Ambrosia Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

Ambrosia Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the sweetness of mandarin oranges with a tender yellow cake base. Its light citrus flavor makes it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, offering a delightful treat that's both simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

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Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines)

Instructions

  1. Mix eggs, water, oil, mandarin oranges, and cake mix in a large bowl; beat for 2 minutes.
  2. Pour batter into a 13 x 9-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover with your preferred topping.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of almond extract to the batter. If you want to lighten the cake, you can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. Feel free to fold in shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture, making it a delightful twist on traditional ambrosia flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Wilderness Ice Cream for a delightful dessert experience. For a refreshing twist, serve with fresh fruit like berries or a side of whipped cream. It also makes a great brunch item alongside dishes like Strawberry & Banana Stuffed French Toast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Ambrosia Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold, as the flavors meld beautifully over time.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ambrosia Cake contains roughly 460 calories, with 3g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 28g fat.

460 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 28.3g 36% DV
Carbs 49.9g 18% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 3.9g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 237.4mg 10% DV
Potassium 197.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 77.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 5.1mg 6% DV
Calcium 111.9mg 9% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like orange or lemon cake mix for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile of the cake.

How can I make this cake more visually appealing?

To enhance the presentation, consider topping the cake with whipped cream and garnishing it with additional mandarin orange slices or a sprinkle of toasted coconut. This not only adds color but also complements the flavors beautifully.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Ambrosia Cake is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. However, ensure that the cake mix and any toppings you choose also adhere to vegetarian standards.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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