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A close up of a light and airy mandarin orange cake with a smooth whipped topping.

Cake Minimal

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5 from 11 reviews

Description

A sophisticated and airy small-batch dessert that balances the bright acidity of mandarin oranges with a stabilized tropical pineapple whipped topping. This refined recipe uses applesauce and egg whites to create a moist, light crumb without the weight of traditional oils.

Ingredients

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, undrained
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 package (1 oz) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 container (8 oz) reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with a fine mist of cooking spray.
  2. In a large glass bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, the entire can of mandarin oranges with their syrup, egg whites, and unsweetened applesauce.
  3. Using a mixer on low speed, beat the batter for exactly 2 minutes until the oranges are broken into small fragments and the mixture is well incorporated.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with an offset spatula, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges pull away from the pan.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature.
  6. In a clean bowl, stir together the undrained crushed pineapple and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix until the mixture thickens.
  7. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pineapple mixture using a sweeping motion with a silicone spatula to maintain its airy volume.
  8. Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set firmly.

Notes

To ensure the most pristine aesthetic, always chill your mixing bowl before folding the whipped topping and use a hot, clean knife for each slice. This cake develops a deeper moisture profile if prepared a day in advance, making it an excellent choice for entertaining.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cakehalf.com/cake-minimal/