Tropical Mandarin Pineapple Cake
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this delightful cake that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple with a light, fluffy vanilla frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or any celebration, this cake is easy to make and is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. The unique texture and refreshing taste of this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve it chilled for the best experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Duncan Hines butter cake mix
18.25 ounces (no preparation needed)
eggs
4 (beaten)
cooking oil
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
mandarin oranges
11 ounces (undrained)
instant vanilla pudding mix
3.5 ounces (no preparation needed)
Cool Whip
16 ounces (no preparation needed)
crushed pineapple
20 ounces (drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
2
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter cake mix, beaten eggs, cooking oil, and undrained mandarin oranges. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans or dish.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7
In a separate bowl, mix the instant vanilla pudding with the Cool Whip and drained crushed pineapple using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the pudding mixture generously over the top and sides of the cake.
9
Refrigerate the decorated cake until ready to serve, for at least 2 hours for best results. Enjoy your Tropical Mandarin Pineapple Cake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Mandarin Pineapple Cake?
It is a refreshing tropical dessert that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple with a light, fluffy vanilla frosting.
What brand of cake mix is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 18.25-ounce package of Duncan Hines butter cake mix.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 beaten eggs.
Should I drain the mandarin oranges?
No, the 11 ounces of mandarin oranges should be used undrained in the batter.
Should I drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, the 20 ounces of crushed pineapple should be drained before being added to the frosting.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
How long should I bake the cake?
Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What types of baking pans are suitable?
You can use two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9x13-inch baking dish.
What is the frosting made of?
The frosting consists of instant vanilla pudding mix, Cool Whip, and drained crushed pineapple.
Should I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to ensure both the batter and the frosting are smooth and creamy.
How long does the cake need to cool?
The cake should cool in the pans for 10 minutes and then cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Is refrigeration required after decorating?
Yes, the cake should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before serving for the best results.
How much cooking oil is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of cooking oil.
What kind of pudding mix should I use?
Use a 3.5-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix.
For which occasions is this cake recommended?
It is perfect for summer gatherings, celebrations, or any special occasion with family and friends.
How is the texture of the cake described?
The cake has a unique texture that is light, fluffy, and moist.
How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Can I substitute the butter cake mix?
While Duncan Hines is specified, any similar brand of butter cake mix should work for this recipe.
How much Cool Whip is needed for the topping?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of Cool Whip.
How many ingredients are used in total?
There are 7 ingredients required to make this cake and frosting.
Do the cake pans need preparation?
Yes, grease the pans with cooking spray or butter before adding the batter.
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of crushed?
Crushed pineapple is recommended for the correct frosting consistency and even distribution.
What does the frosting taste like?
The frosting has a creamy vanilla flavor with a refreshing tropical pineapple twist.
Is this cake suitable for hot weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a great summer dessert and is served chilled.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The specific number of servings is not provided, but it makes enough for two 9-inch rounds or one 9x13-inch pan.
Should the cake be served at room temperature?
No, the cake is best experienced when served chilled.
What size can of mandarin oranges is required?
The recipe uses one 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges.
What should the consistency of the batter be?
The batter should be mixed until it is smooth and well combined before baking.
What size can of crushed pineapple is required?
The recipe uses one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
Is this a good recipe to prepare in advance?
Yes, since it needs at least 2 hours of refrigeration, it is an excellent choice for a make-ahead dessert.