Citrus Paradise Cake
Experience a slice of spring with this enchanting Citrus Paradise Cake, a family recipe cherished for generations. Its vibrant flavors of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple blend beautifully within a moist, fluffy yellow cake that melts in your mouth. The fluffy Cool Whip frosting creates a delightful contrast, making each bite a refreshing joy. Perfect for any celebration, this cake is light enough to have you reaching for seconds as you savor the taste of sunshine. A timeless dessert that will surely become a staple in your home, just like it was in my grandma’s kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pillsbury Moist Supreme Classic Yellow Cake Mix
1 (18 ounce box, must say 'with one cup of pudding in the mix for a moister cake')
Eggs
4 (large, beaten)
Oil
1/2 (cup, vegetable or canola)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 (teaspoon)
Mandarin Oranges
1 (11 ounce can, un-drained)
Cool Whip
1 (8 ounce container)
Crushed Pineapple
1 (8 ounce can, un-drained)
Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1 (3.5 ounce box)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 330°F for glass pans). Grease and flour an 8x12 cake pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and the entire can of un-drained mandarin oranges.
3
Use an electric hand mixer to blend the mixture until it is smooth, ensuring that the mandarin oranges are broken down into small pieces.
4
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, drain the juice from the crushed pineapple.
7
Add the vanilla instant pudding mix to the pineapple juice and mix using an electric hand mixer until smooth; set this mixture aside.
8
In a separate large bowl, combine the entire tub of Cool Whip with the drained crushed pineapple, mixing until well combined.
9
Pour the juice and pudding mixture into the Cool Whip and pineapple mixture, blending thoroughly with the hand mixer until smooth.
10
Once the cake has cooled, frost it generously with the creamy frosting. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Paradise Cake?
Citrus Paradise Cake is a moist, fluffy yellow cake made with mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, topped with a creamy Cool Whip frosting.
What type of cake mix is required for this recipe?
You should use an 18-ounce box of Pillsbury Moist Supreme Classic Yellow Cake Mix that includes pudding in the mix.
How many eggs are used in the Citrus Paradise Cake?
The recipe calls for 4 large, beaten eggs.
What kind of oil should be used?
You can use either vegetable or canola oil.
Should I drain the mandarin oranges before adding them to the batter?
No, you should include the entire 11-ounce can of un-drained mandarin oranges in the cake mixture.
What size cake pan is recommended?
An 8x12 cake pan is recommended for this recipe.
What is the oven temperature for a standard metal pan?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature should I use for a glass cake pan?
If using a glass pan, set the oven to 330 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically bakes for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I test if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The frosting is made from Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, and vanilla instant pudding mix.
Do I use the pineapple juice for the frosting?
Yes, you drain the juice from the crushed pineapple and mix it with the vanilla pudding powder first.
What size container of Cool Whip is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce container of Cool Whip.
What size can of crushed pineapple is required?
An 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple is used for the frosting.
What size box of vanilla instant pudding is used?
The recipe requires a 3.5-ounce box of vanilla instant pudding mix.
Is vanilla extract added to the cake?
Yes, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
Why should I use an electric hand mixer for the batter?
Using a mixer ensures the mandarin oranges are broken down into small pieces and the batter is smooth.
When should the cake be frosted?
Wait until the cake has completely cooled before applying the frosting.
Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, the cake should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
What is the texture of the Citrus Paradise Cake?
The cake is moist, fluffy, and light with a refreshing citrus flavor.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe that was a staple in the creator's grandma's kitchen.
Can this cake be served for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as perfect for any celebration or spring event.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used to make this cake and frosting.
How do I prepare the cake pan?
Grease and flour the pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
How do I combine the frosting ingredients?
Mix pudding with pineapple juice, mix Cool Whip with drained pineapple, then blend both mixtures together until smooth.
Can I use a different brand of yellow cake mix?
While Pillsbury is recommended, any 18-ounce yellow cake mix with pudding included should work.
Should the eggs be added whole?
The eggs should be beaten before being added to the mixing bowl.
How much oil is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil.
What flavor is the instant pudding used in the frosting?
Vanilla instant pudding mix is used to stabilize and flavor the frosting.
How long does it take to prepare the frosting?
The frosting can be prepared quickly while the cake is baking by mixing the pineapple, pudding, and Cool Whip.