The Ultimate Orange Pineapple Cake: A Zesty, Moist & Tropical Delight
Prepare to fall in love with this extraordinary Orange Pineapple Cake! Each slice offers a harmonious blend of sweet mandarin oranges baked into a supremely moist cake, crowned with a light, airy, and intensely fruity pineapple whipped frosting. It’s a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with a refreshing citrus tang, making it utterly irresistible and incredibly satisfying.
Why This Orange Pineapple Cake Recipe is a Must-Try
This Orange Pineapple Cake isn’t just another dessert; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and delightful textures, crafted to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Our recipe ingeniously transforms a simple yellow cake mix into a gourmet-level treat, primarily by incorporating juicy mandarin oranges directly into the batter. These little citrus gems infuse the cake with incredible moisture and a burst of bright, tangy flavor, elevating the humble cake mix to something truly special.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The crowning glory of this cake is its unbelievably soft and creamy crushed pineapple frosting. Unlike heavy buttercreams, this whipped frosting is light and airy, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich cake base. The natural sweetness and tropical notes of pineapple are perfectly highlighted, creating a topping that’s not just delicious but also incredibly refreshing. It’s a match made in dessert heaven – a sweet, fruity base coupled with a cloud-like pineapple frosting that simply melts in your mouth.
While we often crave fruity cakes during the warmer months, like a classic pineapple cake or a charming peach upside down cake, this orange pineapple rendition breaks seasonal boundaries. It’s designed to be enjoyed year-round, thanks to the convenience of readily available canned fruits. This means you don’t have to wait for summer to savor its tropical goodness; simple, accessible ingredients allow you to whip up this delightful cake anytime the craving strikes. It’s the ultimate easy dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet pick-me-up on an ordinary day.
Essential Ingredients for Your Orange Pineapple Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable cake. While the full, precise measurements and detailed instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the end of this article, here’s a general overview of what you’ll need to prepare this bright and flavorful dessert. We focus on easily accessible ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and moisture.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing your substitution options can elevate your baking experience and ensure success every time. Here’s a deeper dive into the components of our Orange Pineapple Cake:
For the Moist Orange Cake Base:
- Cake Mix: Our recipe primarily calls for a standard yellow cake mix. This choice streamlines the baking process without sacrificing flavor or texture. However, feel free to experiment with other complementary flavors. A lemon cake mix would enhance the citrus notes, an orange cake mix would double down on the orange essence, and a white cake mix provides a neutral base to let the fruits shine. Important: You will NOT follow the instructions on the back of the cake mix box. Our recipe card provides all the necessary additional ingredients and liquids to achieve our signature moist texture. For an extra boost of orange flavor, consider adding a dash of orange extract to your cake batter.
- Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges are the star here, offering consistent sweetness and moisture year-round. You’ll use both the fruit and a portion of their juice in the cake batter, creating an incredibly tender crumb. Remember to reserve about 15 mandarin orange segments for decorating the finished cake, adding a beautiful visual appeal and an extra pop of fresh flavor to each serving.
- Vegetable Oil: This liquid fat contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness and tender crumb. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, keeping the cake soft and palatable for longer. Canola oil or another neutral-flavored oil works perfectly.
- Sour Cream: A secret weapon for super moist cakes! Sour cream adds richness, moisture, and a slight tang that beautifully complements the sweetness of the oranges. Its acidity also helps tenderize the cake’s crumb. If you don’t have sour cream, plain full-fat Greek yogurt can be a suitable substitute, though it might yield a slightly denser cake.
- Eggs: Eggs are crucial for structure, binding the ingredients together, and contributing to the cake’s rich flavor and golden hue. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results, as they incorporate more evenly into the batter.
For the Irresistible Pineapple Whipped Frosting:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The foundation of our light and airy frosting. When whipped, it creates a fluffy, cloud-like texture that is far less dense than traditional buttercream. Ensure your cream is very cold for optimal whipping results.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar sweetens the frosting and helps stabilize the whipped cream. Its fine texture ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is where the magic happens for both flavor and stability! You’ll use just the dry mix, not prepared pudding. The instant pudding mix adds a creamy vanilla undertone that perfectly complements the pineapple, and it acts as a stabilizer, helping the whipped cream hold its shape longer. Be sure to use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve.
- Crushed Pineapple with Juice: The star flavor of the frosting! Using crushed pineapple along with its juice is key. The juice adds moisture and intense pineapple flavor, while the crushed fruit provides delightful texture throughout the frosting. Crushed pineapple is preferred for a smooth, uniform frosting, but if you desire more pronounced fruity bits, you could use very finely diced pineapple tidbits, ensuring they are well-drained if not using their juice to avoid a watery frosting.
- Pineapple Tidbits (for topping): These are optional but highly recommended for an attractive garnish. Along with the reserved mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits add a beautiful finishing touch and an extra burst of tropical flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Orange Pineapple Cake
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare Your Oven and Oranges: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Next, carefully open your can of mandarin oranges. From this can, gently remove about 15 individual orange segments and set them aside in a small bowl. These will be used later as a vibrant and fresh garnish for the top of your finished cake. The remaining oranges, along with all their luscious liquid, should be reserved for the cake batter itself – this juice is crucial for the cake’s moisture and flavor.
