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Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake

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If you’re craving a light, refreshing dessert that’s bursting with tropical flavors, this Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is the perfect treat! Made with a moist mandarin orange cake and topped with a creamy pineapple frosting, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply want a sweet escape, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients!

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yields: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Cake mix
  • 1/2 cup Wesson oil
  • 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges (with juice)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 eggs

For the Icing:

  • 1 (12 oz) tub Cool Whip
  • 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 (16 oz) can crushed pineapple

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease, flour, and line three cake pans with wax paper.
  2. Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, mandarin oranges (with juice), sugar, and eggs. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched.
  4. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to cooling racks to cool completely.

Making the Icing:

  1. Drain Pineapple: Drain the pineapple juice and set it aside. If the icing is too thick, you can use the reserved juice to thin it.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the crushed pineapple with the instant vanilla pudding until well combined. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.

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Assembling the Cake:

  1. Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of icing on top. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining icing.
  2. Serve: Slice and enjoy this tropical delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tropical Flavors: The combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple creates a refreshing, fruity taste.
  • Easy to Make: With a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, this recipe is quick and foolproof.
  • Light and Fluffy: The cake is moist, and the icing is creamy without being overly heavy.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, potluck, or family gathering, this cake is always a hit.

Tips and Tricks

  • Use Fresh Fruit: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the cake with fresh mandarin orange slices or pineapple chunks.
  • Chill the Icing: If the icing is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before frosting the cake.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar in the batter to 1/4 cup.

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Variations and Customizations

  • Lemon Twist: Swap the mandarin oranges for lemon zest and juice for a citrusy variation.
  • Coconut Flair: Add shredded coconut to the icing for a tropical twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Beverages: Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or a tropical fruit punch.
  • Toppings: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture.
  • Side Dish: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit salad.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

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Popular Questions

1. Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Use about 1 cup of fresh mandarin orange segments and 1/2 cup of orange juice as a substitute.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Prepare the icing and assemble the cake on the day of serving.

3. Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Yes, you can use lemon or coconut pudding mix for a different flavor profile.

4. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
Make sure to grease, flour, and line the pans with wax paper for easy removal.

Conclusion

This Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is a tropical dessert dream come true! With its moist, fruity cake layers and creamy pineapple icing, it’s a treat that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise. Try it today and watch it become a new favorite!

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