Easy Pineapple Orange Layer Cake

4.5 from 42 votes

Posted April 29, 2024Last Updated October 28, 2024

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Infused with tropical flavors like orange and pineapple, and frosted with a pineapple whipped cream, this easy layered pineapple orange cake is as pretty as it is delicious.

Slice of pineapple orange cake with whipped cream frosting.

This Easy Pineapple Orange Cake is so moist and delicious, and more importantly, it’s pretty quick and easy to put together.

Layer cakes are not my forte, so if I say it’s easy, well…..that’s really saying something. The biggest trick when it comes to layer cakes is baking your layers in separate pans.

I made this for the office today, and it was a HUGE HIT. People just raved and raved about it. Very easy to make and gets lots of compliments. Thank you so much for adding this to your website. “

Heidi

I resisted buying a third cake pan for years, and insisted on cutting my cakes in half horizontally when I wanted to make more than two layers.

I don’t usually opt for more than three layers in a cake, but no matter how many layers you want, just get that many cake pans. Trust me on this.

For a less indulgent cake, you can substitute light, fat-free or sugar-free ingredients in this recipe, and replace the oil with applesauce.

Tips for making this recipe

Use light or sugar-free pudding and whipped topping to cut back on calories. Or try replacing the oil with applesauce
Try adding some orange zest to the pineapple frosting for some extra zing!
Remember, DO NOT drain your oranges or pineapple. The extra liquid helps make the cake moist, and you definitely need the liquid from the pineapple to combine with the instant pudding in the frosting.
Don’t just grease your pan, either grease and flour your pan, or grease and line with parchment paper. The liquid from the oranges can cause a bit of sticking, so it’s best to be on the safe side.

Three layer pineapple orange cake with whipped cream frosting.

Because of the whipped cream topping, it’s best to store any uneaten cake in the refrigerator.

Some people say starting with a cake mix is cheating, but I say it’s a brilliant timesaver. Besides, who needs to know?

This cake was incredibly yummy! I baked mine in two rounds and stacked them with frosted tops. Absolutely delicious! Thanks for the recipe.”

Alaina

This is a perfect dessert for Easter dinner, as well as those warm weather barbecues and summer holiday get-togethers.

My entire family raves every time I make this cake. In fact, if I left my husband alone with this fruity dessert, the entire thing would disappear.

If you need a simple but impressive dessert for any occasion, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Pineapple Orange Layer Cake.

FAQS

Can I make this cake in a 9×13 pan?

Absolutely! You’ll probably need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Just be sure to check your cake for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester.

Can I make this cake with fresh fruit?

Not really. You need the moisture and liquid from the canned fruit for this cake to turn out well. But you can definitely garnish it with fresh fruit!

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WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Yellow cake mix – your favorite brand
Vegetable oil
Canned mandarin oranges -do not drain
Eggs
Sour cream – light works fine
Crushed pineapple – do not drain
Instant vanilla pudding mix – not cook and serve
Heavy cream – or whipping cream

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