandarin Oranges
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of butter and shortening each. It also lists specific amounts of orange zest and juice concentrate for flavor and texture. For the frosting, use 6 cups of powdered sugar for the right consistency and taste.
To make the cake easy to handle, freeze the layers in plastic for at least an hour. Use room temperature ingredients for a lighter cake. Also, line the pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
Divide the batter evenly using a kitchen scale for consistent results. The recipe gives the weight of ingredients in grams for accuracy.
| Nutrition Facts | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 379 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 62mg |
| Sodium | 191mg |
| Potassium | 104mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 44g |
| Vitamin A | 116IU |
| Vitamin C | 6mg |
| Calcium | 69mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
The orange cake stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for any occasion.
Easy Preparation for the Perfect Summer Dessert
This easy orange cake recipe is a summer treat. It’s quick to make and has simple ingredients. You can create a moist and tasty orange cake for any event.
Ingredients Needed for the Cake
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15 oz) can of mandarin oranges, drained and chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make this citrus dessert, mix all ingredients in a big bowl. Beat until well mixed, about 2-3 minutes. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
“This orange cake recipe is a breeze to make and delivers a moist, flavorful treat that’s perfect for summer entertaining.”
The result is a fruit cake full of orange flavor. It’s great for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for a perfect mix of baked goods and cake baking.
The Creamy Pineapple Frosting
The perfect complement to the orange cake recipe is the light and airy pineapple frosting. It’s made with just three simple ingredients: Cool Whip, instant vanilla pudding mix, and canned crushed pineapple. These ingredients create a creamy, tropical frosting that balances the citrus flavors of the cake baking.
To make the pineapple frosting, start by folding the crushed pineapple into the Cool Whip until it forms soft peaks. Then, gently fold in the instant vanilla pudding mix. This adds a lush, creamy texture to the frosting.
The pineapple adds a delightful orange flavor and a touch of sweetness. It perfectly complements the citrus dessert. This creamy frosting turns your fruit cake into a scrumptious and indulgent treat.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cool Whip | 12 oz |
| Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix | 3.4 oz |
| Canned Crushed Pineapple | 20 oz |
This pineapple frosting is the perfect match for the moist and citrusy orange cake recipe. It’s a delightful and refreshing way to enhance your summer baked goods. It makes your citrus dessert truly exceptional.
Delightful Twists on the orange cake recipe
The classic mandarin orange cake is a favorite dessert. But why not try some new twists to make your baking more exciting? These variations on the orange cake recipes will surely please your taste buds.
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake or frosting is a tasty idea. The crunch and nutty taste go well with the cake’s citrus flavors. For a tropical twist, mix shredded coconut into the frosting. It adds a nice contrast of flavors and textures.
Want more orange flavor? Try a glaze made with mandarin orange juice and sugar over the cooled cake. It boosts the citrus dessert taste and makes your baked goods look stunning.
For a festive touch, use different oranges like blood oranges or tangerines in your cake baking. This lets you create unique flavors in your fruit cake.
So, don’t be shy to try these fun twists on the orange cake recipe. Whether you want a nutty crunch, a tropical vibe, or more citrus, these changes will make your desserts made with oranges even more tempting.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This orange cake is great for making ahead. It can be stored for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for gatherings or enjoying a slice all week.
To store the cake, cover it with cling film or use an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. This way, it stays moist and tasty for up to 4 days. For the best taste, keep the frosted cake and leftovers chilled.
Don’t freeze the cake because the whipped cream frosting won’t be good after thawing. Enjoy the cake fresh or refrigerated. These easy storage tips let you make this orange treat ahead of time. Then, enjoy it whenever you want.
- Unfrosted cake can be stored on the counter for up to 5 days
- Frosted cake should be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Whipped cream frosting can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 7 days
- Freezing the cake is not recommended due to the whipped topping
Follow these tips to enjoy this orange cake recipe for days. It’s a wonderful citrus dessert for any event.
