Million Dollar Cake is a rich, creamy, and fruity dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. This cake layers a classic yellow cake with a whipped cream cheese frosting loaded with pineapple and mandarin oranges, creating a refreshing and indulgent treat perfect for special occasions.
Million Dollar Cake: A Deliciously Decadent Dessert
This cake’s name speaks for itself – it’s a million-dollar treat with its moist layers and the creamy, fruity filling that elevates it to a show-stopping dessert. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, this cake is sure to wow everyone with its irresistible flavors.
Preparation time: 25 minutes (plus cooling and refrigerating time)
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes (depending on cake mix instructions)
Servings: 12
Equipment: Two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans, electric mixer, mixing bowls
Million Dollar Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (18 1/4 oz) package yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs (or as called for by your cake mix)
- 1/3 cup oil (or as called for by your cake mix)
- 1 1/3 cups water (or as called for by your cake mix)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice
- 2 (8 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 (3 1/2 oz) package vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions:
- Prepare the cake layers:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix package.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, using the eggs, oil, and water. Divide the batter between two greased and floured 8 or 9-inch round cake pans.
- Bake as directed on the package, typically 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake layers cool completely. Once cooled, split each layer in half horizontally to create 4 thin layers.
- Make the frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until well combined.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple with its juice and the drained mandarin oranges (reserving a few slices for decoration).
- Add the dry vanilla pudding mix and stir until combined.
- Fold in the thawed whipped topping to complete the creamy frosting.
- Assemble the cake:
- Place one cake layer cut-side up on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the frosting over the layer.
- Place another cake layer cut-side down on top of the frosted layer, then frost the top of that layer. Repeat this process for all the layers.
- Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate and refrigerate:
- Decorate the top of the cake with the reserved mandarin orange slices.
- Cover and refrigerate the cake overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
This Million Dollar Cake is creamy, fruity, and absolutely irresistible. The combination of mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cream cheese frosting makes each bite a refreshing treat. Enjoy!