Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (2024)

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This from-scratch Clementine Cake recipe is incredibly moist, extra tender, and absolutely packed with fresh clementine flavor. It uses the whole clementine - peel included - with a secret (easy!) tip to ensure the cake isn’t bitter. Made completely in the food processor, this simple dessert will be ready to bake in under 20 minutes. Top it with a creamy glaze for a cake that is sure to impress!

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (1)
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  • 🏅 Why this recipe is great
  • ❓ What are clementines?
  • 🍊Cake ingredients
  • 🍊 Glaze ingredients
  • 🔑 Secret to making clementine cake not bitter
  • 🔪 How to make clementine cake
  • 🍰 How to make clementine glaze
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd
  • 🙋 Questions and answers
  • 📖 Other great recipes
  • 👋🏻 Connect with us!
  • 📋 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Boy oh boy am I excited to share this Clementine Cake recipe! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses whole clementines - peel, pith, and seeds. The end result is a deliciously sweet cake that boasts tons of clementine flavor through and through. SO good!

Of all our dessert recipes, we borrowed inspiration from our own Orange Loaf Cake and Moist Lemon Loaf for this one. Don’t fix it if ain’t broke, right?

🏅 Why this recipe is great

  • Tons of flavor since it uses the whole fruit. It's like using clementine zest on steroids.
  • The cake isn’t bitter from the peel because we use a secret tip - microwave them first!No boiling, no soaking in cold water, no hassel.
  • Super soft, tender, and moist cake.
  • Made completely in the food processor, which means limited dishes and clean up.
  • Ready to bake in under 20 minutes. Simple!
  • No ground almonds, almond flour or candied fruit (just not our thing…)
  • Stores well and actually gets better with time!
  • You can really feel like you're a part of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty 😉

❓ What are clementines?

Clementines are the smallest variety of mandarin oranges and have a very smooth, thin peel and juicy flesh. They have a vibrant orange color and are often seedless.

Clementines are similar to tangerines, but are smaller and have a thinner peel - perfect for this recipe! In the store, clementines are also called Cuties or Sweeties.

🍊Cake ingredients

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (2)
  • Clementines: Choose clementines with a healthy peel and vibrant orange color. You’ll need about 7 clementines - yup, the entire fruit.
  • Oil: Use a neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil. Although some people like clementine olive oil cake, we do not prefer that flavor.
  • Yogurt: Use whole-milk, plain yogurt. None of that low-fat stuff - you’re making cake after all. The extra fat keeps the cake moist and fluffy.
  • Sugar: Just granulated sugar (no brown sugar in this one).
  • Eggs: You can pull them out a bit early to come to room temperature, but it shouldn’t be an issue to use cold eggs either.
  • Vanilla: Just a bit rounds out the flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: I don’t spoon and level my flour… just being honest. But I do highly recommend fluffing the flour in the container and then measuring with a light hand, shaking off the excess until it’s level. You don’t want to pack the flour in.
  • Baking powder: Double check that it isn’t expired for best results.

🍊 Glaze ingredients

  • Butter: Just a tiny bit of butter cuts the sugary taste of a basic icing. Make sure it is super soft.
  • Powdered sugar: Just like flour, measure icing sugar with a light hand to avoid packing in too much.
  • Heavy cream: I find that cream is best, but you could use half-n-half if needed. You may need slightly less in that case.
  • Clementine juice: This adds that pop of clementine flavor.
  • Vanilla: This is my favorite way to round out the flavor of a glaze.

🔑 Secret to making clementine cake not bitter

Many a clementine cake recipe calls for you to boil the clementines to soften them and remove the bitter taste in the peel, sometimes even having you switch out the boiling water once or twice during cooking.

Uhhh, no way! That is too much work. Instead we microwave our clementines in a covered bowl for 3 minutes until they’re softened slightly and all sweet. Works like a charm!

🔪 How to make clementine cake

The first step is to microwave the clementines in a covered, microwave-safe bowl for 3 minutes. They will sizzle and pop a lot. This is the key to keeping the cake from being bitter.

