This Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Topping is a delightful and refreshing treat that brings tropical flavors to your dessert table. The moist, citrus-infused cake is made with mandarin oranges and topped with a creamy, sweet pineapple frosting that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its light texture and burst of fruity flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from summer parties to casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mandarin Orange Cake is a light, tropical-inspired dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of mandarin oranges and pineapple in every bite. The cake is easy to prepare, thanks to the use of a yellow cake mix, and it’s topped with a luscious pineapple frosting made from Cool Whip, vanilla pudding, and crushed pineapple. The result is a moist, refreshing cake with just the right amount of sweetness—perfect for those who love fruit-based desserts. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and delicious.

Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Topping

Ingredients

For the cake:

15-ounce can mandarin oranges (1/2 cup juice reserved, drain the rest)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup), softened to room temperature
½ cup mandarin orange juice
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

20-ounce can crushed pineapple (3/4 cup juice reserved, drain the rest very well)
¾ cup juice from the crushed pineapple
3.4-ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix
½ cup powdered sugar
4 ounces Cool Whip (whipped topping, half a regular-sized tub)
Extra mandarin orange slices (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Cake: Drain the mandarin oranges, reserving ½ cup of juice (discard the rest of the juice). In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, ½ cup mandarin orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until well combined.
Add the Oranges: Gently stir in the drained mandarin oranges, leaving some oranges chunky for added texture.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Prepare the Topping: Drain the crushed pineapple very well, reserving ¾ cup of juice (discard the rest of the juice). In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice and the vanilla instant pudding mix.
Mix the Frosting: Stir in the powdered sugar, then fold in the Cool Whip (whipped topping). Add the drained crushed pineapple and mix gently. If the frosting is too thin, add a little more Cool Whip to thicken it to your desired consistency.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the pineapple frosting evenly over the top.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours to allow the frosting to set.
Serve: Slice the cake into 12 pieces and top each slice with extra mandarin orange slices for garnish.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes + 2-3 hours chilling
Servings: 12 servings

Variations

Add Coconut: For an even more tropical flavor, sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting or mix some into the frosting itself.
Change the Fruit: You can substitute the mandarin oranges and pineapple with other tropical fruits like peaches or tropical fruit blends for a new twist.
Use a Different Cake Mix: If you want to switch it up, you could use a lemon or white cake mix instead of yellow for a different flavor profile.
Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: This cake is best served chilled and doesn’t need to be reheated. Just take it out of the fridge for a few minutes before serving if you prefer it a little less cold.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this cake a day ahead and refrigerate it to allow the frosting to set. It actually tastes even better after it has chilled for a while.

2. Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

You can use fresh mandarin oranges, but be sure to reserve some juice from the fresh fruit to replace the canned juice. Canned mandarin oranges offer a bit more juice, so you may need to adjust the amount of juice based on your preference.

3. Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

While vanilla pudding is ideal for this topping, you could also experiment with other flavors like coconut cream or cheesecake pudding for a unique twist on the frosting.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

5. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the frosting for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Add the pineapple frosting once thawed and ready to serve.

6. Can I use a different whipped topping instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use other brands of whipped topping or even homemade whipped cream, though the texture may differ slightly from the Cool Whip version.

7. Is this cake very sweet?

Yes, this cake is quite sweet, thanks to the combination of cake mix, fruit, and sweet frosting. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the topping.

8. Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?

Yes, you can use sugar-free vanilla pudding mix for a lower-sugar version, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

9. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

You can use any other cake mix you prefer, such as white cake mix, lemon cake mix, or even spice cake for a unique flavor combination.

10. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If the frosting is too thin, add more Cool Whip to reach your desired consistency. You can also use less pineapple juice to make it thicker.

Conclusion

Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Topping is a tropical, fruity dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or casual gathering. With its light cake base, creamy pineapple frosting, and fresh mandarin orange slices, it’s a refreshing treat that will transport you straight to the tropics. Easy to make and wonderfully satisfying, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!