Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor and tender crumb, this Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe is an absolute game changer. The natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh mandarin oranges infuse the cake with a vibrant, refreshing taste, while the warm spices add depth and complexity. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something delightful to share with friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into a show-stopping, beautifully glazed bundt cake that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe lies in its perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the soft texture to delivering zesty citrus notes and warm spice undertones that complement the sweetness.

• Cooking spray: Essential for greasing the bundt pan to ensure your cake releases effortlessly after baking.
• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, making the cake buttery and tender.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a fine crumb.
• 3 eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• 6 mandarin oranges or clementines, peeled (seeds removed): The star of the show, adding bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness.
• 1 cup almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and moist texture.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake and provides it with body.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Lightens the texture for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cake, helping it rise beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for optimal lift.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds warm, aromatic depth without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: A gentle zing that complements the citrus.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Introduces cozy, nutty spice undertones.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: For the glaze, adding a smooth, sweet finish.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Helps create a luscious glaze texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the glaze’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon orange zest: Intensifies the fresh citrus notes in the glaze.

How to Make Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, generously coat your bundt pan with cooking spray. This step ensures that once baked, the cake will come out smoothly without sticking to the sides.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat them together on medium speed for about 30 seconds until fully blended and fluffy. This process aerates your batter, essential for a light cake texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, continuing to beat on medium speed for about one minute. This helps to emulsify the eggs into the batter, ensuring a smooth base ready to carry the mandarins and dry ingredients.

Step 4: Puree the Mandarins

In a blender or food processor, pulse the peeled mandarin oranges until partially broken down but not completely liquefied. This maintains some texture and pulp, adding moisture and fresh bursts of citrus throughout the cake.

Step 5: Combine Mandarins and Wet Ingredients

Mix the mandarin puree into your creamed butter and egg mixture. Beat until everything is evenly incorporated, creating a beautifully moist and fragrant batter base.

Step 6: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt. This step ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 7: Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cake tender and soft rather than dense.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for about 55 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This golden crust seals in that wonderful moistness inside.

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent melting and soaking.

Step 10: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and slightly thickened. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful and tasty finish.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by garnishing the glazed bundt cake with thin dried orange slices, fresh mint leaves, or even a sprinkle of edible flowers. These earn you extra “wow” factor while enhancing the citrus theme visually and aromatically.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, balancing the tangy orange notes. A cup of freshly brewed tea or a sparkling citrus punch can round out your dessert offering beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, consider layering the Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe with cream cheese frosting between slices or serving individual slices with drizzles of honey and toasted almonds. You can also transform leftovers into delightful cake trifle parfaits with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist texture while preventing it from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. The cake will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and glaze just before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until just heated through. This restores the tender crumb and enhances the mandarin aroma, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned mandarin oranges instead of fresh?

Fresh mandarins provide the best natural flavor and texture, but if you must use canned, opt for mandarin segments packed in juice (not syrup), drain them well, and pulse dry to reduce moisture for best results.

Is almond flour necessary in this recipe?

Almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness and moist crumb, but you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour if needed, though the texture and flavor might be slightly different.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be mindful of the almond flour to keep the texture moist.

How long does this cake keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend it to 5 days but might slightly firm the texture.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts complement the spices nicely, and dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely chewiness. Just fold them in gently at the end of mixing.

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that brightens any gathering with its lively flavors and lovely texture. It’s simple enough for any baker to tackle yet impressive enough to impress everyone at the table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself baking it again and again!

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