This Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is a cherished family recipe passed down from my grandmother. It’s a deliciously moist and fruity cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple creates a refreshing and light flavor that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Follow this detailed guide to recreate this beloved cake.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Cake mix
- 1/2 cup Wesson oil (or any vegetable oil)
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges with juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
Icing
- 1 (12-ounce) tub Cool Whip
- 1 small instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (16-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even baking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, mandarin oranges with juice, sugar, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients at medium speed for 2 minutes, ensuring a smooth and well-incorporated batter.
- Prepare the Cake Pans:
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. For added assurance that the cakes won’t stick, line the bottoms of the pans with wax paper.
- Pour and Bake:
- Evenly divide the cake batter among the three prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula if necessary. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the center of each cake layer bounces back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to wire cooling racks. Let them cool completely before icing.
Preparing the Icing:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, instant vanilla pudding mix, and crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix gently until the ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth.
Assembling the Cake:
- Layer the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the icing mixture over the top of the first layer. Add the second cake layer and repeat the icing process. Finally, add the third cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining icing, ensuring to coat the top and sides evenly.
- Chill the Cake:
- For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the icing to set, making it easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, slice the cake and serve. This cake is best enjoyed cold, as the refreshing citrus flavors and the creamy icing make for a delightful and satisfying dessert.
Tips and Variations:
- Decorating:
- For an extra touch, you can decorate the top of the cake with mandarin orange segments or pineapple chunks. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes also adds a nice crunch and enhances the tropical flavor.
- Storage:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Substitutions:
- If you’re looking for a lower-calorie version, you can use light Cool Whip and sugar-free instant pudding mix.
- Add-ins:
- For additional texture, you can fold in some finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cake batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 4g
This Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is a delightful and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. The combination of the moist, flavorful cake and the light, creamy icing makes it a standout dessert that’s sure to impress. The refreshing citrus flavors from the mandarin oranges and pineapple make this cake a perfect choice for spring and summer celebrations.
Enjoy this cherished family recipe and create new memories with your loved ones as you share this delicious cake. Happy baking!
