Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

5 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar (300 grams)
3 mandarins
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (180 grams)
1 cup chopped nuts (100 grams)
3 cups all-purpose flour (350-400 grams)
2 teaspoons baking powder

Cream Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (200 grams)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2 grams)
2 mandarins
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (100 grams)

Decoration

Zest of 1 mandarin
Chopped cake pieces for topping

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by whisking 5 large eggs with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter into the egg mixture and combine until smooth.

In a blender, puree 3 mandarins with their skins and mix them into the egg mixture gently.

Then, sift in 3 cups of all-purpose flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder before folding everything together until just combined.

Step 2

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and spread it evenly.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Step 3

Make the Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature until creamy.

Gradually add in the can of sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat until combined.

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, followed by the finely chopped 2 mandarins. Make sure to add the juice from these mandarins to the cream for extra flavor and moisture.

Finally, mix in 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts until well incorporated.

Step 4

Prepare the Soaking Syrup

In a small bowl, combine the juice of 3 mandarins, 2 teaspoons of sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir well to blend.

Step 5

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, carefully slice it into layers.

Using a brush, soak the layers with the prepared syrup to keep them moist.

Spread a generous amount of the cream between the layers, and add more cream on top and around the sides of the cake.

Step 6

Decorate and Serve

For decoration, sprinkle chopped cake pieces around the edges and top it off with the zest of 1 mandarin.

This will not only enhance the look but also add a nice citrus aroma. Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature and enjoy this delightful mandarin treat!

Servings

When it comes to **serving suggestions**, the possibilities are endless with this delightful Mandarins Cake! 🌟 For a festive feel, consider decorating each slice with a sprinkle of crushed nuts and a twist of mandarin peel. The contrast of textures will be as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate! If you’re hosting a gathering, serve slices on elegant plates alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic touch. 🍦 The creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the zesty citrus flavor of the cake, making each bite a true delight! Feeling a bit adventurous? Try drizzling a homemade citrus glaze over the top. Made from freshly squeezed mandarin juice mixed with powdered sugar, it’ll give your cake that extra oomph and **make it shine**! ✨ And of course, don’t forget to enjoy a slice with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. ☕ **Each bite of this cake will remind you of sunny days and sweet memories!**

Equipment

Variations

Looking to **switch it up** a little? Here are **gluten-free** and **vegan variations** for this delightful Mandarins Cake! 🌿 For a **gluten-free** option, simply replace regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Your cake will still be fluffy and scrumptious! If you prefer a **vegan** option, substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = one egg). Use a dairy-free butter alternative instead of regular butter, and choose a plant-based cream for the frosting. This way, you can enjoy the same amazing flavors while keeping it plant-based! 🌱 Be bold and creative, and let your taste buds guide you! **Each variation brings its own unique touch while honoring the deliciousness of mandarins.** 🍊

Faq

  • Can I use other citrus fruits instead of mandarins?

    Absolutely! Oranges, tangerines, or even lemons can be delightful substitutes. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly!

  • Why is my cake not rising properly?

    There are a few reasons! Ensure your baking powder isn’t expired, and that you’ve properly whisked the ingredients. Sometimes, overmixing can cause the cake to be dense, so stir gently!

  • Can I make this cake in advance?

    Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge or freezer. Just assemble it right before serving!

  • What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

    No worries! You can still achieve fluffy results by whisking the eggs and sugar vigorously by hand. It might take a bit more effort, but it’s possible!

  • How can I store leftovers?

    Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick treat later on!

  • Can I add more fruit to the cake?

    Definitely! Chopped nuts or additional fresh fruit like blueberries can elevate the flavor and texture of your cake. Just be mindful not to overload it!

Nutrition facts

Mandarin Cake for Festive Celebrations
Recipe Yield:12 servings
Calories:Approximately 350-450 calories per serving depending on the size and specific ingredients used.
Calories (Min - Max):350 - 450
Total Fat:25g
Saturated Fat:15g
Protein:6g
Total Carbohydrate:40g
Total Sugars:25g