The Best Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe – Bursting with Citrus & Coconut!

Get ready to treat your taste buds with this delightful Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Coconut Frosting! This cake is light, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to impress your friends and family with a tropical twist.

Why Make This Recipe

This cake is not just easy to make; it’s also super delicious! The combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple coconut frosting creates a delightful flavor that everyone loves. I often whip this up for weekend gatherings or special occasions. The smiles on my family’s faces when they take a bite are priceless!

How to Make Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Coconut Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 package yellow cake mix


• 11 oz can mandarin oranges, undrained


• 1 stick butter, melted


• 1/4 cup vegetable oil


• 4 large eggs


• 1 can crushed pineapple (juice used for cake and pineapple used for frosting)


• 12 oz whipped topping, thawed


• 1 box instant French vanilla or pistachio pudding


• 1-1/2 cups shredded coconut

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.


2. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, mandarin oranges, melted butter, oil, eggs, shredded coconut, and pudding mix. Beat everything together until well combined.


3. Fill the prepared pans with the batter and bake for about 30 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.


4. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.


5. Use a fork to poke small holes on top of each cake. Drizzle some pineapple juice over the cakes, filling in the holes for extra flavor.


6. In another mixing bowl, combine whipped topping, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut to make the frosting. Spread it evenly over the cooled cakes.


7. Serve and enjoy this tropical delight!

How to Serve Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Coconut Frosting

Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve it on pretty plates. You can garnish each slice with a sprinkle of shredded coconut for an extra touch. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

How to Store Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Coconut Frosting

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just remember to keep it covered!

Tips to Make Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Coconut Frosting

• Make sure you use undrained mandarin oranges for the batter to keep it moist.


• Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a fluffy cake.


• For a fun touch, add some chopped nuts or extra coconut to the topping.

Variation

You can easily switch up the flavor by using different cake mixes or adding other fruits like peaches or strawberries into the cake batter. This cake can be made into cupcakes too!

FAQs

Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to add a bit of juice or syrup to keep the cake moist.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

What if I don’t have a 9-inch cake pan?

You can use any cake pan you have, just adjust the baking time as needed. Check for doneness with a toothpick!