Name: Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges (undrained); 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (in juice, undrained); 1 (8-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping (thawed); 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix

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If you’re looking to bring a burst of sunshine to your next gathering or family dinner, this Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake just might steal the show. It’s a lusciously light, fruit-studded dessert that’s as simple to whip up as it is delicious. Moist, zingy, and topped with a pineapple-infused, creamy cloud, the Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is pure joy on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this is the kind of recipe that never lets you down.

Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something reassuring about a recipe where each ingredient serves a vital purpose. The beauty of this Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is in the balance: every component—from the sunny citrus to the plush whipped topping—has its moment to shine, delivering flavor, moisture, and irresistible color.

Yellow Cake Mix: A foolproof shortcut that forms a fluffy, golden base—perfectly neutral to let the fruit flavors pop.
Large Eggs (4): The eggs guarantee richness and structure, making the crumb tender and moist.
Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Oil keeps the cake extra soft and ensures it stays moist for days—no dry slices here!
Mandarin Oranges (1 can, 11 ounces, undrained): The real stars—their juice and segments add bright citrusy flavor and gorgeous specks of color throughout the cake.
Crushed Pineapple (1 can, 20 ounces, undrained): Pineapple in its juice brings sweet-tart punch and a juicy topping texture.
Frozen Whipped Topping (8-ounce tub, thawed): For that creamy, dreamy layer that’s lighter than frosting but still completely decadent.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4-ounce box): The secret weapon! It thickens up the topping and imparts a mellow vanilla note.

How to Make Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—using butter or nonstick spray—to help your cake release flawlessly later. Prepping your pan first makes the rest of the process a breeze, so you’re ready as soon as your batter comes together.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of mandarin oranges including the juice. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and beat everything together until the batter looks light and a bit fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). The mandarin pieces will break up, adding lovely orange flecks throughout—this is what gives Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake its signature cheerful look and flavor.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared dish, smoothing out the top. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell irresistible at this stage. Let the cake cool completely in the pan to avoid melting your decadent topping later on.

Step 4: Create the Pineapple Topping

While your cake cools (a perfect time for a quick dance break), grab a fresh bowl and stir together the undrained crushed pineapple, thawed whipped topping, and dry vanilla pudding mix. Mix until everything is blended and the topping has thickened slightly, creating a spoonable, fluffy cloud of goodness. This pineapple crown is what makes Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake so delightfully refreshing and unique.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Once your cake is cool, gently spread the pineapple-topping mixture evenly over the surface. The contrast of golden cake and creamy, fruity topping is instantly inviting. Slide the cake into the fridge for at least an hour—longer if you can wait! This chilling step is key to melding all the flavors and letting the topping set perfectly.

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake

Garnishes

Garnishing isn’t just about looks—those little extra touches elevate each slice. Try finishing with fresh mandarin segments artfully arranged on top, a sprinkle of toasted coconut for tropical crunch, or even a handful of finely chopped pistachios to add color and a subtle nutty note. These tiny tweaks take your Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake from everyday treat to show-stopping dessert.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with light accompaniments. Think a simple fruit salad bursting with seasonal berries, a refreshing cup of tea, or a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt on the side. If you’re hosting a brunch, this cake holds its own alongside quiches and savory tarts, providing the perfect sweet finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is naturally festive, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Cut it into neat squares and serve on colorful platters for a picnic vibe, or stack the pieces on a beautiful cake stand for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece. For special occasions, add edible flowers or small swirls of whipped cream to each slice. Every version feels special and celebratory!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator, thanks to its creamy topping. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the pan or in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits, making that second-day slice truly something to look forward to.

Freezing

Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is freezer-friendly if you need to make it ahead. For best results, wrap individual pieces or the entire cake (without topping) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and prepare the pineapple topping fresh for the best texture, then frost and chill as usual.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, but if you find yourself craving a slightly warmer bite (especially on a cold day), you can let a slice sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as the topping may become watery. For ultimate freshness, always keep it cold until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Fresh mandarins can work in a pinch, but canned mandarins (with their juice) provide consistent moisture and sweetness for the cake. If you go fresh, add a little extra orange juice to the batter and be sure to peel away all membrane for a tender bite.

Can I make Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake without whipped topping?

If you prefer a homemade alternative, replace the frozen whipped topping with freshly whipped cream stabilized with a spoonful of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. The texture may be slightly lighter but will still pair beautifully with the pineapple and pudding mix.

What’s the best way to transport this cake?

Since this cake needs to stay cold, transport it in the baking pan with a snug-fitting lid or foil. For longer trips, place an ice pack underneath the pan in a cooler to keep the topping firm and fresh until it’s time to serve.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely—while vanilla is classic and lets the fruit flavors shine, you can experiment with cheesecake or coconut cream pudding for a creative twist. Just be sure to use instant (not cook-and-serve) pudding for proper thickening.

Is Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake suitable for special diets?

This cake is vegetarian as written, and you can make it dairy-free by using a dairy-free whipped topping and pudding mix. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix—just be sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake, I’m reminded just how magical simple ingredients can be. It’s sunshine, nostalgia, and the promise of second helpings all on one plate. Trust me: give this cake a try and watch it become your own family favorite in no time!

Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a taste of the tropics with this delightful Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake. A moist yellow cake infused with mandarin oranges, topped with a luscious pineapple whipped cream topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges (undrained)

Topping:

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (in juice, undrained)
1 (8-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping (thawed)
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Beat cake mix, eggs, oil, and mandarin oranges until fluffy. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
Make the Topping: Combine pineapple, whipped topping, and pudding mix. Spread over cooled cake.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.