This Glazed Mandarin Cake is a beautifully moist and flavorful dessert that captures the essence of mandarin oranges. With a tender crumb infused with fresh mandarin zest and a rich, syrupy mandarin glaze, this cake is a true celebration of citrus. The final touch of a glossy, lemon-infused icing adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it an irresistible treat for any citrus lover.
Why You'll Love This
The combination of mandarin zest in the batter and the syrupy mandarin glaze ensures that every bite of this cake is bursting with fresh, citrusy flavor. The texture is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the careful incorporation of ingredients and the enveloping mixing technique used. The glaze not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also keeps the cake moist and delicious for days. The lemony icing provides a delightful contrast, both in flavor and texture, making this cake a sophisticated option for dessert lovers.
Perfect Occasion
This Mandarin Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual brunches to more formal tea parties. It's especially suitable for celebrations during the spring and summer when the brightness of citrus flavors can be fully appreciated. Serve it at a family gathering, a special afternoon tea, or even as a festive treat during holiday celebrations. Its elegant appearance and refreshing taste will surely be a hit.
Decoration Tips
To enhance the visual appeal of the cake, consider adding some candied mandarin slices on top before the icing sets. You can also sprinkle some finely grated mandarin zest over the icing for a pop of color and an extra burst of citrus aroma. For a more decorative touch, arrange thin mandarin segments in a circular pattern on top, creating a beautiful and edible decoration.
Ingredients:
- 180g sugar
- 160cc neutral oil (such as sunflower oil)
- Zest of 1 mandarin
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Syrup:
- 150cc mandarin juice
- 2 large tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons sugar
For the Icing:
- 200g icing sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F) and grease an 18 cm diameter cake mold.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar with the mandarin zest. Add the oil and mix thoroughly for 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together and fold into the mixture in two batches, using a spatula to mix gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared mold and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- For the syrup, combine mandarin juice, honey, and sugar in a small pot and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Let cool slightly and stir in an additional tablespoon of honey.
- Once the cake is baked, remove from the oven, demold, and gradually brush with the syrup, allowing it to absorb completely.
- For the icing, beat the egg white with lemon juice until frothy. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is firm and glossy. If needed, adjust the consistency with a few drops of water. Heat over a double boiler for 10 minutes until very warm, then quickly apply to the cake.
- Allow the icing to set before serving.
Enjoy this delightful Glazed Mandarin Cake, a refreshing treat that brings a burst of citrus joy to any occasion!