More Fruity Dessert Inspirations
If you loved the orange cake recipe, check out these other fruity dessert ideas. You’ll find a Fruit Cocktail Cake with a crunchy topping and a classic Peach Cobbler made with a cake mix. These options are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth all year.
Try a Pear Crisp with a gingersnap-oat crumble or a Carrot Sheet Cake with a pineapple, coconut, and buttermilk glaze. These fruit-forward desserts are full of flavor and great for any occasion.
- Fruit Cocktail Cake with a crunchy topping
- Peach Cobbler made with a cake mix
- Pear Crisp with a gingersnap-oat crumble
- Carrot Sheet Cake with a pineapple, coconut, and buttermilk glaze
Enjoy the natural sweetness of oranges, peaches, pears, and carrots in these fruity desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or unique, these recipes will become family favorites.
“Dessert is probably the most important stage of the meal, since it will be the last thing your guests remember before they pass out all over the table.”
– William Powell
The Scrumptious Recipe
Get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of our Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Frosting! This recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a citrusy dessert or want to bake up a batch of moist and flavorful orange cake.
Here’s the full recipe to create this scrumptious orange cake:
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 2 ¼ cups (270g) of all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (40g) of cornstarch
- 2 ¼ tsp of baking powder
- ½ tsp of salt
- ¾ cup (170g) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (75g) of vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) of granulated sugar
- 3 tsp of orange zest
- 3 large eggs
- 5 ½ tbsp (90g) of milk
- ½ cup (112g) of fresh orange juice
- 2 tsp of vanilla extract
Directions for the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with a fan function, or adjust to 160°C (320°F) if using a fan.
- Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the orange zest, milk, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredients for the Pineapple Frosting:
- 1 cup (225g) of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ½ cups (570g) of powdered sugar, adjust for desired frosting thickness
- 1 ½ cups (335g) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ tsp of vanilla extract
- 2 tsp of orange zest
- 1 ½ tbsp of fresh orange juice
Directions for the Pineapple Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the cream cheese, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, and continue mixing until well combined.
- Spread the frosting between the two cake layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
Enjoy this moist and flavorful orange cake with its creamy pineapple frosting! It’s the perfect citrus dessert for any baked goods lover.
Conclusion
This orange cake recipe is a great way to enjoy the season’s bright, citrusy flavors. You can choose from the classic mandarin orange cake or try a new variation. This dessert is moist, creamy, and easy to make, making it perfect for impressing others.
The recipe is versatile, letting you try different citrus dessert ideas. It’s easy to follow, even for beginners. It’s great for any occasion or just a special treat. This oranges in baking delight is sure to please everyone.
So, get your ingredients ready and preheat your oven. This orange flavor recipe is going to make your taste buds and loved ones very happy!
FAQ
What are the key ingredients for the Mandarin Orange Cake?
The main ingredients for the Mandarin Orange Cake are a white cake mix, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and canned mandarin oranges. You’ll also need frozen whipped topping, crushed pineapple, and instant vanilla pudding mix.
How do I prepare the Mandarin Orange Cake?
To make the Mandarin Orange Cake, mix the cake mix, eggs, applesauce, and mandarin oranges. Bake the cake layers. Then, assemble the cake with pineapple frosting.
What variations can I try with the orange cake recipe?
You can add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and flavor. Shredded coconut in the frosting adds a tropical touch. A sweet glaze made with mandarin orange juice and sugar is also a great option.
What makes this orange cake recipe so moist and flavorful?
The cake’s moistness comes from unsweetened applesauce and mandarin orange and pineapple juice. Using canned mandarin oranges or fresh orange segments boosts the citrus flavor.
How do I store the Mandarin Orange Cake?
Store this orange cake in the fridge, covered with cling film or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. Keep the frosted cake and leftovers chilled, as the frosting is best refrigerated.
What other fruity dessert ideas can I try?
Try other fruity desserts like a Fruit Cocktail Cake, Peach Cobbler, Pear Crisp, and Carrot Sheet Cake with a pineapple, coconut, and buttermilk glaze.
