Mandarin Orange Cake (Moist, Easy, and Crowd-Pleasing)

This mandarin orange cake is soft, moist, and packed with bright citrus flavor. A classic Southern favorite often called pig pickin' cake, it starts with a boxed yellow cake mix and gets a simple upgrade with real butter, mandarin oranges, and a light pineapple whipped topping.

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It is the kind of dessert that works for everything from summer cookouts to holiday dinners. Easy to make, not overly sweet, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You'll Love This Mandarin Orange Cake

• Super moist texture thanks to mandarin oranges baked into the batter
• Semi-homemade and beginner friendly
• Light, tropical flavor from pineapple and citrus
• Great make-ahead dessert for parties
• Serves 15 to 20 people

Key Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix for an easy base
• Mandarin oranges with syrup for moisture and flavor
• Butter and oil for richness and tenderness
• Instant vanilla pudding to stabilize the topping
• Crushed pineapple for tangy balance
• Heavy cream for a light, fluffy frosting

Quick Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix cake mix, mandarin oranges with syrup, eggs, melted butter, oil, and coconut if using until fluffy.

3. Bake the cake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

4. Whip the cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

5. Stir pineapple, pudding mix, and vanilla until thickened, then fold in whipped cream.

6. Spread topping over cooled cake and refrigerate until chilled before serving.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not drain the mandarin oranges
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting
• Chill the cake before serving for cleaner slices
• Add shredded coconut for extra tropical flavor if desired

Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe Card

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