Get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as effortless as it is delicious! This Mandarin Pineapple Dump Cake is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, combining the tropical flavors of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple with a buttery, golden cake topping. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving something sweet, this easy recipe will have your guests asking for seconds. Dive in and discover how to create this delightful dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple completely, gently patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents the cake from becoming too soggy.
- Spread the drained mandarin oranges evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a first layer of fruit.
- Pour the drained crushed pineapple over the mandarin oranges, creating a second fruit layer that covers the entire bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly and evenly over the fruit layers, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Slowly drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. The butter helps create a crispy, golden top.
- If using, sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped nuts evenly over the top of the cake mix for additional texture and flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit layers to set and makes cutting easier.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Tips
- Don’t Skimp on Drying the Fruit: Make sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy cake, so this step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
- Layering is Key: When spreading the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, ensure even distribution across the bottom of the baking dish. This helps in creating a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Cover the Cake Mix Well: When sprinkling the dry cake mix, aim for complete coverage of the fruit layers. This ensures that all the fruit is enveloped in the cake, leading to a moist and flavorful dessert.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Adding shredded coconut and chopped nuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch. Experiment with your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips for a unique twist.
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra indulgent experience, serve your dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold toppings is simply divine!
- Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
