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Orange Pineapple Cake


  • Author: Mia McKenny
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Orange Pineapple Cake is a light, tropical sheet cake made with soft yellow cake, crushed pineapple, and a whipped, citrusy topping that melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, especially when you’re craving something cheerful and cool. I love making it with canned pineapple in juice and instant vanilla pudding—it’s an easy recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Sometimes called a sunshine cake or crushed pineapple sheet cake, this version uses a stabilized topping with cream cheese and whipped topping to hold its shape beautifully. I’ve tested this cake with both drained and undrained pineapple for different textures, and both approaches work depending on your needs. Among citrus desserts, Orange Pineapple Cake stands out for its moist crumb, bright flavor, and effortless presentation. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, baby shower, or just need a midweek treat, it deserves a place in your recipe lineup.


Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix

3 large eggs

1 cup water

0.5 cup vegetable oil

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, with juice

1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and crushed pineapple with juice.

3. Mix until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

7. In a separate bowl, blend softened cream cheese and vanilla pudding mix until smooth.

8. Fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.

9. Add the remaining crushed pineapple (with juice) and gently mix until evenly combined.

10. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, smoothing it evenly.

11. Top with mandarin orange slices, arranged in rows or scattered naturally.

12. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Softened cream cheese is key to a smooth frosting—don’t rush it.

Don’t skip chilling the cake—it sets the topping and deepens the flavor.

Pat the mandarin oranges dry so they don’t slip or weep on the frosting.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 29g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: orange pineapple cake, sunshine cake, pineapple sheet cake