Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Coconut Frosting!

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### Instructions:

#### Make the Cake:
1. **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. **Prepare the cake batter**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, mandarin oranges, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of reserved mandarin orange juice. Beat everything together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-combined.

3. **Bake the cake**: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. **Cool**: Let the cake cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before frosting.

#### Make the Pineapple Coconut Frosting:
1. **Prepare the frosting**: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth.

2. **Add the pineapple and coconut**: Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut until well combined. If you like a little more texture in your frosting, you can add a bit more coconut.

3. **Frost the cake**: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out to the edges.

#### Serve and Enjoy:
– Slice the cake into squares and serve. The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

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### Tips for the Best Mandarin Orange Cake:
– **Fresh fruit**: While canned mandarin oranges work perfectly, you can also use fresh mandarin oranges for a slightly different flavor and texture.
– **Chill the frosting**: If the frosting feels too soft after mixing, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before spreading.
– **Make it festive**: Top the frosted cake with extra mandarin orange slices or even a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut for a beautiful, tropical presentation.

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This **Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Coconut Frosting** is a flavor-packed dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. The light, fluffy cake combined with the creamy, coconut-infused frosting makes every bite feel like a mini vacation. It’s the kind of cake you’ll make again and again, and with its bright, fresh flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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If you’re interested in more tropical-inspired desserts or need any other variations, feel free to ask! This cake is just the beginning of your sweet, sunshine-filled adventures.