A light and airy sponge cake topped with a creamy mandarin filling, this festive dessert brings brightness and freshness to the holiday table. Its soft texture, balanced sweetness, and refreshing citrus flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas Mandarin Cake combines simplicity with elegance. The sponge base is soft and delicate, the cream layer is smooth and luscious, and the sweet-tart mandarin oranges add a vibrant finish. It’s easy to prepare, requires no complicated techniques, and can be made ahead—ideal for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want a refreshing dessert. The optional clear glaze gives it a stunning, glossy finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cake Base
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 120 g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• 120 g flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
Cream
• 500 ml cold cream
• 2 packets cream stiffener
• 300 g sour cream or crème fraîche
• 200 g cream cheese, room temperature
• 120 g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
Optional Decoration
• 1 packet clear cake glaze (transparent tart jelly)
• Extra mandarin slices for topping
Directions
Prepare the Sponge Cake Base
Preheat the oven to 175°C.
Beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula.
Grease a 26 cm springform pan and pour in the batter.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until lightly golden and springy to the touch.
Allow the sponge to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream
Whip the cold cream with the cream stiffener until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream or crème fraîche, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold the whipped cream gently into the cheese mixture.
Add half of the drained mandarin oranges and mix gently to avoid breaking the fruit.
Assemble the Cake
Spread the entire cream mixture evenly over the cooled sponge base.
Arrange the remaining mandarin oranges decoratively on top.
If desired, prepare the clear cake glaze according to package instructions and drizzle it over the mandarins for a glossy finish.
Chill
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3–4 hours, preferably 6 hours, to allow the cream to set and the flavors to meld.
Serve
Slice the cake and serve chilled. You may lightly dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and timing
This cake yields approximately 12 servings.
Prep time: about 30 minutes
Baking time: 18–22 minutes
Chilling time: 3–6 hours
Variations
• Use freshly peeled mandarin segments for a more natural citrus flavor.
• Add a thin layer of mandarin jam over the sponge before spreading the cream for extra fruitiness.
• Replace mandarin oranges with peaches or apricots for a different flavor profile.
• Add finely grated orange zest to the cream mixture for enhanced citrus notes.
• Make it lighter by using low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cream.
Storage/Reheating
• Refrigerate the cake for up to 3 days, covered to prevent drying.
• This cake is not suitable for freezing, as the cream may separate upon thawing.
• Serve chilled; reheating is not recommended.
FAQs
How long does the sponge cake need to cool before adding the cream?
It must cool completely, usually around 1 hour, to prevent the cream from melting.
Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned ones?
Yes, fresh segments work well as long as they are well drained and membranes removed if possible.
Can I replace the cream cheese with mascarpone?
Yes, mascarpone creates a richer, slightly sweeter cream layer.
What can I use if I don’t have cream stiffener?
You can use powdered sugar containing starch or gelatin sheets dissolved according to instructions.
Can I bake the sponge a day ahead?
Yes, wrap it tightly once cooled and store at room temperature until assembling.
Can I skip the clear cake glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional and only adds shine. The cake is delicious without it.
Will the cream mixture be stable without the cream stiffener?
It may be softer; stiffener helps the cream maintain shape, especially for slicing.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, but baking time will vary. A smaller pan yields a thicker sponge; adjust accordingly.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce it slightly, but the texture of the cream and sponge may change.
How do I prevent the sponge from collapsing?
Make sure the eggs are well beaten, avoid overmixing the flour, and do not open the oven during baking.
Conclusion
This Christmas Mandarin Cake is a festive, refreshing dessert that blends airy sponge, silky cream, and juicy citrus for a harmonious holiday treat. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for celebrations and can be prepared ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free and delightful addition to your dessert table. Enjoy its light sweetness and bright mandarin flavor with every slice.
