Thank you so much for being here—it truly warms my heart to share these feel-good, fuss-free bakes with you. If you’re after a recipe that’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a cozy café, this is it. This Mandarin Sheet Cake – ready for the oven in just 5 minutes! is the ultimate solution for when you need a sweet treat without the stress.
Perfect for last-minute guests, family gatherings, or a sunny weekend bake, this cake is soft, fruity, and delightfully refreshing. And yes—you can get it into the oven in just 5 minutes. Let’s do this!
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What Is Mandarin Sheet Cake?
This fluffy sheet cake is made with pantry staples and sweet mandarin oranges (either canned or fresh segments), spread across a soft, moist batter that bakes up golden and gorgeous in the oven. It’s a German-inspired classic that’s a hit at birthdays, potlucks, or cozy afternoon coffee breaks. You’ll often find it topped with a simple glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, but honestly—it’s perfect just as it is!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Only 5 minutes of prep – No mixer, no complicated steps!
- Soft and fruity – A tender crumb meets juicy mandarin bursts.
- Great for feeding a crowd – One sheet pan = plenty of happy people.
- Customizable – Add a glaze, whipped cream, or yogurt topping.
- Kid-approved – The sweet citrus flavor is a favorite for all ages.
What Does Mandarin Sheet Cake Taste Like?
This cake is light, airy, and buttery, with juicy bites of mandarin in every slice. The citrus adds a beautiful brightness that balances the sweetness, making it feel fresh rather than heavy. It’s not overly sweet—just the kind of comforting bake that keeps you coming back for “just one more piece.”
Healthier Than It Tastes!
Thanks to the fruit, this cake feels lighter and fresher than traditional butter-heavy bakes. You can also cut back on the sugar, use yogurt instead of oil, or even add whole grain flour for a wholesome twist. It’s proof that simple can be satisfying without being over-the-top.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this beautiful, speedy cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) neutral oil (like sunflower or canola)
- 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 can (10–11 oz / 300–330g) mandarin oranges, drained
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting or a simple glaze
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Standard baking sheet or rectangular cake pan (approx. 9×13 inches)
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ons
- No yogurt? Use sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Make it dairy-free – Swap in coconut yogurt or soy-based alternatives.
- Add zest – A little orange or lemon zest boosts the citrus flavor.
- Top it off – Drizzle with lemon glaze, cream cheese icing, or whipped cream.
- Go gluten-free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How to Make Mandarin Sheet Cake in 5 Minutes
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease or line your baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Fold in the Mandarins
Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges. Some may break up—and that’s perfectly okay! They’ll melt into little pockets of juicy goodness.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar or glaze before serving, if desired.
What to Serve with Mandarin Sheet Cake
- A cup of hot tea – Earl Grey or chamomile pair beautifully.
- Vanilla whipped cream – Light and dreamy!
- A dollop of Greek yogurt – For a less-sweet brunch option.
- Fresh berries – Strawberries and blueberries are great alongside.
Tips for Cake Success
- Don’t overmix the batter – Stir until just combined for a tender crumb.
- Drain mandarins well – Too much liquid will weigh the batter down.
- Check for doneness – Every oven is different! A golden top and clean toothpick are your best guides.
- Cool completely before glazing – If you’re adding a topping, let the cake cool to room temp so nothing melts off.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and serve as usual.
General Info
Mandarin Sheet Cake (or Mandarinen-Blechkuchen) is a beloved recipe in many German households, known for being fast, fluffy, and family-friendly. It’s the kind of cake you can whip up without a second thought, which makes it perfect for busy weekdays and relaxing weekends alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh mandarins?
Yes! Just peel and segment them, removing as much white pith as possible. You may want to use slightly less than a full can’s worth to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this cake in a round pan?
Definitely. A 9-inch round cake pan works fine—just adjust the baking time slightly and check for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, this cake keeps very well and can be made the day before. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled.
In Conclusion
This Mandarin Sheet Cake – ready for the oven in just 5 minutes! is the kind of recipe we all need in our back pocket. It’s quick, easy, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or just to treat yourself, this cake delivers joy in every slice.
Want more fruity, fuss-free bakes? Try these next:
- Easy Apple Sheet Cake
- Peach Yogurt Breakfast Cake
- Lemon Ricotta Loaf
Let’s Bake Together!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your beautiful bakes! Share a photo on Pinterest, leave a review, or tag me—let’s spread the sweet vibes together 💛
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx. based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Exact values may vary depending on your ingredients.