Few things are as visually stunning and satisfying as an upside-down cake. The concept, dating back to the early 1900s, became widely popular with the introduction of the famous pineapple upside-down cake. Today, we bring a fresh and vibrant twist to this classic dessert by using juicy mandarins, turning an ordinary cake into a citrus lover’s dream. The bright, tangy flavor of mandarins pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery cake, making this recipe perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to festive celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Aesthetic Appeal: The glossy, caramelized mandarin slices make this cake a showstopper.
Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh mandarins, vanilla, and buttery cake creates an irresistible treat.
Simple & No-Fail: This cake is easy to make, even for beginners.
Versatile: Works well with other citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, or even blood oranges.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Base
5-6 mandarins, peeled and either whole or sliced
¼ cup (50g) sugar
2 tbsp butter, melted
For the Cake Batter
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ cup (120ml) milk
½ cup (120ml) yogurt or sour cream
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 mandarin
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease a round cake pan with butter. Sprinkle sugar evenly at the bottom of the pan and arrange the mandarins (either whole or sliced) in a visually appealing pattern. Drizzle the melted butter over the mandarins.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the milk, yogurt (or sour cream), oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and mandarin zest. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gently fold everything together until you have a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged mandarins in the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Flip and Serve
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Then, place a serving plate over the cake pan and quickly flip it over to reveal the beautifully caramelized mandarin topping.
