This Mandarin Orange Loaf Cake is a moist, tender, and vibrantly flavored cake infused with the bright, sweet-tart notes of mandarin oranges. The recipe utilizes both the juice and the segments of mandarin oranges, creating a cake that is bursting with citrusy goodness. The inclusion of eggs contributes to its rich texture, while a light dusting of powdered sugar often provides a simple yet elegant finish. This loaf cake is easy to prepare and offers a refreshing alternative to traditional cakes, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, a light dessert, or a flavorful snack. The natural moisture from the oranges ensures the cake remains tender for days, and its delightful aroma fills the kitchen during baking.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange juice (freshly squeezed or from a can)
- Zest of 1 large mandarin orange
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, well-drained (fresh or from a can)
- Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender cake.
- Beat in Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mandarin orange juice and mandarin orange zest.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients (butter-sugar mixture), alternating with the mandarin orange juice mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and make the cake tough.
- Fold in Mandarin Orange Segments: Gently fold in the well-drained mandarin orange segments into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
- Cool in Pan: Let the cake cool in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling it in the pan first helps prevent it from breaking apart.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Once the cake is completely cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the mandarin orange loaf cake and serve. It’s delicious on its own or can be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a light glaze made with powdered sugar and a little extra mandarin orange juice.
Tips and Notes:
- Mandarin Orange Quality: Use fresh, ripe mandarins for the best flavor. If using canned mandarins, ensure they are well-drained to avoid a soggy cake.
- Zest Carefully: When zesting the mandarin orange, be sure to only grate the colored outer layer and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cake is fully cooled before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
- Glaze Variation: For a simple glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of mandarin orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Storage: Store leftover mandarin orange loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer storage (up to a week).
Enjoy this bright and flavorful Mandarin Orange Loaf Cake!