Christmas Mandarin Cake
A delightful cake bursting with the cheerful flavor of fresh mandarins, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh mandarins, peeled and segmented (about 4-5 mandarins)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor
- Zest of 1 mandarin zest of 1 mandarin for that extra zing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mandarin segments, vanilla extract, and mandarin zest.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan or your favorite bundt pan.
Baking
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Can substitute mandarins with oranges or tangerines. Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and mandarin juice over the cooled cake for additional flavor. This cake can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.