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A plate of cut up mandarin orange cake squares dusted with powdered sugar and surrounded by mandarin oranges

Mandarin Orange Cake

Mandarin Orange Cake is a soft, moist and one bowl cake that's infused with orange flavors. It's a fool proof cake recipe that's so comforting and delicious!

Course baking, cake, Dessert, Fall Baking
Cuisine American
Keyword baking, cake, cake recipe, mandarin orange, mandarin orange cake, mandarin orange recipes, one bowl baking, Orange Cake, orange cake recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 squares
Calories 263 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 mandarin oranges zested
  • 1 Mandarin orange juiced--about 3 tbsps
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup Yogurt
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, add all ingredients together.

    All ingredients are added together in one bowl

  3. Use a whisk to mix in all the batter, while keeping some lumps.

    A whisk whisking in the batter into the same bowl.

  4. Pour the batter in to the prepared cake pan.

    The mandarin orange cake batter poured into a square baking dish

  5. Bake (middle rack) for about 30 minutes ( always check 5 minutes before or after depending on the pan size you chose) until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

    The mandarin orange cake right out of the oven, golden brown and baked

  6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

  7. Dust with confectioner sugar and serve.

    A piece of bitten up mandarin orange cake on a wooden board

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Mandarin Orange Cake Tips and FAQ

  1. Preheat your oven before starting to make the cake, as it takes 10 minutes to mix together and the batter is ready.
  2. One bowl and one whisk is all you need--don't try to aim for a smooth batter. Lumps are encouraged.
  3. The amount of orange zest is up t you--feel free to double it for maximum flavor! 
  4. Use any type of citrus you'd like or even a combo of.
  5. The cake is baked in an 8 inch square pan, however you can bake it an 8-9 inch circle pan as well. 
  6. You may also double the ingredients for a layered cake.
  7. Feel free to add in nuts, coconut or any of your favorite cake additions.
  8. This cake stays moist for days because of the yogurt, oil and eggs ratio. Just cover it well and keep it at room temperature.
  9. A similar variety of this cake is called Pig Pickin' Cake--which involves a pineapple frosting.

What is Pig Pickin' Cake?

It's a Southern classic which is often also called Mandarin orange cake, and it's mainly served with pig roasts. It's served with pineapple frosting for a refreshing twist to the orange.

What is the difference between mandarins and clementines?

Mandarins are slightly wider than clementines and easier to peel. Their flavors are similar, and both are available all winter long. 

Nutrition Facts
Mandarin Orange Cake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 263 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 44mg15%
Sodium 53mg2%
Potassium 173mg5%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 229IU5%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 71mg7%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.