Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet flavors of mandarin oranges and pineapple with a moist and fluffy cake. With the convenience of a boxed cake mix and the addition of fresh fruit, this cake is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Topped with a creamy Cool Whip and pineapple icing, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a mouthwatering dessert that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Cake mix
- 1/2 cup Wesson oil
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, undrained
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
For the Icing:
- 1 (12-ounce) tub of Cool Whip
- 1 small instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (16 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter cake mix, Wesson oil, mandarin oranges (including the juice from the can), sugar, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Batter into Pan:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Cake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare Icing:
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, instant vanilla pudding mix, and drained crushed pineapple. Stir until well combined.
- Ice Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the Cool Whip and pineapple icing evenly over the top of the cake.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the icing is set. Slice and serve chilled, and enjoy the tropical flavors of this delightful Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake!
Tips for Success:
- Fresh Fruit: For best results, use fresh mandarin oranges and drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious with time.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this cake with additional toppings such as shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or maraschino cherries for added flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dessert Buffet: Serve Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake as part of a dessert buffet alongside other tropical treats such as coconut macaroons, mango sorbet, or pineapple upside-down cake for a delightful array of flavors.
- Tea Party: Enjoy a slice of this cake with a cup of hot or iced tea for a relaxing afternoon treat. The citrusy flavors pair perfectly with the floral notes of herbal or green tea.
- Summer Celebration: Bring Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake to your next summer picnic, barbecue, or pool party as a refreshing and crowd-pleasing dessert option that’s sure to impress.
With its moist and fluffy texture, bright citrus flavors, and creamy pineapple icing, Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this irresistible cake, and transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise with every bite
