Name: Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 box Yellow cake mix (Can substitute with a white or gluten-free cake mix.); 3 large Eggs (Use large eggs for best results; flaxseed egg can be a substitute.); 1/2 cup Vegetable oil (Can substitute with canola or melted coconut oil.); 1 cup Water (Can use pineapple juice for additional fruit flavor.); 8 oz Cream cheese (Must be softened to room temperature.); 1 can Mandarin oranges (Can use fresh mandarin oranges, segmenting them first.); 1 cup Crushed pineapple (Drain well to avoid soggy cake; can use fresh or frozen.); 1 cup Powdered sugar (Granulated sugar can be used for a grainier texture.); 1 tsp Vanilla extract (Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.)

This delightful Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes to perfection for a quick and easy dessert that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ opportunity to get rid of those leftover cans of fruit. Seriously, this cake is as flexible as your schedule!

Ingredient Breakdown

Yellow Cake Mix
Eggs
Vegetable Oil
Water
Cream Cheese
Mandarin Oranges
Crushed Pineapple
Powdered Sugar
Vanilla Extract

Let’s Get Cooking!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan so that nothing sticks.
In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water, just mix according to the package instructions until it’s all well blended and smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as the cake bakes!
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to prep the frosting: in a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy, trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this!
Frost the cooled cake with your amazing cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. The vibrant colors will make it so inviting!
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking to whip up something that feels fancy yet is super easy! It’s comfort food at its best and a family favorite that never disappoints. I’m a real sucker for fruity desserts, and with the addition of creamy frosting, it takes it over the top! The best part is that you can use whatever fruit you’ve got on hand, so no waste and tons of creativity in the kitchen.

If you loved this Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake, be sure to check out my Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, my Elvis Presley Cake, or my Galaxy Mirror Glaze Cake!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Quick & Easy

This cake comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal steps. Seriously, if you’ve got those ingredients on hand, you can have this cake in the oven in no time!

Customizable

You can easily swap out the fruits based on what you have. Peaches, strawberries, or even chopped apples will work beautifully. It’s perfect for getting creative with whatever’s in your pantry or fridge!

Crowd-Pleaser

Every time I serve this, it’s a hit! Everyone raves about the moist cake and delicious frosting, and trust me, it looks impressive too! This dessert is great for potlucks or family gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

How to Serve This Cake

Serve this delightful Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake cold from the fridge or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own, but if you want to be extra, top it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a little something special!

Storage

This cake will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Reheating Instructions

While this cake is best served cold, if you enjoy warm cake (who wouldn’t?), simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.

Freezer-Friendly

Yes! This cake freezes well too. Just slice it up and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

So there you have it! This Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake is a simple yet delightfully fruity treat that’s going to wow your family and friends. It’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday celebrations, and the best part is that it’s so customizable! Now, let’s head to the kitchen and get baking because I know you’re going to love this as much as I do! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!