While the clementines cool slightly, preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch circle cake pan (affiliate) or springform pan with a layer of parchment paper on the bottom and non-stick baking spray (affiliate). Make sure your spray has flour as an ingredient.

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (3)

In a 10 cup food processor (affiliate), zoom the microwaved clementines for 1 minute until the clementine puree is as smooth as possible.

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (4)

Now we'll start adding wet ingredients. Add the oil and yogurt and zoom for 1 more minute. Scrape the bowl of your food processor.

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (5)

Add the sugar and pulse for 10 seconds. Scrape again.

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Add eggs and vanilla. Pulse for another 10 seconds. Scrape again.

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Add the dry ingredients. Pulse until just combined. Scrape one final time.

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (8)

The final cake batter should be smooth, slightly thick, and deliciously fragrant.

Pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean. While it’s baking, microwave the sugar and clementine juice in 30 second increments, stirring in between until the sugar is fully dissolved.

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Allow the baked cake to cool for 10 minutes. Then use a skewer to poke holes about ⅔ way through the cake.

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (10)

Slowly pour the syrup across the cake, allowing it to evenly soak in. Cool completely in pan.

🍰 How to make clementine glaze

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (11)

Combine the glaze ingredients in a bowl.It should be thick and creamy.

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (12)

Invert the cooled cake on a serving plate or wire rack, then pour the glaze on top of the cake, gently pushing it to the edges with an offset spatula.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd

This cake yields 8-10 slices. If you’re serving a larger crowd, you can make multiple batches. However, I recommend only one batch at a time in a standard 10-cup food processor.

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (13)

🙋 Questions and answers

What is the origin of clementine cake?

Clementine cake originated in the Mediterranean region from Sephardic Jewish cuisine, likely in the 15th century. I was first introduced to it through a very different context - the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. 😂

Can you substitute mandarins for clementines? Can you substitute oranges?

Clementines are a specific variety of mandarin. You can use other mandarins, on the condition that they have very smooth skin, sweet flesh, and are small. Do not substitute oranges, tangerines, or other oranges with thick skin.

How do I store leftovers?

This is the perfect cake because it actually gets better with time! Leftovers can be stored for 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. You can also wrap un-glazed cake in layers of plastic wrap and freeze them.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a high-powered blender instead. A regular blender or hand mixer will not be strong enough to zoom up the clementines thoroughly.

Why is my cake tough and dense?

Cakes become dense when you add too much flour or overmix the flour into the batter. Always measure your flour with a light hand and mix until just combined after adding it to the batter.

Why did my cake sink?

Cakes may sink if they are undercooked or if there was a drastic temperature change during baking. Don’t open the oven door until it’s near the end of the baking range. Test the cake with a toothpick and remove it from the oven once it comes out clean.

What are topping alternatives?

Instead of a thick glaze, you can opt to top the cake with fresh whipped cream or dust it with powdered sugar. Some recipes even use a chocolate glaze. Slice clementines for a simple decoration on top.

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (14)

👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & tricks

  • To avoid a tough cake, be very careful not to overmix once you add the flour.
  • Pour the syrup over the cake very slowly to help it soak in evenly.
  • If you plan on decorating the cake with clementine slices, add them right before serving. The juices will leak and ruin the icing eventually.

📖 Other great recipes

  • Creamy Lemon Pie
  • Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
  • Blackberry Cheesecake
  • Easy Raspberry Glaze
  • Frozen Lemonade Recipe
  • Triple Berry Sauce or Dessert Filling

👋🏻 Connect with us!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating to let us know how it is!We’d also love to connect with you onFacebook,Instagram, orPinterest. Tag @borrowedbites or hashtag #borrowedbites to show us your food!

📋 Recipe

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (15)

Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures)

This from-scratch Clementine Cake recipe is incredibly moist, extra tender, and absolutely packed with fresh clementine flavor. It uses the whole clementine - peel included - with a secret (easy!) tip to ensure the cake isn’t bitter. Made completely in the food processor, this simple dessert will be ready to bake in under 20 minutes. Top it with a creamy glaze for a cake that is sure to impress!

