Pineapple-Orange Sunshine Cake

Posted by by Sara 1 year Ago 171 Views

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (or homemade yellow cake recipe)
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice)

For the Topping:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (from the reserved juice)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional, for added flavor)
  • Extra pineapple chunks (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and the drained crushed pineapple (reserve the juice). Mix according to the instructions on the cake mix box, or until everything is well combined.
  3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake according to the cake mix package instructions (usually 28-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  4. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. After cooling, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

  1. Mix the cream cheese topping: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice. Continue to beat until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
  2. Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping and orange zest (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  1. Frost the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
  2. Garnish (optional): For extra tropical flair, garnish the cake with additional pineapple chunks or orange slices.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
  2. Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing, fruity treat!

Tips:

  • Make it more tropical: Add shredded coconut to the batter or the topping for an extra tropical flavor.
  • Cake options: Use a homemade yellow cake recipe if you prefer to skip the box mix.
  • For extra sweetness: Drizzle a little honey or extra pineapple juice over the top of the cake before serving for an added burst of flavor.
  • Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 slice):

  • Calories: 250-300 kcal
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg