This is known as “Pig Lickin’ Good Cake” and it surely lives up to its name

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You could also use a bundt pan for a prettier presentation.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of mandarin oranges with their juice. Beat this mixture on medium speed until well blended and slightly fluffy, which should take about 2 to 4 minutes.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remember that baking times might vary, so keep an eye on your cake and your oven’s quirks.
5. While the cake is cooling, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, mix together the can of crushed pineapple with its juice and the packet of instant vanilla pudding mix.
6. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is thoroughly combined and has a uniform consistency.
7. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the pineapple and pudding mixture on top. This is the fun part – slather it on generously!
8. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Trust me, it lets the flavors meld together just beautifully.
Variations & Tips
– For a lighter take, you can swap the oil for unsweetened applesauce and use a low-fat whipped topping.
– If you have time, make the topping a day ahead – it gets better as it sits.
– Got little ones who are not fans of mandarin oranges? You can puree them before adding to the batter for a smoother cake.
– Transform this cake into cupcakes by filling cupcake liners two-thirds full and baking for about 18-22 minutes, or until done.
– Decorating tip: Garnish with a few mandarin orange segments or a sprinkle of grated coconut on top of your frosted cake for a special touch.
– Feel free to play around with different cake mix flavors like lemon or orange for a summery twist!
– Always remember to listen to your instincts when baking. You know your oven and preferences best, so don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe as needed to make something your family will love.