5 from 3 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 459kcal

Author: Borrowed Bites

Ingredients

Cake

  • 3 clementines
  • ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
  • ½ cup whole-milk yogurt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Simple Syrup

  • cup sugar
  • cup clementine juice from 3-4 clementines

Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon butter very soft
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon clementine juice
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave 3 clementines for 3 minutes on high. They will sizzle and pop a lot. Set aside and allow to cool in the bowl for a few minutes.

    3 clementines

  • While the clementines cool a bit, preheat oven to 350°F. Prep a 9-inch circle cake pan with a layer of parchment on the bottom, then spray well with baking spray.

  • In a 10 cup food processor, zoom the microwaved clementines for 1 minute, scraping the bowl halfway through. The mixture should be pureed, but won't be perfectly smooth.

  • Add the oil and yogurt, then zoom for 1 minute. Scrape the bowl.

    ½ cup canola or vegetable oil, ½ cup whole-milk yogurt

  • Add the sugar, then pulse for 10 seconds. Scrape the bowl.

    1 cup sugar

  • Add the eggs and vanilla, then pulse for 10 seconds. Scrape the bowl.

    3 eggs, ½ teaspoon vanilla

  • Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until just combined.

    1½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Simple Syrup

  • While the cake bakes, combine the sugar and clementine juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring well every 30 seconds until the sugar is dissolved.

    ⅓ cup sugar, ⅓ cup clementine juice

  • Once the cake is finished baking, allow to cool for 10 minutes. Using a wooden skewer, poke holes evenly across the warm cake. Slowly pour the simple syrup over the top, allowing it to sink into the holes. Set aside to cool fully in the pan.

Glaze

  • Combine the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until fully combined. You want it to be just loose enough to spread to the edges, but thick enough to hold up on the cake.

    1 tablespoon butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoon heavy cream, 1 tablespoon clementine juice, ¼ teaspoon vanilla

  • Once the cake is fully cooled, invert it onto a cake plate or cooling rack. Pour the glaze into the center of the cake, then use an offset spatula to spread it gently to the edges of the cake. Right before serving, decorate with fresh clementine slices.

Notes

Tips & Tricks

    • To avoid a tough cake, be very careful not to overmix once you add the flour.
    • Pour the syrup over the cake very slowly to help it soak in evenly.
    • If you plan on decorating the cake with clementine slices, add them right before serving. The juices will leak and ruin the icing eventually.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored for 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. You can also wrap un-glazed cake in layers of plastic wrap and freeze it.

Add Your Own Notes

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Nutrition

Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 148mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 2mg

All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.

Tried this recipe?Leave a rating or pin it for later!

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Easy Clementine Cake Recipe (with Step by Step Pictures) (2024)

FAQs

What is clementine cake made of? ›

directions. Wash and remove stems from clementines, cut into quarters, process clementines with sugar in food processor until smooth. Add butter, then eggs; process until smooth Add flour,baking powder, process until combined. Spoon into greased 8-cup bundt pan.

What can I do with a lot of clementines? ›

Recipe List
  1. Cuties Raspberry Clementine Mimosa. ...
  2. Vanilla Clementine Protein Pancakes with Clementine Honey Syrup. ...
  3. Grilled Sesame Clementine Chicken Skewers. ...
  4. Kale Salad with Clementines and Blueberries Power Salad. ...
  5. Clementine Pineapple Power Smoothie. ...
  6. Cranberry Clementine Punch. ...
  7. Clementine and Cumin Dressing.

What to do with clementines before they go bad? ›

Other than eating and juicing, here are 13 more fun ways to use 'em Mandarin Oranges up before they rot!
  1. Make Mandarin Orange Jam. Get the recipe on Guai Shu Shu.
  2. Bake Mandarin Orange Steamed Sponge Cake. ...
  3. Bake Citrus Olive Oil Cake. ...
  4. Make Mandarin Orange Smoothie. ...
  5. Decorate your smoothie bowl.

