Orange Pineapple Cake

A Taste of Sunshine

If you’re looking for a cake that tastes like sunshine on a plate, this Orange Pineapple Cake is it! Light, fruity, and topped with a fluffy whipped frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, parties, or just because you’re craving something sweet and refreshing. Every bite is filled with tropical flavors that make you feel like you’re on a mini vacation.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This Orange Pineapple Cake is the ultimate summer dessert. It’s easy to make, full of citrusy goodness, and always a crowd favorite. My family has been making this cake for years, ever since our dear friend Mary Alice introduced it to us. The first time I took a bite, I knew I had to have the recipe! Now, it’s a must-have at our summer gatherings.

Here’s why you’ll love it too:

• Light and fluffy – The cake has the perfect airy texture, thanks to a few simple baking tricks.
• Packed with tropical flavor – Orange, pineapple, and a hint of lemon create a refreshing taste in every bite.
• Easy to make – Using a boxed cake mix keeps this recipe simple while still delivering homemade flavor.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd – Whether you’re making a sheet cake, layer cake, or a 9×13 version, there’s plenty to share!

Ingredients in Orange Pineapple Cake

This recipe is super simple, and you might already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!

• Cake:
  • 1 box lemon or yellow cake mix (vanilla or white cake mix works too)
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 (8-ounce) can mandarin oranges (with juice)
• Topping:
  • 1 (3.9-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • 1 (16-ounce) tub Cool Whip or whipped cream

How to Make Orange Pineapple Cake

Making this cake is as easy as mixing, baking, and frosting. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Preheat & Prep – Set your oven to 325°F and grease your baking pan.
2. Mix the Batter – In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and mandarin oranges (with juice). Beat until smooth.
3. Bake – Pour the batter into a greased 12×18 sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool Completely – Let the cake cool on a wire rack before frosting.
5. Make the Frosting – In a bowl, beat together the pudding mix, crushed pineapple (with juice) and whipped topping.
6. Frost & Serve – Spread the whipped topping generously over the cooled cake. Garnish with mandarin orange slices or fresh pineapple for a pretty finish.

Tips for the Best Orange Pineapple Cake

I’ve made this cake a time or two (or twenty…) and here are my best tips:

• Use room-temperature eggs – This helps the cake mix more evenly and creates a fluffier texture. Use a hand mixer to beat each egg slowly into the cake mixture.
• Don’t drain the fruit – The juices from the oranges and pineapple add extra moisture and flavor.
• Sift the cake mix – It may sound extra, but sifting adds air and makes the cake even lighter.
• Cool completely before frosting – A warm cake will melt the whipped topping, so patience is key!
• Preheat your oven – Preheat the oven to the correct temperature BEFORE placing the cakes inside.
• Try different toppings – Try adding mandarin orange slices, pineapple slices, or strawberry slices to the top of the cake when serving, for different color and flavor variations.

How to Adjust the Cake Size

Want to switch things up? This recipe is super flexible:

• Sheet Cake – The original recipe serves about 20 people.
• 9×13 Cake – Bake at 325°F for 30-35 minutes.
• Two-Layer Cake – Divide batter between two round cake pans and bake for about 20 minutes.

More Cake Recipes

There are very few problems a good slice of cake can’t fix! If you love this Orange Pineapple Cake, here are more of our favorites:

• Texas Sheet Cake – A rich, fudgy chocolate cake that’s always a hit.
• Fresh Strawberry Cake – Perfectly light and fruity.
• Coconut Cream Cake – A dreamy, coconut-filled delight.
• Better Than Sex Cake – Chocolate, caramel, and whipped cream perfection.
• Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake – Gooey, warm, and absolutely delicious.
• Chocolate Cherry Cake – A match made in dessert heaven.

Give this Orange Pineapple Cake a try at your next gathering and let me know how it turns out! Do you have any favorite twists on this recipe? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!