- Combine Cake Ingredients: In a large, spacious mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, and eggs. Now, add the reserved mandarin oranges (the ones not set aside for topping) along with all their liquid into this bowl. This unique addition is what makes our cake incredibly moist and flavorful. Gently mix all these ingredients together with a spatula or low-speed mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and ensure a tender cake.
- Bake the Cake: Grease a standard 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased dish. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake according to the time specified on your cake mix box, which is typically around 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and carefully transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely, which usually takes about an hour, before proceeding to frosting. A fully cooled cake is essential for the frosting to set properly.
- Prepare the Pineapple Whipped Frosting: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the very cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Using a handheld mixer (or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment), whip the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes thick, creamy, and holds stiff peaks. This usually takes a few minutes. Once whipped, gently fold in the crushed pineapple along with its juice. Mix just until everything is combined, ensuring you don’t overmix and deflate the whipped cream. The result should be a light, fluffy, and intensely pineapple-flavored frosting.
- Frost and Decorate: Once your cake is completely cool, generously spread the prepared pineapple whipped frosting evenly over the top. Then, artfully arrange the reserved mandarin orange segments and any extra pineapple tidbits you might have over the frosting. This not only makes the cake look absolutely stunning but also adds an extra layer of juicy fruitiness with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Due to the delicate nature of the whipped cream and fruit frosting, this cake must be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Bringing it to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving can enhance its flavors and texture.
Yes, you can freeze this cake! For best results, freeze individual slices or the whole cake (unfrosted if possible, but frosted works too). Wrap it tightly first with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. The frosting can also be frozen separately in a ziptop bag or airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Absolutely! The cake base can be baked a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap it tightly and store at room temperature. The frosting can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; just give it a quick whisk before frosting the cake. Assemble the cake a few hours before serving for the freshest taste and best presentation.
You can use other pan sizes, but baking times will vary. For instance, two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans can be used, reducing the baking time to about 25-30 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick. You might need to adjust the frosting amount slightly for different pan configurations.
To achieve the lightest, most voluminous whipped frosting, ensure your heavy cream, mixing bowl, and even the beaters are very cold. Pop your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before whipping for superior results. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better.
Overmixing cake batter can lead to a tough, dry cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. The goal is a tender, moist crumb.
Serving Suggestions for Your Tropical Cake
This Orange Pineapple Cake is incredibly versatile and delightful whether served chilled directly from the refrigerator or at a cool room temperature. Its bright, fruity flavors make it an ideal dessert for virtually any occasion. Imagine it as the star of your summer potlucks, a refreshing treat at garden parties, or a vibrant centerpiece for birthday celebrations. But don’t limit it to special events; this cake is equally perfect for a casual weeknight dessert, bringing a burst of tropical sunshine to your table any time of year. For an extra special touch, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of passion fruit coulis. The combination of textures and temperatures will create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Explore More Delicious Cake Recipes
If you love this Orange Pineapple Cake, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is always buzzing with delightful cake creations designed to please every palate. From classic fruit cakes to comforting everyday bakes, there’s always something new and exciting to try. Don’t miss out on these other fantastic cake recipes:
- Strawberry Cake
- Easy Banana Cake
- Pineapple Poke Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Pineapple Sunshine Cake
- Pineapple Dump Cake
- Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, creating and experimenting with new recipes, and I love sharing all my culinary adventures with you! To make sure you never miss a single delicious creation, I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new recipe is published. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes, bringing fresh inspiration to your kitchen!
Orange Pineapple Cake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips within the blog post that you may find incredibly helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix do not use ingredients on back of box
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 eggs
- 11 oz mandarin oranges with the juice (reserve 15 segments for topping)
For the Whipped Pineapple Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream very cold
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix dry, not prepared
- 8 oz crushed pineapple with the juice
- 8 oz pineapple tidbits optional, for additional topping
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Hand mixer
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully remove about 15 mandarin orange segments from the can and set them aside in a small bowl; these will be used for topping. Reserve the remaining oranges and all their liquid for the cake batter.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and the remaining mandarin oranges with their liquid. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.15.25 oz yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup sour cream, 3 eggs
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Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Bake according to the time designated on the cake mix box, typically about 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and allow to cool completely (approximately one hour).
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In another large mixing bowl, combine the very cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Using a handheld mixer, whip on medium-high speed until the mixture is thick, creamy, and holds stiff peaks. Gently fold in the crushed pineapple along with its juice until just combined.2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix, 8 oz crushed pineapple
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Once the cake is completely cool, spread the whipped pineapple frosting generously over the top.
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Decorate the cake with the reserved mandarin orange segments and, if desired, additional pineapple tidbits for an extra festive touch. Chill until ready to serve.8 oz pineapple tidbits
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store this cake in an air-tight container, kept in the refrigerator, for 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and delightful texture.
- To enhance the cake’s flavor even further, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cake batter along with the mandarin oranges.
- For the lightest whipped frosting, ensure your heavy cream is extremely cold. You can even chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before whipping.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Attempting to frost a warm cake will cause the whipped frosting to melt and slide off, resulting in a less-than-perfect presentation.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on November 14, 2021, and has been updated and expanded to provide even more helpful tips and details for your baking pleasure.