What is a good substitute for clementines? ›

It is absolutely fine to substitute other orange family fruits for clementines/satsumas. If using oranges then you may only want to use about 3/4 of the juice or zest of a regular orange, as it tends to be larger in size than a clementine but use all of the zest from a clementine or mandarin if necessary.

How is clementine made? ›

A recent hybrid

In 1892, Brother Clément (1839 - 1904), head of cultivation at an orphanage in Oran in Algeria, crossed an orange with a mandarin orange. This union produced an easy-peeling fruit with no pips and a very sweet flavour, the clementine, which also ripens much faster than a mandarine.

What flavor is clementine? ›

They are typically juicy and sweet, with less acid than oranges. Their oils, like other citrus fruits, contain mostly limonene as well as myrcene, linalool, α-pinene and many complex aromatics.

What are the benefits of eating 2 clementines a day? ›

Clementines are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. As such, antioxidants can play a role in preventing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many other conditions ( 5 ).

Is it okay to eat 5 clementines a day? ›

Up to 3 or 4 clementines per a day is fine, as long as you don't eat other acidic foods.

Can I freeze clementines? ›

Kate Hall | Food Waste Warrior | CAN I FREEZE CLEMENTINES? 🍊 🙌 Yes you can (along with oranges and other mandarin varieties such as tangerines and satsumas) ...

Can dogs eat clementines? ›

Good news, dog parents—clementines get the green light for your pup, with caveats. Clementines are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that can give your dog's immune system a boost (yay!). But before you start tossing clementine segments like confetti, remember: moderation is key.

Are clementines bad before bed? ›

The citrus in oranges, clementines, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons and kumquats will cause your stomach to produce excessive amounts of acid that will make it very difficult for you to sleep. On the other hand, cherries will actually help you fall asleep.

What's the difference between a mandarin and a clementine? ›

Clementines are the smallest type of mandarin orange. They are super sweet, seedless, and have red-orange skins that are smooth and shiny. The mandarins you see in grocery stores called Cuties and Sweeties are Clementines. They are easier to peel than tangerines, but not as easy to peel as Satsumas.

Are cuties just clementines? ›

Q: What is a CUTIE®? A: CUTIES® are actually two varieties of mandarins: Clementine mandarins, available November through January; and W. Murcott mandarins, available February through April. CUTIES® have several distinct characteristics that make them the perfect anytime, anywhere snack.

Are cuties and clementines the same thing? ›

Cuties, technically considered mandarins or clementines, are the perfect kid-sized, seedless snack. Halos are too, although they are a little larger and slightly more acidic. Tangerines are a very sweet and very close cousin to clementine, and tangelos are a hybrid of tangerines and pomelos.

What is the closest orange to a clementine? ›

Mandarins. Mandarins, often called mandarin oranges, are a small and sweet tangerine variety. They do have some seeds, which makes them just the tiniest bit less desirable for snacking than seedless clementines. This fruit has one of the longest seasons from January through May.

What is the origin of the Clementine cake? ›

History. Clementine cake is probably related to a Sephardic orange cake. Sephardic Jews popularized citrus cultivation in the Mediterranean region in the 15th century and popularized the use of orange in baked goods. In addition to its Iberian flavors, the cake also has North African and Spanish roots.

What is the difference between an orange and a clementine? ›

Clementines are noticeably sweeter than most other varieties of oranges. There's almost no bitterness or sour flavor, which adds to their appeal.

What is the fruit in fruit cake made of? ›

Key ingredients in a fruit cake

Candied fruits: Fruits like cherries, orange peel, pineapple and citron and are often candied by preserving them in sugar syrup. They add sweetness and a wonderful vibrant colour to fruit cake, and can often be bought at your local grocery store to save time!

What is Japanese Christmas cake made of? ›

Classic Japanese Christmas Cake is made with layers of vanilla sponge cake, fluffy whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. The result is a light and airy dessert that tastes like strawberries and cream. It's very popular in Japan around the holidays and you'll often find it in convenience stores and restaurants.

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