Introduction:
Mandarin Sour Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy richness of sour cream with the refreshing citrus flavor of mandarins. This cake is soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.
It’s an easy-to-make cake that is sure to impress your guests while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a casual afternoon tea, this cake will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
Zest of 1 mandarin
1/2 cup fresh mandarin juice (about 2 mandarins)
For the Mandarin Glaze:
1/4 cup fresh mandarin juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Zest of 1 mandarin
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This will ensure your cake is light and tender.
Add the eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the mandarin zest and fresh mandarin juice.
Alternate dry ingredients with sour cream: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cake.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze: While the cake is cooling, whisk together the mandarin juice, powdered sugar, and mandarin zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency if necessary, by adding a bit more juice or powdered sugar.
Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the mandarin glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish.
Description:
This Mandarin Sour Cream Cake is an irresistibly moist and fragrant treat. The combination of tangy sour cream and sweet mandarins creates a delicate balance of flavors. The cake’s texture is light and airy, while the fresh mandarin juice and zest in both the cake and glaze provide a zesty citrus kick. This cake is not overly sweet, making it the perfect dessert for those who enjoy a subtle, fruity flavor paired with a creamy, soft texture.
Tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start. This will help everything mix together smoothly.
Mandarin Alternatives: If mandarins aren’t available, you can substitute them with clementines or oranges. The flavor will still be delicious.
Texture Variations: For a richer, denser texture, you can swap half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt. This adds a slight tanginess while maintaining moisture.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make this cake gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Variations:
Mandarin and Almond Cake: Add 1/2 cup of finely ground almonds to the batter for a nuttier flavor and texture.
Mandarin Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a glaze, you can top the cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and mandarin juice.
Mandarin and Chocolate Chip Cake: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist.
Corrections:
Baking Time: Depending on your oven, the cake may take a few more or fewer minutes to bake. Make sure to check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Mandarin Juice: Fresh mandarin juice is key for this recipe. If you’re using bottled juice, be sure it’s 100% pure juice without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.
Enjoy:
Enjoy a slice of this incredibly soft and zesty Mandarin Sour Cream Cake with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Whether served as a light dessert or an afternoon snack, this cake will certainly bring a burst of flavor to your day. Enjoy!