Name: Hawaiian Wedding Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 100 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 4 eggs eggs; ¾ cup vegetable oil; 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 15-ounce can mandarin oranges and juice, undrained; 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; to taste maraschino cherries, for garnish, optional

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The Hawaiian Wedding Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration in itself! I remember the first time I tasted this delightful treat at a friend’s wedding. The layers of fluffy cake mingled with sweet tropical flavors transported me to a sunny paradise. Every bite was an explosion of mandarin oranges and pineapple, perfectly complemented by the creamy frosting. It was love at first taste! This cake has become a staple at gatherings in my family, symbolizing joy and togetherness. I love how it’s so easy to whip up yet feels special enough for occasions that matter. It’s a delightful reminder that great flavors can bring us together, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 45 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
100 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
280 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Blender, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Wedding Cake

Why It’s Such a Crowd-Pleaser

One of the best parts about the Hawaiian Wedding Cake is its vibrant tropical flavors. The combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple creates a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s light, fluffy, and never too heavy, making it a hit even after a hearty meal.

Simplicity is Key

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Even if you’re a novice baker, you’ll find that the steps are straightforward and don’t require any fancy techniques. The minimal ingredients come together effortlessly, allowing you to focus on the joy of baking.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a bridal shower, or a casual family gathering, the Hawaiian Wedding Cake fits right in. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Plus, it’s a surefire way to impress your guests!

Make-Ahead Marvel

This cake can be made a day in advance, which is a lifesaver when planning an event. Just make sure to refrigerate it after frosting to keep it fresh. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making each slice even more delicious!

Garnishing Options

While the cake is splendid on its own, I love to embellish it with maraschino cherries on top. It adds a pop of color and a bit of extra sweetness that makes it even more festive. Get creative with your garnishes; toasted coconut or fresh fruit can take this cake to the next level!

What You’ll Need for Hawaiian Wedding Cake

When crafting the Hawaiian Wedding Cake, the beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that luscious, tropical flavor profile. The key players like eggs, vegetable oil, and a box of yellow cake mix form the foundation of this scrumptious cake, while mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple bring a refreshing sweetness that’s hard to resist.

4 eggs – The building block of your cake, ensuring it rises beautifully and remains moist.
¾ cup vegetable oil – Adds richness and moisture to your cake, making it tender.
1 box yellow cake mix – The shortcut for a fluffy cake without all the hassle of measuring flour and baking powder.
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges and juice, undrained – Infuses the cake with sweet, citrusy goodness, making it uniquely Hawaiian!
1 (16 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed – Used for the frosting that gives a creamy, light texture.
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix, dry mix – Helps stabilize the frosting and adds a delightful vanilla flavor.
1 (15-ounce) can crushed pineapple and juice, undrained – Another layer of tropical flavor that complements the oranges.
Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional) – A festive touch that makes your cake even more appealing!

How to Assemble Hawaiian Wedding Cake

Assembling the Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a delightful experience that will have your kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of baking. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process!

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. This is crucial for ensuring your cake rises perfectly. Line a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan with parchment paper and coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and vegetable oil until well blended. This step is important as it allows the mixture to become airy, which helps the cake to rise.
Whisk in the yellow cake mix until the batter is smooth. You want to ensure there are no lumps, as this will affect the cake’s texture.
Carefully fold in the mandarin oranges along with their juice. The folding technique helps retain the air you’ve incorporated, which is vital for a fluffy cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Start checking at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the frosting from melting when you apply it.
When the cake is cool, prepare the frosting by blending the whipped topping with the dry vanilla pudding mix in a large bowl. Do not prepare the pudding mix into pudding; just use it as a powder.
Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the frosting mixture.
Spread the frosting in a thick, even layer over the cooled cake. Take your time with this step to ensure every bite is frosted!
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the frosting set and the flavors meld beautifully.
Before serving, garnish individual slices with maraschino cherries if desired. This is the finishing touch that adds a pop of color!
Refrigerate any leftovers to keep them fresh. Trust me, this cake is even better the next day!

Things Worth Knowing

This cake is ideal for warm weather as the tropical flavors are refreshing.
For best results, make sure to chill the cake before serving; it enhances the flavors.
Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed for smooth frosting consistency.
If you wish to add a bit more texture, consider adding shredded coconut to the frosting.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Baking the perfect Hawaiian Wedding Cake can be easy with a few pro tips. Here are some suggestions to make your cake even better!

Storage: To store leftovers, place the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about three days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake without frosting for up to three months. Just make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh fruit.
Customization: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit into the batter for added texture.
Experiment: Try using different fruit toppings such as kiwi or strawberries for a twist on the flavor!

What Complements This Hawaiian Wedding Cake

When serving the Hawaiian Wedding Cake, consider a few delightful options to create a complete experience. Here are some fantastic pairings:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the cake.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or coconut ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the cake.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Festive Drinks: Serve with tropical juices or sparkling water with lime to enhance the Hawaiian theme.
Casual Gatherings: This cake is perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or even casual family dinners.
Seasonal Celebrations: It’s a great addition to holiday festivities, especially during spring and summer.

FAQ

The Hawaiian Wedding Cake stands out due to its unique combination of tropical flavors, including mandarin oranges and pineapple. This cake is also lighter and fluffier than typical cakes, thanks to its use of cake mix and whipped topping. The incorporation of fruit not only adds flavor but also moisture, making it a refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather. Additionally, it’s often served chilled, enhancing its refreshing qualities.

Absolutely! One of the best features of the Hawaiian Wedding Cake is that it can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more delicious experience. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated after frosting it to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy!

The Hawaiian Wedding Cake is primarily made from simple ingredients that can be enjoyed by many. However, it does contain sugar and dairy (from the whipped topping) which may not be suitable for those on a strict diet. For those looking for a healthier option, consider using sugar substitutes and dairy-free whipped toppings. Always check the ingredients of your specific cake mix and pudding to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions! The Hawaiian Wedding Cake shines at weddings, birthday parties, and summer barbecues. Its tropical flavors make it an ideal choice for spring and summer gatherings. Additionally, it works well for casual family dinners or potlucks, where a light, refreshing dessert is desired. You can also serve it during festive occasions like baby showers and bridal brunches!

Conclusion

The Hawaiian Wedding Cake is truly a delightful and tropical treat that brings joy to any occasion. Its unique blend of fruity flavors and creamy frosting makes it a standout dessert that everyone will love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s simple, fun to make, and will surely brighten up your gatherings. Don’t forget to share this cake with your loved ones—they’ll be asking for your secret recipe!