Description
Delightful Million Dollar Cake promises rich layers of creamy indulgence that melt perfectly on taste buds. Silky cream cheese frosting and tender cake crumb create a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
Binding/Sweetening Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the yellow cake mix package. Prepare two round cake pans with cooking spray or butter, ensuring even coating.
- Mix the cake batter according to package instructions, carefully blending until smooth and free of lumps. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake the cake layers for the recommended time, typically 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky and well-incorporated. Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks, creating a light and fruity filling.
- Prepare the vanilla pudding by whisking the mix with cold milk until it thickens to a smooth consistency. Incorporate the remaining whipped topping, creating a creamy, airy mixture.
- Place the first cake layer on a decorative serving platter. Spread the pineapple-cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully position the second cake layer on top of the filling, creating a elegant two-tier dessert.
- Generously frost the entire cake with the pudding-whipped topping mixture, using smooth, sweeping motions to create an even coating.
- Artfully arrange drained mandarin orange segments on top of the cake. If desired, sprinkle shredded coconut over the surface for added texture and visual appeal.
- Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the frosting to set. Serve chilled for the most delightful taste experience.
Notes
- Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dessert.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix to create a lighter version without compromising the cake’s rich, creamy texture.
- Toast coconut flakes before sprinkling for an enhanced nutty flavor and delightful crunch that elevates the overall taste experience.
- Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and release its full flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 279 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg