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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:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease, flour, and line three cake pans with wax paper.
- 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.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to cooling racks to cool completely.
Making the Icing:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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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