If you’re looking for a simple yet irresistible cake that feels cozy, nostalgic, and incredibly comforting, this Creamy Mandarin Streusel Cake is exactly what you need. With a buttery crumb base that doubles as the topping, a rich and tangy mandarin cream filling, and the perfect balance between sweet and fresh, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser.

This classic German-style crumb cake (often called Streuselkuchen) is easy to make, uses simple pantry ingredients, and turns out wonderfully moist and creamy every single time. It’s perfect for afternoon coffee, family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you crave a homemade cake that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

What Is Mandarin Streusel Cake?

Mandarin Streusel Cake is a traditional crumb cake made with a buttery streusel dough that serves as both the base and the topping. The center is filled with a creamy mandarin mixture made from Schmand (a German cultured cream similar to sour cream) and vanilla pudding powder, which sets gently in the oven while staying soft and luscious.

The result is a cake with:

• a crisp, golden crumb topping
• a tender, slightly crumbly base
• and a smooth, fruity cream layer in between

It’s comforting, lightly tangy, and perfectly balanced — never too heavy, never too sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Mandarin Streusel Cake

• Easy, no-fuss recipe with simple ingredients
• Buttery streusel used for both base and topping
• Creamy, fruity mandarin filling
• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
• Great for baking ahead
• Ideal for coffee time (Kaffee & Kuchen)
• Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly
• Classic German baking recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mandarin Streusel Cake

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the streusel dough, giving structure to both the crumb base and the topping while keeping the texture tender and slightly crumbly.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the streusels and the creamy filling and helps the crumbs bake up golden and crisp.
• Butter: Cold butter is key for perfect streusels. It creates a rich flavor and ensures a crumbly texture instead of a smooth dough.
• Egg: Binds the streusel mixture just enough so it can be pressed into the base while still remaining loose and crumbly.
• Baking powder: Adds a light lift to the streusel base, preventing it from becoming too dense.
• Vanilla sugar or Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and a classic bakery-style vanilla flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy mandarin filling.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Mandarins: Bring natural sweetness, juiciness, and a refreshing citrus note that keeps the cake light and fruity.
• Schmand or Sour Cream: Creates the creamy, slightly tangy filling that sets softly when baked. Sour cream can be used as an alternative.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cream and fruit.
• Vanilla pudding powder: Thickens the filling while keeping it smooth, creamy, and custard-like. Alternative: Cornstarch can be used to thicken the cream while maintaining a soft texture. Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste can be added for flavor. Custard powder or instant vanilla dessert mix also work well and provide a similar consistency.

For making the Mandarin Streusel Cake, here are the essential tools you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl: Used for preparing both the streusel dough and the creamy mandarin filling. A large bowl gives you enough space to mix without overworking the dough.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes it easy to combine the streusel ingredients quickly and evenly. A stand mixer with a dough hook works especially well for creating coarse crumbs without warming the butter too much.
• Springform pan (26cm / 10-inch springform pan): Essential for easy removal of the cake after baking. A springform pan helps keep the creamy filling intact and ensures clean edges.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan without damaging the base.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading the creamy mandarin filling evenly over the streusel base and smoothing the surface before adding the topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate measurements, especially for baking powder and thickening agents to ensure the filling sets properly.
• Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking, which helps the creamy layer set fully and improves the final texture.
• Knife or offset spatula: Helpful for loosening the edges of the cake from the pan and for slicing clean, neat pieces once fully cooled.

Here is the full Recipe for the Creamy Mandarin Streusel Cake

Ingredients:

For the Streusel (Base + Topping)

• 350 g (2¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 125 g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) butter, cold, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 packet vanilla sugar (8 g, alternatives are below)
• 1 pinch salt

Vanilla sugar alternatives:

• 30 g (2 tbsp) granulated sugar + 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 30 g (2 tbsp) powdered sugar + ½ tsp vanilla bean paste

For the Creamy Mandarin Filling

• 4 small cans mandarins, drained about 420–450 g (15–16 oz)
• 4 cups Schmand (about 800 g , sour cream as an alternative)
• 80 g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
• 1 packet vanilla pudding powder (about 37 g / 3 tbsp, alternatives below)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Vanilla pudding powder alternatives:

• Option 1: Cornstarch + Vanilla (Best & Most Neutral)
  3 tablespoons cornstarch (about 24 g)
  1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste)
  This replacement gives the same creamy texture without changing the flavor.
  
• Option 2: Custard Powder
  3 tablespoons custard powder
  Works very similarly to pudding powder and already contains flavor and color.
  
• Option 3: Cornstarch Only (Minimalist Option)
  3 tablespoons cornstarch
  Texture will be perfect, but you should add vanilla elsewhere in the recipe (vanilla sugar or extract).
  
• Option 4: Instant Vanilla Dessert Mix
  About 3 tablespoons instant vanilla dessert mix
  Slightly sweeter; reduce the sugar in the filling by 1–2 tablespoons if needed.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Streusel Dough
   In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and mix briefly until crumbly. Add the egg and mix just until coarse streusels form.
   Do not overmix — the dough should stay crumbly, not smooth.
   
2. Prepare the Pan
   Line the bottom of a 26 cm (10-inch) springform pan with parchment paper.
   Press about two-thirds of the streusel dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the base. Set the remaining streusels aside for the topping.
   
3. Make the Cream Filling
   In a separate bowl, mix the Schmand, sugar, vanilla pudding powder, and lemon juice until smooth. Gently fold in the drained mandarins.
   
4. Assemble the Cake
   Spread the mandarin cream evenly over the streusel base. Sprinkle the remaining streusels generously over the top.
   
5. Bake
   Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F), top/bottom heat, for 50–60 minutes, until the streusels are golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
   Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing — this allows the cream to fully set.

Tips for Perfect Streusel Cake

• Use cold butter for crumbly streusels
• Don’t overmix — streusels should stay chunky
• Drain mandarins well but don’t squeeze them dry
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing
• The flavor gets even better after a few hours

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 3 days
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day
• Serve chilled or at room temperature

Happy baking and enjoy every crumb!

More Baking Ideas:

• Strawberries & Cream Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies infused with fresh strawberries and a velvety cream filling – the ultimate summer treat!
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies -Delight in the perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries with every bite of these irresistible cookies.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies -These zesty lemon cookies with a hint of poppy seed crunch will brighten up your day with a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd – Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, these Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd are a zesty delight topped with a luscious blueberry swirl. Perfect for citrus lovers looking for a sweet twist!

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe:

Summary

Recipe Name

Creamy Mandarin Streusel Cake

Author Name

Isabel

Published On

2026-01-11