Description
Mandarin Orange Cake is a light, moist, and refreshing dessert made with mandarin oranges folded into a tender cake and topped with a fluffy pineapple whipped topping frosting. This easy, crowd-pleasing cake is perfect for potlucks and warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of mandarin oranges (with juice). Beat until smooth, breaking up oranges slightly.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, mix whipped topping, dry instant pudding mix, and crushed pineapple (with juice) until well combined.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Store refrigerated due to the whipped topping frosting.
- For extra citrus flavor, add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the batter.
- Can be made a day in advance for improved flavor.
- Garnish with additional mandarin oranges if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American