Southern Lady Cake

10 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 50 m Total: 1 h 15 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Southern Lady Cake
A delicious and moist orange cake made with mandarin oranges, sour cream, and a sweet orange glaze. I always have friends asking for the recipe—it’s that good!

Ingredients

10 servings
  • 1 box orange cake mix
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp orange extract
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a tube cake pan.
  2. Combine the cake mix, sugar, and flour in a large bowl. Add the sour cream, the oil and orange extract. Mix at low speed with a mixer.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.
  4. Add in the mandarin oranges and mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the cake comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving platter. Combine the orange juice and confectioners sugar well. Drizzle over the cake and get the coffee ready!

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cake too dense?

A: Make sure you beat the batter for the full 2 minutes after adding the eggs—this incorporates air and creates a lighter texture. Also, don't over-mix after adding the mandarin oranges.

Q: Can I use a different pan if I don't have a tube pan?

A: Yes, you can use a 9x13 inch pan or two 9-inch round pans. Reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes and check for doneness with a knife or toothpick.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip draining the mandarin oranges well—excess liquid can make the cake soggy. For extra orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. The cake is even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • orange cake mix: yellow or white cake mix
  • sour cream: full-fat Greek yogurt
  • mandarin oranges: fresh orange segments

Equipment Needed

  • tube cake pan (or bundt pan)
  • electric mixer
  • large mixing bowl