Mandarin Cream Frosting

Prep: 15 min

A tangy, creamy frosting with refreshing mandarin flavor, perfect for cakes or cupcakes, appealing to citrus lovers and those seeking a light, fruity topping.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 pound confectioners sugar
  • 1 (11 oz.) can mandarins, drained, reserve syrup
  • 2 tablespoons grated mandarin rind
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons mandarin syrup
  • fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Beat together butter and salt in a small bowl until fluffy.
  2. Beat in confectioners sugar alternately with mandarin syrup until smooth and spreadable.
  3. Fold in grated mandarin rind.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before beating, which helps incorporate air. If you don't have mandarin syrup, orange juice can be a substitute, but reduce the sugar slightly. Adding a touch of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile. This frosting can also be used for cupcakes or on top of *Sally Lunn - Williamsburg bread for a unique treat.

Serving Suggestions

This mandarin cream frosting is perfect for topping cakes or cupcakes, especially vanilla or chocolate flavors. It can also be swirled into pancakes or used as a dip for fresh fruit. For a delightful dessert, pair it with a light sponge cake or serve alongside *Tiny Jelly Rolls to impress your guests.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. If it’s too stiff, you can re-whip it with a little additional mandarin syrup or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mandarin Cream Frosting contains roughly 470 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

470 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 50g 64% DV
Carbs 5.2g 2% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 5g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 486.3mg 21% DV
Potassium 23.5mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 150mg 50% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 5.9mg 7% DV
Calcium 2.4mg
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly
Contains Milk

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 fresh mandarins instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh mandarins! Simply peel and section the mandarins, then blend them to get a puree. You may need to adjust the sugar and syrup to achieve the desired sweetness and consistency in the frosting.

How can I make this frosting dairy-free?

To make this frosting dairy-free, use a plant-based butter substitute, like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Ensure that the confectioners sugar is also free from any dairy additives. This way, you can enjoy the frosting without compromising your dietary preferences.

Can I freeze the frosting for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the mandarin cream frosting. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using, and re-whip if necessary to restore its texture.

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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