If you’re on the hunt for a cake that bursts with bright, citrusy flavor and carries a delightful moist crumb, you’ve got to try this Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe. This cake is the perfect blend of buttery richness and refreshing mandarin orange zest, making it an irresistible treat that feels like a sunny day on a plate. Every bite delivers a delicious balance of fragrant spices and sweet tang from fresh mandarins, ensuring this bundt cake becomes your new go-to for celebrations or a special everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe starts with a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the cake’s superb texture, flavor, or inviting golden color, ensuring every slice is a little slice of heaven.
- Cooking spray: Needed to generously grease the bundt pan so the cake releases perfectly after baking.
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create that tender crumb every great bundt cake needs.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps with browning for an appetizing crust.
- 3 eggs: Acts as the binding agent and adds to the cake’s moist texture.
- 6 mandarin oranges or clementines, peeled: The star ingredient, giving a fresh citrus punch and natural sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 cup almond flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and makes the cake delightfully tender.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and support to the cake.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps keep the crumb soft and delicate.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise nicely.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Works with baking soda to lighten the cake’s texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds warm, aromatic spice notes that complement the citrus beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle kick of spice enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Deepens the spice character without overpowering the mandarin flavor.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: For the luscious glaze that adds a sweet, smooth finish.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Helps thin the glaze so it can drizzle perfectly over the cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze flavor.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Intensifies that fresh citrus aroma in the glaze and on top of the cake.
How to Make Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, generously coat your bundt pan with cooking spray. This step is crucial since it helps ensure that your gorgeous cake will release easily once baked without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using your mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for at least 30 seconds until it’s smooth and fully combined. This creaming process aerates the butter, giving your cake a light texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture. Beat on medium speed for a full minute so everything comes together into a smooth, fluffy batter. This ensures the eggs are well incorporated, contributing to a tender crumb.
Step 4: Process the Mandarins
Place your peeled mandarin oranges into a blender or food processor and pulse them until they are partially broken down but not completely pureed. This keeps some lovely texture and ensures your cake infuses with fresh citrus flavor throughout.
Step 5: Combine the Mandarins with the Batter
Add the processed mandarins to your butter and egg mixture. Beat again until the citrus is evenly incorporated, spreading that vibrant flavor through every bite of batter.
Step 6: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, ground ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of all spices and leavening agents for flawless texture and flavor.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet batter, beating on low speed and mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want to keep your cake tender and avoid developing too much gluten.
Step 8: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Place it in the oven and bake for roughly 55 minutes, or until the cake is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point will have you eagerly awaiting the moment you can taste it.
Step 9: Cool and Invert
When the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This brief resting period helps the cake set and makes it easier to invert without crumbling. Carefully flip the cake onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before moving on to glazing.
Step 10: Make and Add the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glossy glaze generously over the cooled bundt cake. For extra charm, garnish with dried orange slices, fresh orange zest, or a few sprigs of fragrant herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate its presentation and flavor.
How to Serve Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake looks stunning with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, but for a festive touch, add dried orange slices or fresh herbs like mint or rosemary. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also hint at the vibrant citrus flavor within.
Side Dishes
Pair this Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. Fresh berries or a light citrus salad can provide a fresh contrast, balancing the cake’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake on a beautiful cake stand to make it the centerpiece of your dessert table. For a fun twist, slice into individual wedges and plate with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of toasted almonds or candied orange peel. It’s a sure way to impress guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store your Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful while making it easy to grab a slice whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cake longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve moisture, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For the best experience, enjoy this cake at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This enhances the buttery texture and intensifies that tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use canned mandarin oranges instead of fresh?
While fresh mandarins give the best flavor and texture, you can use canned mandarins in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and pat dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The almond flour already adds a nice nutty texture, so this swap works well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk in the glaze.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the thickest part of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when the cake is done baking.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Before baking, give it a gentle stir and then bake as directed. This can actually enhance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Its combination of citrus brightness, tender crumb, and warm spices brings both comfort and excitement to your dessert table. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a casual afternoon treat, I encourage you to dive into this recipe and savor every delicious bite.
