🍊 Easy Made Mandarin Orange Cake – Moist, Citrus-Infused

mandarin orange cake ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from cake lovers and citrus enthusiasts)
🍰 Moist | 🍊 Zesty | 🧡 Crowd-Pleasing

If you’ve ever wanted a cake that’s light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor, Mandarin Orange Cake is your go-to dessert. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly moist, this cake is ideal for birthdays, brunches, or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Perfect for sharing with family, gifting, or just enjoying a slice (or two!) yourself.

Why You’ll Love Mandarin Orange Cake

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 8–10 slices
💰 Budget-Friendly: Around $8
✨ Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and lightly citrusy
🧡 Perfect For: Tea time, dessert tables, brunch, or celebrations

Ingredients – Fresh and Flavorful

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 small box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
• ½ cup mandarin orange juice (reserve from can)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp mandarin orange juice

How to Make Mandarin Orange Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

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

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, mandarin oranges, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add cake mix and instant pudding mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Optional Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of reserved orange juice. Drizzle over warm cake for an extra citrusy punch.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Ideas for Mandarin Orange Cake

• With a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Garnished with fresh mandarin slices or zest
• Perfect for brunch, tea parties, or potlucks
• Cut into small squares for party platters

What Everyone’s Saying About Mandarin Orange Cake

“So moist and light! The citrus flavor is perfect—not too sweet, just right.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Laura M.

“I made this for my family, and it disappeared in one night. Amazing!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Kevin T.

“Easy, flavorful, and my new go-to cake recipe for celebrations.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Priya S.

Mandarin Orange Cake – Light, Citrus-Sweet, and Moist

This Mandarin Orange Cake is a bright, tender cake packed with fresh mandarin flavor. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, it’s moist, fluffy, and lightly sweetened with a hint of citrus. Add a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of indulgence!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
• 1 small can 11 oz mandarin oranges, drained and chopped
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 –3 tbsp mandarin juice from the can or fresh

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Wire rack

Method

 

Preheat oven

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

Prepare the batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, drained and chopped mandarin oranges, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fully combined.

Bake the cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack or serve directly from the pan.

Optional glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and mandarin juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a glossy, citrusy finish.

Serve

1. Slice into squares and enjoy as a light, refreshing dessert.

Notes

For extra flavor, fold in ½ cup shredded coconut or chopped nuts.

The glaze is optional, but it adds a lovely citrusy sweetness.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

FAQ – Mandarin Orange Cake

This Mandarin Orange Cake is moist, citrusy, and bursting with flavor — perfect for dessert lovers looking for something fruity yet indulgent. For another fun, sweet treat, try these Easy Apple OREO Balls, a quick and playful dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends.