Can I Make Million Dollar Cake Without a Cake Mix?

Absolutely! Instead of a yellow cake mix , you can make a homemade vanilla cake by combining flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder , and milk . This gives you full control over the ingredients and flavor.

What Is the Best Frosting for Million Dollar Cake?

The most popular choice is cream cheese frosting because it pairs perfectly with the cake’s fruity filling. However, you can also try: - Whipped cream frosting for a lighter version. - Buttercream frosting for a sweeter, creamier option. - Chocolate ganache if you want a richer, indulgent twist.

How Can I Make It More Moist?

If you want an extra moist cake, try these tricks: -Replace water with whole milk or buttermilk . -Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. -Brush the cake layers with pineapple juice before frosting to keep them from drying out.

Can I Make a Gluten-Free or Vegan Version?

Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend or a gluten-free cake mix . For a vegan version, substitute: - Almond milk or coconut milk for dairy milk. - Flax eggs instead of regular eggs. - Vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter for the frosting.

Million Dollar Cake: A Dessert Worth Its Name

Description

A rich and moist Million Dollar Cake made with layers of fluffy yellow cake, a pineapple-mandarin filling, and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup whole milk

For the Filling:

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix
1 cup whipped topping

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans.
Prepare cake batter by mixing cake mix, eggs, oil, and milk. Beat until smooth. Pour into pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make the filling by combining pineapple, mandarin oranges, pudding mix, and whipped topping. Chill for 10 minutes.
Assemble the cake by spreading half of the filling over one layer, adding the second layer, then spreading the remaining filling.
Make the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Frost the cake, covering the top and sides evenly.

Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

100%

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: million dollar cake, pineapple cake, cream cheese frosting, yellow cake, fruit cake