Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake Recipe
Imagine a fluffy, sunshine-yellow cake that’s bursting with juicy fruit flavor and smothered in a cloud-like, tropical frosting—this Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is all of that and more. It’s the cake you’ve seen at every happy potluck, the sweetly nostalgic dessert everyone asks about, and an absolute dream to whip up when you want something easy yet extra special. With a simple box cake base and a creamy, fruity topping, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss, making it the ultimate treat to brighten up any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings its own charm—freshness from the fruit, rich vanilla undertones, and that iconic, pillowy-soft texture. Gather these kitchen staples and get ready for a flavor-packed cake your family and friends will rave about.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of the cake, giving you a soft, tender crumb with every bite.
- Large eggs: These bind your batter together and add moisture for an irresistibly fluffy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra moist and helps it rise beautifully in the oven.
- Mandarin oranges with juice: Bring a burst of citrus flavor and delicate orange flecks throughout the cake.
- Crushed pineapple with juice: Adds tangy sweetness and keeps the frosting ultra luscious.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Thickens the frosting while giving it a creamy, dreamy consistency and rich vanilla flavor.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Makes the frosting light, airy, and effortless to spread.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and brings all the fruity flavors together.
How to Make Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake slips out easily and bakes up evenly golden without sticking to the sides—no one wants to leave any delicious bit behind!
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of mandarin oranges (juice included). Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice the oranges begin to break up and the batter become light and fluffy—this is what gives the cake its signature airy crumb and fruity flecks.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like sunshine! Once baked, let the cake cool completely right in the pan.
Step 4: Make the Pineapple Frosting
While your cake cools, prepare the luscious frosting. In a medium bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple (with juice), instant vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract until blended. Gently fold in the whipped topping until you have a smooth, fluffy frosting loaded with pineapple bits. Resist the urge to taste-test too much of this—it’s irresistible!
Step 5: Frost and Chill
Once the cake has cooled, spread the pineapple frosting evenly over the top. For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate your Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake for at least an hour before slicing. This lets the flavors mingle and the frosting set perfectly.
How to Serve Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake with a handful of toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch. Extra mandarin orange slices or maraschino cherries can turn each piece into a little slice of paradise, making your cake as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a fruit salad loaded with berries, or a bright lemon sorbet. The cake’s tropical sweetness plays wonderfully with tangy or creamy sides, making every bite feel like a true celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into squares for easy potluck servings, or bake it in two 9-inch round pans for a pretty, layered effect. For a fun dessert bar, serve mini cubes of Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake in cupcake liners, each topped with a swirl of frosting and a nugget of fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh and moist for up to four days. The flavors actually get better with a little extra time, making Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this cake (frosted or unfrosted) for up to two months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, tuck into an airtight container, and thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick, tropical treat whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s usually no need to reheat. If you’d like to take the chill off, let a slice sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving—just long enough for the frosting to get dreamily soft and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
You can, but canned mandarin oranges with their juice create the signature texture and moisture in Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake. If you go with fresh, be sure to add a splash of orange juice to the batter.
Can I make Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check the pudding mix for gluten content. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-friendly.
What can I use instead of whipped topping?
Stabilized whipped cream works as a substitute, but keep in mind the frosting might be a little less airy and sweet. For best results, use a whipped topping as included in the original recipe.
How do I prevent the frosting from becoming runny?
Be sure to include both the crushed pineapple and the juice, and wait until the cake is completely cool before frosting. Chilling the finished cake in the fridge for at least an hour will help the frosting set up beautifully.
Can I add extra fruit or nuts?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, toasted coconut, or even a few more mandarin oranges on top turn Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake into a showstopper. Just don’t overload the frosting with extras, so it stays spreadable.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself to a slice of sunshine with Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake—it’s as easy as it is impressive, every single time. Whether it’s for a potluck or just a midweek pick-me-up, this cake brings smiles and sweet memories to any table. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and enjoy the bright burst of citrusy, pineapple flavor in every bite!
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Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The moist and flavorful cake topped with a creamy pineapple frosting is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges with juice
Frosting:
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and mandarin oranges with juice. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the frosting: Mix crushed pineapple, vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract. Fold in whipped topping.
- Frost the cake: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
- Chill and serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, top with toasted coconut or chopped pecans.
- You can also bake this in two 9-inch round pans for a layer cake version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
