Combining a classic Southern dessert and boxed cake mix creates a deliciously moist Ambrosia Cake that is perfect for warmer weather.
Ambrosia Cake
Serves: 1 (9-inch) cake
Ingredients
- 1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (8.25-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice
- 2⁄3 cup vegetable oil
- 1⁄4 cup water
- Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)
- 2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
- Garnish: canned mandarin oranges, fresh pineapple chunks, fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Butter and flour 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, beat cake mix, eggs, crushed pineapple and juice, oil, and 1⁄4 cup water with a mixer at low speed just until moistened, about 30 seconds. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread 1 cup Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting on 1 cooled cake layer. Top with remaining cake layer, and spread remaining frosting on top and sides of cake. Sprinkle evenly with coconut. Garnish with oranges, fresh pineapple, and mint, if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting
Serves: 3½ cups
Ingredients
- 3⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 (3-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1⁄2 tablespoons orange zest
- 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and orange zest with a mixer at medium speed until blended. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until well combined. Use immediately.
