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Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

4.7 from 117 reviews

This Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a tropical-inspired dessert perfect for gatherings and celebrations. It features a moist yellow cake infused with mandarin oranges and topped with a luscious pineapple whipped topping, creating a light and fruity treat that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 4 eggs
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges (with juice)

Frosting:

  • 1 (16-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
  • 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix (dry mix)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed pineapple and juice (undrained)

Garnish:

  • Maraschino cherries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan with parchment paper and coat it with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the cake.
  2. Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and vegetable oil until well combined. Gradually whisk in the yellow cake mix until the batter is smooth. Carefully fold in the mandarin oranges with their juice to distribute fruit evenly.
  3. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, checking for doneness at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, at least 30 minutes.
  4. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, blend the thawed whipped topping with the dry instant vanilla pudding mix until well combined. Gently fold in the crushed pineapple along with its juice for a creamy, fruit-infused frosting.
  5. Assemble and chill: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake in a thick layer. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
  6. Serve: If desired, garnish individual slices with maraschino cherries before serving. Keep any leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed before mixing to achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
  • Do not prepare the instant pudding mix with milk; use it dry as indicated in the recipe for the best texture.
  • The cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for easier serving at events.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
  • If mandarin oranges or crushed pineapple are not available, substitute with fresh or canned fruit packed in juice rather than syrup for less sweetness.

Keywords: Hawaiian Wedding Cake, tropical cake, pineapple cake, mandarin oranges dessert, yellow cake with fruit, creamy frosting cake