Cotton Picking Good Cake
A moist, flavorful cake with mandarin oranges and pecans, perfect for celebrations or teatime, offering a delightful citrus and nut combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the cake mix, eggs, oil, and juice of mandarin oranges until well combined.
- Fold in diced mandarin oranges and pecans.
- Divide the batter into three pans and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, make sure to beat the cake mix, eggs, and oil thoroughly before adding the mandarin oranges. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. For added flavor, consider sprinkling some cinnamon into the batter. Using fresh oranges instead of canned can enhance the taste, but you'll need to add sugar to balance the acidity.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with *Fruit Cheese Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a nice touch. For a complete meal, consider serving it after a hearty dish like Beef-Eggplant Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. This cake is also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cotton Picking Good Cake contains roughly 1549 calories, with 6g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can substitute the Butter Recipe mix with a yellow or vanilla cake mix. However, the flavor and moisture might slightly differ. If using a cake mix with different baking instructions, adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure the cake is cooked through.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make the cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the traditional Butter Recipe mix. Additionally, ensure that your pecans are labeled gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other fruits to this cake?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits such as crushed pineapple or chopped bananas for additional flavor. Just make sure to adjust the liquid content slightly if you add more fruit, as this can affect the cake's consistency.
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).