Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a cake that’s bursting with bright, citrusy flavor and wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb, your quest ends here. This Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper that combines the sweet juiciness of fresh mandarin oranges with warm spices and a luscious glaze. Each bite feels like a delightful celebration, perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to impressing guests at a special brunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to desserts that brightens any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together in this Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role: butter and sugar build richness and sweetness, fresh mandarins lend vibrant citrus notes, almond flour adds subtle nuttiness and moisture, and the carefully selected spices give a warm, comforting depth.

• Cooking spray: Essential for greasing the bundt pan to ensure your cake releases smoothly.
• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened: Provides richness and a velvety crumb texture.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Balances the citrus tartness with sweetness.
• 3 eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise beautifully.
• 6 mandarin oranges or clementines, peeled (seeds removed): Fresh and juicy, these infuse the cake with bright citrus flavor and moisture.
• 1 cup almond flour: Adds a delicate nuttiness and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake’s structure.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Lightens the texture for a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly with a tender crumb.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides extra lift for fluffy softness.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a slight zing that pairs beautifully with orange.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Contributes cozy spice notes.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance.
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: For the glaze’s sweetness and silky finish.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Helps make the glaze smooth and pourable.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic depth to the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon orange zest: Boosts the citrus punch in the finishing glaze.

How to Make Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once heated, generously coat your bundt pan with cooking spray. This step is key to ensuring that your beautifully baked cake slips out effortlessly later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together on medium speed for at least 30 seconds until fully combined and creamy. This combination creates a light base for your cake, trapping air that helps the cake rise.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating on medium speed for about one minute. Eggs add structure and moisture, and incorporating them well ensures an even, tender crumb.

Step 4: Break Down the Mandarins

Place your peeled mandarin oranges or clementines into a blender or food processor and pulse just enough to partially break them down. You want some texture left to keep bursts of juicy citrus in every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the pulsed mandarins to the butter mixture and beat just until combined. This step infuses the batter with that irresistible fresh citrus flavor.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt. This blend of flours and spices is what will give your cake a perfect balance of texture and warmth.

Step 7: Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so stop as soon as everything is incorporated.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for about 55 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time lets the flavors meld beautifully while delivering a moist texture.

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 so it doesn’t melt away and becomes beautifully glossy.

Step 10: Prepare and Add the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and combined. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled cake. For a finishing touch, garnish with dried orange slices, fresh orange zest, or herbs like mint or thyme for extra color and aroma.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully, but I love adding dried mandarin slices, a sprinkle of fresh orange zest, or even some fresh herbs like rosemary or mint. These garnishes elevate the look and complement the cake’s vibrant flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake is delightful served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For brunch, pair it with fresh fruit salad or a creamy citrus yogurt dip to balance the spice and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe into a stunning centerpiece by serving slices alongside edible flowers or layering with thin slices of fresh mandarin oranges on the plate. You could also drizzle extra glaze tableside for a sense of occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture. If your kitchen feels warm, it’s best to refrigerate and bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the entire cake or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and re-glaze if needed to refresh the finish.

Reheating

For best flavor, warm a slice gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let it sit at room temperature before serving. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness we all love.

FAQs

Can I use canned mandarin oranges instead of fresh?

While fresh mandarins provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned mandarins if needed. Just make sure they are well-drained and patted dry to avoid extra moisture affecting the cake’s texture.

Is almond flour necessary for this cake?

Almond flour adds a lovely moistness and flavor depth, but you can substitute with extra all-purpose flour if you have an almond allergy. The cake might be slightly less tender but still delicious.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

How long should I let the mandarin orange bundt cake cool before glazing?

Let the cake cool completely, about an hour, before applying the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures it sets with a nice sheen.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch, and dried cranberries or golden raisins can enhance the fruity dimension. Fold them in with the dry ingredients before mixing into the batter.

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake Recipe captures a bright, irresistible flavor with comforting spices that feel like a warm hug baked into every slice. It’s a wonderfully simple yet sophisticated dessert that can brighten up your dessert table any time of year. I encourage you to try it soon and share the joy it brings with family and friends—you might just find your new favorite cake.

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