Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe: A Delicious Citrus Dessert

This Mandarin Orange Cake recipe, sometimes known as Pig Pickin’ Cake, is a classic dessert that’s light, flavorful, and packed with citrusy goodness. It’s an easy mandarin orange dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or summer BBQs. Whether you prefer a homemade version or a quicker approach using simple ingredients, this cake will be a hit at every event.

What Makes This Cake Special

It’s an Easy Mandarin Orange Dessert
This cake is simple to make, whether you’re baking from scratch or using a few shortcuts. You can have it ready in no time. Even beginners can succeed with this recipe. The ingredients are easy to find, and the process is straightforward.

Packed with Fresh, Vibrant Flavor
Mandarin oranges bring a fresh, tangy flavor that makes this cake stand out. The cake is moist and full of citrusy notes. For a fresher take, you can use peeled mandarin oranges instead of canned. Even if you stick with canned mandarins, this mandarin cake recipe delivers delicious results every time.

Looking for more citrusy treats? Check out these Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies for a zesty, soft cookie that complements this cake perfectly.

Versatile for Any Occasion
This mandarin orange cake fits any occasion. It’s light and refreshing for summer picnics, and the citrusy flavor makes it a perfect winter dessert as well. The combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple in the frosting gives it a tropical feel, so it’s great year-round.

What is Pig Pickin’ Cake?

You might know this cake as Pig Pickin’ Cake, a Southern classic. Despite its unusual name, this cake contains no pork. The name comes from its popularity at pig roasts, where people “pick” the meat from the roast pig. The cake’s light and fruity nature makes it an ideal dessert for hearty meals. While it’s traditionally a summer dessert, the bright citrus flavors of this mandarin pineapple cake make it a perfect fit for winter holidays, too.

If you’re interested in other seasonal desserts, try this Pumpkin Pie Cake for a taste of fall.

How to Make Mandarin Orange Cake

From Scratch
For those who love homemade desserts, this mandarin cake recipe offers a version made completely from scratch. Fresh mandarin oranges give the cake extra moisture and a brighter flavor. Instead of using a boxed cake mix, you’ll use simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour to create a tender, moist cake. Add a little vanilla for extra depth of flavor.

Semi-Homemade Option
In a hurry? You can still make a delicious mandarin pineapple cake using shortcuts. A boxed yellow cake mix and canned mandarin oranges will save you time. Just remember to include the juice from the mandarins in the cake batter to keep it moist. Skip the instructions on the cake box and follow this recipe to get the perfect texture.

Frosting That Stands Out

The frosting is what makes this mandarin orange cake so special. It’s a creamy blend of whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream) and crushed pineapple. The pineapple adds sweetness and a bit of texture, complementing the citrusy cake perfectly. Some people like to add vanilla pudding mix to the frosting for extra flavor and stability, which helps the frosting stay light and fluffy.

If you prefer a more homemade approach, you can whip your own cream for the frosting. Beat the cream until it forms stiff peaks, then mix in crushed pineapple and powdered sugar. This homemade frosting pairs beautifully with the cake, creating a balance of citrus and sweetness.

Craving more tropical flavors? Try these Coconut Flour Brownies for a healthy, indulgent treat.

Mandarin Orange Cake Tips for Success

• Fresh or Canned Oranges: Using fresh mandarins adds extra moisture and a brighter flavor to the cake. If you’re short on time, canned mandarins work just as well. Be sure to use the juice from the can to add flavor to the batter.
• Pineapple in the Frosting: Don’t skip the pineapple. The crushed fruit adds sweetness and texture that complements the tangy mandarin oranges. Whether you use fresh or canned pineapple, it’s essential for the frosting.
• Bake Ahead for Better Flavor: This cake actually tastes better after a day in the fridge. If possible, make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld overnight.

Looking for more easy dessert ideas? Check out our list of Easy Dessert Recipes for inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use a bundt pan for this cake?
Yes, but bundt cakes need a few adjustments. This recipe works best in a 9×13 pan or as a layer cake for even baking.

Should I drain the mandarin oranges?
No. The juice from the canned mandarins is used to add moisture and flavor to the cake batter.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Be careful not to overbake, as this cake is best when it stays moist.

Mandarin Orange Cake Serving Suggestions

For the best flavor, serve this easy mandarin orange dessert chilled. The cool frosting and moist cake create a refreshing and light dessert experience. Add some extra mandarin slices on top for a beautiful presentation. You can arrange the slices in a star shape or scatter them for a more rustic look. A sprig of rosemary on top adds a festive holiday touch.

If you’re looking for more fall dessert inspiration, try our 30 Easy Fall Desserts for a variety of seasonal treats.

This mandarin orange cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser that works for any season. Whether you’re baking from scratch or using a few shortcuts, this cake will be the highlight of any meal. With its combination of fresh mandarin oranges and creamy pineapple frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for both casual family dinners and special occasions.