Quick & Easy Jamie Oliver Chocolate Mandarin Cake Recipe

Chocolate mandarin cake brings together two sensational flavors that dance delightfully on your palate.

Sweet citrus notes weave through rich, decadent chocolate creating an unexpected culinary symphony.

Such magical combinations transform ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Every slice promises a remarkable journey of taste and texture.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake breaks traditional dessert boundaries with its innovative blend.

The recipe marries classic comfort with modern culinary creativity.

Prepare to indulge in a luxurious treat that celebrates delicious contrasts: Get ready!

Why Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Mandarin Cake Feels Fancy

• Burst of Citrusy Chocolate Delight: This cake combines rich chocolate with bright mandarin flavors, creating a surprisingly refreshing and indulgent dessert that dances on your taste buds.
• Super Quick and Easy Baking: With just 20 minutes of baking time and simple food processor mixing, even novice bakers can whip up this impressive cake without stress or complicated techniques.
• Luxurious Texture Explosion: The moist chocolate base paired with creamy buttercream and juicy mandarin segments delivers a multi-layered sensory experience that feels both elegant and comforting.
• Versatile Celebration Showstopper: Perfect for casual family gatherings, afternoon tea, or fancy dinner parties, this cake transitions beautifully between different social occasions with its sophisticated yet approachable design.

Core Ingredients for a Chocolate Mandarin Cake

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides moisture and flavor for the cake.
• Icing Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a smooth, light texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that gives structure and helps the cake rise.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and rich brown color to the cake.

• Mandarin Oranges: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Mandarin Juice: Adds extra citrus tang and helps enhance the cake's moisture.

• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the buttercream.
• Icing Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the buttercream frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy flavor and creamy texture to the frosting.

Quick Steps for a Mandarin-Spiked Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray

Warm up the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 25cm x 30cm baking tray and line with slightly damp parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

• Butter
• Icing sugar
• Eggs
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Cocoa powder
• Mandarin juice

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Ensure no lumps remain for a perfect texture.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

• Butter
• Icing sugar
• Cream cheese
• Mandarin juice (optional)

Whip the butter and icing sugar in the food processor until light and fluffy. Gently fold in the cream cheese. Add a splash of mandarin juice if the mixture needs extra moisture.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate the Cake

Cut the cooled cake into 2 flat rectangles. Spread buttercream on the first layer. Arrange mandarin segments across the surface. Place the second cake layer on top. Trim edges if desired. Cover the top with remaining buttercream and dust lightly with cocoa powder for a elegant finish.

Pro Tips for Citrus-Infused Chocolate

• Pick Prime Mandarins: Grab fruits bursting with vibrant color and zero bruises for explosive citrus punch.
• Balance Butter Brilliance: Allow butter to soften naturally at room temperature, creating silky smooth mixing magic.
• Combat Cake Clinging: Protect pan edges with parchment paper and generous butter coating for seamless cake release.
• Master Cocoa Measuring: Use flat knife edge to level cocoa powder, guaranteeing perfect cake density every time.
• Decode Baking Perfection: Clean skewer signals cake readiness – no wet batter means baking success awaits.
• Stabilize Frosting Flow: Quick refrigerator rest transforms soft buttercream into spreadable deliciousness.
• Slice With Precision: Sharp serrated knife creates uniform cake layers for stunning visual and textural harmony.
• Control Citrus Wetness: Gently blot mandarin segments to eliminate excess liquid, preventing soggy layer disasters.
• Dust Delicately: Soft sieve transforms cocoa powder into elegant, featherlight decoration across buttercream surface.
• Preserve Cake Freshness: Sealed container keeps cake moist and delectable for maximum enjoyment duration.

Storage Suggestions for Chocolate Mandarin Cake

• Air-Tight Container Method: Shield your cake's moisture and flavor by storing it in a high-quality, hermetically sealed container with a secure lid. Choose containers made of glass or hard plastic that completely block air exposure and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Layered Wrapping Technique: Create a protective barrier by first wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then adding a layer of aluminum foil for extra insulation. This double-protection approach prevents freezer burn and maintains the cake's delicate texture and rich chocolate mandarin taste.
• Portioning Strategy: Slice the cake before freezing to enable convenient individual servings. Separate each slice with parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag, allowing quick thawing and minimal waste. Label the bag with the date to track storage time and ensure optimal freshness.

Variants on Jamie Oliver’s Choc Mandarin Cake

• Zesty Orange Chocolate Cake: Replace mandarin segments with fresh orange zest and juice for a brighter citrus flavor profile. Add orange extract to enhance the citrusy notes in both cake and frosting.
• Dark Chocolate Tangerine Edition: Swap cocoa powder for rich dark chocolate and use tangerine segments instead of mandarins. Incorporate ground almonds for extra moisture and depth.
• Gluten-Free Citrus Chocolate Delight: Substitute wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for a lighter, allergen-friendly version of the original cake.
• Boozy Chocolate Mandarin Cake: Infuse the buttercream with a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur. Drizzle the cake layers with orange-flavored rum before assembling for an adult-friendly dessert option.

Looking Back at Chocolate Mandarin Cake

Mandarin chocolate cake masterpieces emerge when classic techniques meet citrus charm.

Jamie Oliver’s recipe transforms humble ingredients into culinary magic.

Mediterranean sunshine dances through each delicate slice of this chocolate creation.

Complex flavor profiles meld butter’s richness with mandarin’s bright zest.

Chocolate layers whisper sophisticated dessert stories waiting to be savored.

Passionate bakers will discover pure joy decorating this elegant cake that promises sensational taste experiences – share this recipe, spark conversation, inspire kitchen adventures among friends who crave delightful sweet sensations.

Jamie Oliver Chocolate Mandarin Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate meets zesty mandarin in this irresistible Jamie Oliver dessert. Moist layers infused with citrus notes promise a luxurious experience that delights taste buds and sparks joy with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 450 grams (1 pound) soft unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
• 250 grams self-raising flour
• 650 grams icing sugar
• 4 large eggs

Flavor & Texture Enhancers:

• 75 grams cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Filling and Garnish:

• 150 grams light cream cheese
• 1 × 300 grams tin of mandarin segments in juice

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 25cm x 30cm (10-inch x 12-inch) baking tray by lightly greasing it and lining with parchment paper, ensuring the paper is slightly damp to help it stick smoothly.
2. Combine 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of softened butter and equal amount of powdered sugar in a food processor. Incorporate whole eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 50 grams (1.8 ounces) of cocoa powder into the mixture. Add a small amount of liquid from the mandarin orange tin and blend until the batter becomes completely smooth and uniform.
3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking tray, using a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean. Allow the cake to rest in the tray for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire cooling rack.
4. Create the buttercream frosting by processing the remaining 200 grams (7 ounces) of butter with 400 grams (14 ounces) of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gently fold in cream cheese and a splash of mandarin juice to enhance the flavor if desired.
5. Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it into two equal rectangular layers. Spread one-third of the buttercream evenly across the first layer, then delicately arrange mandarin orange segments on top. Carefully position the second cake layer over the first. Optionally trim the edges for a neater appearance. Finish by decorating the top with remaining buttercream and a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Notes

• Select ripe, juicy mandarins bursting with vibrant citrus essence to elevate the dessert’s flavor profile.
• Cool cake on wire rack to maintain perfect sponge texture and prevent soggy bottom.
• Blend ingredients in food processor for silky-smooth batter without pesky lumps.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure seamless mixing and consistent cake texture.
• Trim cake edges for a professional, clean presentation that wows your guests.
• Make ahead and store in airtight container to lock in moisture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg