• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Mug Cakes
  • Military Care Packages
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Mug Cakes
  • Military Care Packages
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » 3-2-1 Microwave Mug Cake » 3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake

    By Wendy Sondov · Published: Aug 27, 2014 · Modified: Jul 2, 2019 · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    School is back in session and the internet is filling with pumpkin recipes, sure signs that fall is supposed to be here. Apparently, the weather here in St. Louis hasn’t gotten the seasonal change memo. Temperatures have been in the high 90’s with a heat index of over 100. Toasty. Muggy. Hot. I am not ready to embrace cool weather foods. Instead I offer 3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake, a sweet treat full of sunshine, cooked to deliciousness without turning on the oven!

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Cake

     



    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake

    Ever since I began dreaming up 3-2-1 Cake combinations, my grocery cart frequently contains seemingly random items as I peruse store shelves searching for potential shelf-safe ingredients. Syrups, canned fruits and fruit fillings, candy, chocolate chips, all are fair game.

    I bake mostly from scratch, yet boxed cake mixes are a standard in my cart. It is absurd how excited I get when Betty or Duncan or that adorable Dough Boy come out with a new flavor offering.

    I was embarrassed to find that I had exclaimed out loud when I found white chocolate syrup in the coffee aisle.

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake

    This box of Orangesicle cake mix has been waiting for inspiration to strike for much of the summer. I wanted to add white chocolate for the creamy taste but couldn’t figure out a white chocolate ingredient that could be shipped in a hot weather care package.

    White chocolate syrup was just what this 3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake needed. Syrup makes a big flavor and texture improvement to 3-2-1 Cakes. White chocolate syrup provides creamy flavor while adding glistening moisture to the cake.

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake

    If orange cake mix is not available, vanilla mix is an excellent substitute. The white chocolate chips in the photos are not included in the recipe.

    They are in the photos to suggest white chocolate flavor and would melt if shipped in hot weather. However, if 3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake ingredients are shipped in cold weather, white chocolate chips would be a tasty addition.

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cakee

     

    You can read more about desert safe ingredients and find an index of all of the desert safe recipes on The Monday Box by clicking here.

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Cake

    3-2-1 Mandarin Orange Microwave Mug Cake

    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Servings: 24 mugs of cake
    Author: Wendy Sondov

    Ingredients

    • 1 box Angel Food Cake mix
    • 1 box orange or vanilla cake mix
    • Non-stick spray if not using disposable cups
    • Water
    • 1 can mandarin oranges enough for 6 cakes
    • 1 bottle white chocolate sauce

    Instructions

    • In a gallon sized ziplock bag, combine the two boxes of cake mix. Shake the bag to mix thoroughly.
    • If using a microwaveable mug, lightly coat the inside of a with non-stick spray. Without the spray the cake will not transfer out of the mug and the mug is harder to clean. If using a disposable, microwave safe paper cup, no non-stick spray is needed.
    • (Here comes the 3-2-1 part) Into the prepared mug/cup, stir together 3 tablespoons of cake mix and 2 tablespoons of water. Add a rounded tablespoon of halved mandarin orange segments. Stir.
    • Microwave on high for up to 1 minute until cooked. (My microwave takes 45 seconds.)
    • Add a few orange segments and a generous dousing of white chocolate sauce on top of the 3-2-1 cake. Then eat it right out of the mug. If you want to transfer the cake onto a plate, run a knife around the edge between the cake and the mug to loosen, dump out onto a plate, then add the oranges and white chocolate sauce.

    Notes

    Combine the two cake mixes into a gallon-size ziplock bag labeled with directions. Include a measuring spoon, a can of mandarin oranges, and a bottle of white chocolate sauce. If the care package is international, include microwave safe paper cups. If the care package is domestic, add either a can of non-stick spray (for use with a ceramic mug) or microwave safe paper cups. Don’t forget to include the “recipe”.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheMondayBox or tag #themondaybox!

    If you enjoy this 3-2-1 cake, you might also enjoy:

    3-2-1 Magic Cake

    3-2-1 Magic Cake                          3-2-1 Molten Lava Cake                  3-2-1 Caramel Apple Cake

    3-2-1 Boston Cream Pie

    3-2-1 Boston Cream Pie       3-2-1 Pina Colada Cake                        3-2-1 Black Forest Cake

    3-2-1 Gingerbread                               3-2-1 Strawberry Lemonade                         3-2-1 Mandarin Orange

    3-2-1 Collage 7

    3-2-1 Candy Bar                                   3-2-1 Hot Chocolate                                   3-2-1 Biscoff Toffee Crunch

     

     

    • Share
    • Tweet

    You might also like:

    Orange Mug Cake in white mug on plateOrange Mug Cake Pineapple Mug CakePineapple Mug Cake Closeup of Orange Olive Oil Cake sliced on a platterOrange Olive Oil Cake

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine @ Must Love Home

      May 4, 2016 at 6:35 pm

      Love it! I have never seen a 3-2-1 before so I admit I was curious! Thee are awesome…I am pinning and saving this post just for me too! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Friday Favorites! I would love for you to join me at mustlovehome.com for the Wonderful Wednesday Link Party…and enter our $40 PayPal Cash Giveaway for May!! Hugs – Christine at Must Love Home

      Reply
    2. Frugal Hausfrau

      May 3, 2016 at 10:25 pm

      What cute little cakes! I love that you made them in cups!! Thanks for linking up with us on Throwback Thursday!

      Mollie

      Reply
    3. Carlee

      May 2, 2016 at 12:38 pm

      How fun are these?! I love orange desserts and can’t wait to give these a try! Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday!

      Reply
    4. sandy ackerman

      September 14, 2014 at 12:48 am

      Hey Wendy! All of your 321 cake recipes are just delicious! My sister came to visit for a week and we had a blast trying all of them!!! I am wondering, could you replace the water with another liquid to aid in the flavors? Like lemonade, chocolate milk, orange juice, etc. Just thinking of new variations! Thanks for a great blog!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        September 16, 2014 at 9:57 pm

        Thank you, Sandy! How fun to zap a 3-2-1 party with your sister! I really think that the more you add to a 3-2-1 cake the better it gets! Which variation was your favorite? The Caramel Apple may be my favorite combo… or maybe the Pina Colada. 🙂 Creative 3-2-1 minds must think alike. I tried subbing juice for the water and the cake didn’t rise the same as it does with water. I then tried using 1 tablespoon of water and 1 of juice. It worked, but the flavor difference was minimal. If your experiments create something wonderful, please let me know! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Nickida

      September 6, 2014 at 2:04 pm

      This looks so delicious. I just got a great book to review of Mug Cakes now I want to get ready to dig right in and give some a try. I’ll have to try this one soon.

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        September 6, 2014 at 2:35 pm

        Thanks, Nickida! The magic in 3-2-1 mug cakes is the lack of perishable ingredients ; no milk, no butter, no eggs. The ingredients can sit on a shelf or be mailed in a care package. Then the actual cake only requires the magic mix, some water, and a microwave (perfect for college student or military with access to a microwave). They are so easy, kids can cook up dessert on their own. 🙂 Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. GrowingBookbyBook (@growingbbb)

      September 5, 2014 at 8:35 pm

      Mandarin oranges take me back to being a kid. I love cake too so this sounds like a perfect combo!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        September 6, 2014 at 2:24 pm

        Thanks, Jodie! Kids do love those little mandarin orange segments. They are tiny finger friendly. 🙂 The little orange pieces make these microwave cakes moist and fruity. Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    7. Crystal McWhirter-Lopez

      September 5, 2014 at 5:44 pm

      Um. this looks awesome and easy! What a fun treat.

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        September 6, 2014 at 2:22 pm

        Thanks, Crystal! These 3-2-1 cakes are so easy they make a great kid project! Stir together a few things, zap, and you are ready to enjoy!

        Reply
    8. gottagetbaked

      September 4, 2014 at 12:04 pm

      Wendy, what a cool cake! I love that you can make it in a mug and I’m a total sucker for the creamsicle flavour. I laughed when you talked about squealing in excitement over the white chocolate syrup. I totally do the same thing, even when I’m by myself.

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        September 6, 2014 at 2:21 pm

        Thanks, Nancy! These 3-2-1 cakes are so easy and fun with interchangeable flavors and add-ins and toppings. I do get caught up in my grocery store “ah-ha moments” ! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Jess @ On Sugar Mountain

      August 30, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      It’s going to be in the 90s all week and I am NOT looking forward to it. >_< At least I can cheer myself up with this citrusy sweet cake! And the microwave sounds marvelous in this heat. 😀

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        September 3, 2014 at 11:52 am

        Thanks, Jess! We had such a lovely mild summer and now it is going out with a bang! Ice cream may be what we need in the heat, but its nice to have a little cake on the side. 🙂 Stay cool.

        Reply
    10. Winnie

      August 30, 2014 at 3:14 pm

      OH Wendy – mouth watering cake!
      Mandarin orange is a great flavor not only for now, but for winter as well
      If I could – believe me I’d grab a few cups and eat 🙂

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        September 3, 2014 at 11:50 am

        Thanks, Winnie! I agree that orange is a flavor we eat in summer because it tastes like sunshine and we eat it in the winter because we crave sunshine! 🙂 When orange cake mix isn’t available, the mandarin oranges work well in vanilla cake mix too.

        Reply
    11. Ashley

      August 29, 2014 at 11:02 am

      It cooled off for a few days here and now it’s right back to over 90! I’m ready for fall 🙂

      Love the flavors in this version Wendy! Especially that white chocolate sauce!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        September 3, 2014 at 11:47 am

        Thanks, Ashley! I think that white chocolate sauce was a find! I am imagining it paired with all kinds of flavors on a variety of desserts. It works paired with a spoon too. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Monica

      August 28, 2014 at 7:48 pm

      Okay, I think we are ready for your cookbook now: 3-2-1 cakes and care packages!
      I really adore this flavor combination. It’s a great twist (not to mention looks great, too)!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        August 28, 2014 at 9:31 pm

        🙂 From your mouth to the publishers ears, Monica! Thanks for the enthusiastic endorsement. These 3-2-1 cakes are fun to think up and so easy to make. It still amazes me when they actually taste good!

        Reply
    13. Reeni

      August 27, 2014 at 8:40 pm

      I am loving this one! White chocolate and orange sounds like a dreamy combo! One I never had before but am clearly missing out on. That syrup. I could drink it. 🙂

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        August 27, 2014 at 10:28 pm

        Thanks, Reeni! Does sipping the syrup off a spoon count as drinking it? If so, I definitely drank it! 🙂 Sweet, creamy stuff! This combo is very creamsicle flavored.

        Reply
    14. Ilana

      August 27, 2014 at 2:34 pm

      I definitely want to try these 3-2-1 cakes. What size paper cups do you use?

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        August 27, 2014 at 3:22 pm

        Hi Illana! I use 6-9 oz cups. The cups in these photos are 9 oz. Larger will work but the cake doesn’t rise up to the top and you feel like you are eating half a cake! 🙂 I use paper (not wax coated) cups from Party City, Target, or the Dollar Store. 🙂 Enjoy!

        Reply
        • Ilana

          August 28, 2014 at 8:02 am

          Thanks so much.

          Reply
    15. chrisscheuer

      August 27, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      Hi Wendy! This looks like such a fun all-season cake. I love the flavor combinations you’ve put together. Also loved getting to meet you in person last week. Now I feel like I’m visiting an old friend when I come to your site 🙂

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        August 27, 2014 at 3:28 pm

        Hi Chris! Honestly, meeting and hanging out with you and Scott made the Forum for me! How to describe meeting a friend you have never met, yet felt you knew (at least a bit)? It was wonderful to share stories and experiences. Thank you for being so welcoming!
        These 3-2-1 cakes are so silly, but they are the only “baked” item possible in this muggy heat! White chocolate and orange is good!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Wendy, a baker, care package maker, and smile creator. On The Monday Box you’ll find care package inspiration and recipes for delicious treats that make it easy for you to share home baked love. Let’s spread happiness, one cookie at a time!

    More about me →

    Brunch Bakes

    • Tea Brack
    • Chocolate Chip Biscotti Recipe
    • Oatmeal Fruit Bars
    • Orange Olive Oil Cake
    • Oatmeal Raisin Quick Bread
    • Coconut Milk Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

    Cinco de Mayo

    • Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
    • Mexican Sugar Cookies: Polvorones

    Most Popular

    • Cake Mix Mug Cake
    • Lemon Biscotti
    • Flourless Soft Almond Cookies (Pasticcini di Mandorle)
    • Coconut Milk Snack Cake

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    Contact

    Privacy Policy

    Disclaimer

    As Seen On

    Copyright © 2012- 2021. The Monday Box, All Rights Reserved.