Four-Quarter Mandarin Cake Recipe
This moist and flavorful mandarin cake is a delightful twist on the classic “quatre-quarts” (four-quarters) French cake. The sweet and tangy citrus flavor pairs perfectly with its buttery richness, making it a great dessert or snack with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
For a 9-inch round or loaf cake pan:
Cake Batter:
- 4 large eggs
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 200g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 3 mandarins
- Juice of 2 mandarins (approximately 1/3 cup)
Mandarin Glaze (optional):
- Juice of 1 mandarin
- 60g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
For Decoration:
- Segments of fresh mandarin (optional)
- Light dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Measure all ingredients carefully. For perfect texture, ensure the butter is melted but not hot, and the eggs are at room temperature.
Step 2: Create the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This aeration is key to the cake’s texture.
- Gradually add the melted butter in a steady stream while whisking to combine.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no streaks of flour remain.
- Add the mandarin zest and juice. Fold gently until fully incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
- While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar and mandarin juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar (for thickness) or juice (to thin it).
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
- If using the glaze, pour it evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- Arrange fresh mandarin segments on top, if desired, for added visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
- Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a professional touch.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with:
- A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche.
- A scoop of vanilla or mandarin sorbet.
- A pot of freshly brewed tea or coffee.
Tips and Variations
- Mandarin Substitutes: If mandarins aren’t available, oranges or clementines work just as well.
- Add Nuts: Chopped almonds or pistachios folded into the batter add a delightful crunch.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Enhance the Citrus Flavor: Add a splash of mandarin or orange extract to the batter for an extra citrus punch.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
The Four-Quarter Mandarin Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a testament to the simplicity and elegance of baking. The mandarin zest and juice bring a burst of freshness, while the buttery richness and light crumb of the classic quatre-quarts recipe make it irresistibly tender. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or a celebratory treat, this cake is sure to delight.
Enjoy baking and savor every slice of this citrusy goodness!
