This Mandarin Orange Cake recipe is perfect for busy moms who want to create a delicious and impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a cake mix as the base, this recipe simplifies the baking process while still delivering a fresh and flavorful treat.

The combination of mandarin oranges and a creamy frosting makes this cake a hit for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special treat for your loved ones.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, undrained
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 mandarins

For the Frosting:

• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 mandarin

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
• Add the mandarin oranges, including the juice, and the mandarin zest to the batter. Gently fold in the oranges until evenly distributed.

3. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Frosting:

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and crushed pineapple (including the juice). Mix until well combined.
• Fold in the whipped topping, vanilla extract, and mandarin zest until the frosting is smooth and evenly mixed.

5. Frost the Cake:

• Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

6. Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
• Cut into squares and enjoy your unique Mandarin Orange Cake!
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Tips:

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter.
• Garnish the cake with extra mandarin orange segments or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a decorative touch.