There are some recipes that hold a special place in your heart, and Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is one of those treasured classics. Passed down from generation to generation, this cake was your grandmother’s favorite and for good reason! Combining the bright flavors of mandarin oranges and pineapple, this cake is moist, fluffy, and bursting with tropical sweetness. Topped with a creamy Cool Whip frosting and a hint of vanilla pudding, it’s a dessert that’s sure to bring back cherished memories while making new ones.
Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a holiday, or simply to enjoy a slice of nostalgia, this cake is an absolute winner. With a simple, no-fuss preparation and delightful tropical flavors, it’s easy to see why it’s a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Cake mix
- 1/2 cup Wesson oil (or any vegetable oil)
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges (with juice)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
For the Icing:
- 1 tub (12 ounces) Cool Whip
- 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can (16 ounces) crushed pineapple (drained, juice reserved)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the cake batter.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, mandarin oranges with juice, sugar, and eggs. Using a hand mixer, mix everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly into 3 greased, floured, and lined with wax paper cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the center of the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Cool the cakes: After baking, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Icing
- Drain the pineapple: Open the can of crushed pineapple and drain the juice into a bowl, setting the juice aside.
- Mix the icing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the drained pineapple. Stir well to blend. Then, gently fold in the Cool Whip until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the consistency: If the icing feels too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pineapple juice to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Frost the cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of the creamy pineapple and Cool Whip icing over each layer of cake.
- Finish the cake: After frosting all three layers, make sure the top and sides are evenly covered with the fluffy icing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate: Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving. The cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice and serve the cake. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a special treat for yourself.
Nutritional Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 4 hours (including chilling)
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 servings
Tips for Success
- Use fresh fruit: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some fresh mandarin orange slices or extra crushed pineapple on top of the cake before serving to add a burst of flavor and color.
- Chill overnight: While it’s tempting to dive into the cake right away, chilling overnight really allows the flavors to intensify, making the cake even more flavorful.
- Make it a layer cake: For a more impressive presentation, you can stack the layers high and serve the cake on a fancy cake stand. Just make sure to evenly frost each layer.
- Add a twist: If you want to change things up, you can use a flavored Cool Whip, like coconut Cool Whip, for a unique twist on the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute the Duncan Hines Butter Cake mix with any similar butter or yellow cake mix if you prefer. The flavor will still be delicious!
How long will this cake last in the fridge?
The Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it properly to avoid it drying out.
Can I make the cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake is even better when made a day ahead, as the flavors develop and meld in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of nostalgia wrapped in layers of tropical goodness. The combination of the bright citrus flavor from the mandarin oranges and the sweetness of the pineapple creates a cake that is moist, fluffy, and utterly satisfying. Topped with a luscious, creamy Cool Whip frosting, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family event or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite that brings joy to every occasion.