Million Dollar Cake

Total Time Prep: 15 min. + chilling Bake: 30 min. + cooling
Yield 16 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Pineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you're short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it's a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

  • 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, undrained
  • 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
  • 1-1/4 cups cold 2% milk
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whipped topping

Directions

  1. Drain mandarin oranges and reserve liquid. Add reserved liquid to a liquid measuring cup (there should be about 1/2 cup) and fill with water to measure 1 cup. Prepare cake mix according to package directions, using the juice and water mixture in place of the water called for on the package. Bake in two greased 9-in. round baking pans according to package directions. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Stir in pineapple. Spread 1 cup between cake layers.
  3. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Beat in 1 cup whipped topping. Fold in remaining topping. Spread on top and side of cake. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Decorate with mandarin oranges prior to serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 319 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.

Pineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you're short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it's a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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