Million Dollar Cake

Ingredients
1 can 11 ounces mandarin oranges undrained
1 package yellow cake mix regular size
114 cups cold 2 milk
1 package 3 4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
1 can 20 ounces crushed pineapple well drained
2 cups whipped topping
8 ounces cream cheese softened
12 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Drain mandarin oranges and reserve liquid. Add reserved liquid to a liquid measuring cup there should be about 12 cup and fill with water to measure 1 cup. Prepare cake mix according to package directions using the juice and water mixture in place of the water called for on the package. Bake in two greased 9in. round baking pans according to package directions. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

In a large bowl whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Stir in pineapple. Spread 1 cup between cake layers.

In a small bowl beat cream cheese sugar and vanilla until smooth. Beat in 1 cup whipped topping. Fold in remaining topping. Spread on top and side of cake. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Decorate with mandarin oranges prior to serving.
MillionDollar Cake Tips
Can you put almond extract in milliondollar cake?
If you love nutty recipes that use almond extract you can definitely use some in this milliondollar cake. Try replacing half the vanilla extract with almond extract to start. Go up to 34 teaspoon almond extract total for more robust almond flavor.

How can you make sure the filling isnt too runny?
There are a lot of cake recipes that start with a box of pudding mix in the batter but this recipe uses pudding mix in the creamy filling. To make sure its not too runny be sure to measure the milk accurately with a liquid measuring cup and thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple. Squeeze the liquid out of
the pineapple by pressing down the loose can lid onto the pineapple while holding the can upside down or drain through a strainer pressing the pineapple with the back of a large spoon to get the most juice out. If the filling seems too thin right after mixing let it stand for 12 minutes to set up a bit.
Nutrition Facts
1 piece 319 calories 13g fat 6g saturated fat 51mg cholesterol 317mg sodium 46g carbohydrate 33g sugars 0 fiber 4g protein.