Description
These Mandarin Upside-Down Cakelets are delightful mini cakes featuring juicy mandarin orange segments atop a moist and tender batter. Perfectly portioned in a muffin tin, they combine citrusy brightness with a caramelized sugar and butter base for a charming dessert that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Topping
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges in juice (drained)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
For the Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin and Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, then top each with 1 to 2 mandarin orange segments, setting the stage for the upside-down effect.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and sugar are evenly distributed for a consistent crumb.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest if using. Combining these separately prevents overmixing and keeps the batter light.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb in the finished cakelets.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly spoon the batter over the mandarin segments in each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakelets comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cakelets to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully invert the tin onto a wire rack or tray while still warm to reveal the caramelized mandarin orange tops for an impressive presentation.
Notes
- Using paper muffin liners is optional; greasing the pan well usually prevents sticking.
- For a spiced variation, add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the batter.
- These cakelets are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
