Pineapple Orange Sunshine Cake

I adore this Pineapple Orange Sunshine Cake, it is sweet, refreshing, citrusy and so easy to make. Sunshine cakes have been around for quite a while. I remember my Mom making this cake with Mandarin Oranges as I was growing up. This cake was always sure to make the family smile.

The sweet Mandarin Oranges bring out the citrus of the cake and just make me happy! I have noticed that my kids always have the same reaction and that makes me happy too!

This is truly an amazing dessert that is the perfect dessert when Spring comes around. You know, you can make this cake all year long and it will keep you smiling. This cake is filled with fresh and flavorful fruit, from the cake to the frosting.

The result you get from this cake is a light and fluffy yellow cake filled with orange, citrus and pineapple flavors.

Light and refreshing, Sweet with just a touch of tart.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

What makes this cake so special?

This cake is so easy to make, it is citrusy, refreshing, and loaded with fruit and it will actually make everyone smile. The cake is light and fluffy, perfectly flavored. The Pineapple Orange Sunshine Cake is perfect for parties or picnics, celebrations, or meetings.

Why is it called Sunshine Cake?

The bright yellow cake with Mandarin Oranges, and Pineapple in the frosting makes you see and think about brightness. It is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

Could I use a white cake mix?

You can certainly use a white cake mix if you choose. However, be aware that the texture and flavor profile of a white cake versus a yellow cake are different. You will also notice that the color of the cake after baking is lighter once baked.

Could I use a different flavored pudding mix?

You can. The recipe calls for vanilla as the vanilla pairs well with Mandarin Oranges and Pineapple. You could try a lemon pudding, this would give you even more citrus flavor.

Consider this fruit salad for another great way to enjoy more fruit in your diet.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• Yellow cake mix
• Mandarin orange segments drained
• Vanilla instant pudding mix
• Large eggs
• Oil
• Orange extract

For the icing:

• Cool whip topping
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Can crushed pineapple
• Additional orange segments for garnish if desired

How to make Pineapple Orange Sunshine Cake:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease two 9-inch cake pans well.

Step 2. Adding vanilla instant pudding mix and yellow cake mix

Step 3. Adding oil

Step 4. Adding eggs

Step 5. Adding mandarin orange segments drained 

Step 6. Mix the cake ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 7. Pour the batter evenly into the two cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through. Let the cakes cool to room temperature.

Step 8. In a mixing bowl, blend together the crushed pineapple and the vanilla pudding mix.

Step 9. Fold in the whipped topping, and continue to mix until completely combined.

Step 10. Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or platter.

Step 11. Add a layer of icing to the top of the cake.

Step 12. Place the second layer of cake on top of the iced portion.

Step 13. Ice the top and sides of the cake.

Step 14. Garnish with additional orange segments if desired.

Pineapple Orange Sunshine Cake

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 slices

This cake is so easy to make, it is citrusy, refreshing, loaded with fruit and it will actually make everyone smile. The cake is light and fluffy, perfectly flavored. The Pineapple Orange Sunshine Cake is perfect for parties or picnics, celebrations or meetings.

4.15 from 14 votes

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

For the cake:

• 1 Box Yellow cake mix
• 1 Can mandarin orange segments drained
• 1 Box Vanilla instant pudding mix
• 5 Large eggs
• ⅓ C. Oil
• 2 tsp. Orange extract

For the icing:

• 1 Container cool whip topping
• 1 Box Instant vanilla pudding mix
• 8 oz. Can crushed pineapple drained
• Additional orange segments for garnish if desired

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease two 9 inch cake pans well.
• Mix together the ingredients for the cake until smooth and well combined.
• Pour the batter evenly into the two cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through. Let the cakes cool to room temperature.
• In a mixing bowl, blend together the crushed pineapple and the vanilla pudding mix.
• Fold in the whipped topping, and continue to mix until completely combined.
• Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or platter.
• Add a layer of icing to the top of the cake.
• Place the second layer of cake on top of the iced portion.
• Ice the top and sides of the cake.
• Garnish wish additional orange segments if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 501mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g

Author: Laura

How should I store this cake?

The cake should be covered tightly or placed in a cake container. You can then store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze the Pineapple Orange Sunshine Cake?

Yes, this cake can be frozen. The cake should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it inside an airtight container. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. To thaw it can sit on the counter at room temperature for a few hours, or you can place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

More of my best easy pineapple desserts

Creamy Pineapple Cheesecake – A dessert that takes the best of two worlds and combines them into one amazing dish.

Moist Pineapple Cake – There’s something about a moist pineapple cake recipe that just makes your mouth water.