If you’re looking for a dessert that brings sunshine to your table and a smile to everyone’s face, this Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful blend of moist yellow cake, juicy mandarin oranges, and sweet pineapple folded into a fluffy whipped topping that feels like a cloud of sweetness with every bite. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself, this cake offers a refreshing twist on traditional comfort food that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe is in its simplicity and quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. You don’t need a laundry list; just a handful of essentials that come together quickly to impress.
- 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix: Provides a moist and tender cake base with a classic, buttery flavor that everyone loves.
- 15.25 ounce can mandarin oranges: Adds a burst of citrusy sweetness and a pop of bright color; reserve ¼ cup of the juice for the batter.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake’s texture.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overwhelming flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the cake’s sweetness with a warm, aromatic finish.
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (well-drained): Brings natural juice and tropical sweetness to the luscious frosting.
- 16 ounces whipped cream (such as Cool Whip), thawed: Creates a light, airy frosting that balances the cake’s density with softness.
- 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding: Thickens the frosting while adding extra creamy flavor.
How to Make Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures the oven is ready when your batter is mixed. Meanwhile, grab a 9×13-inch glass or metal pan and coat it lightly with non-stick spray. Then, sprinkle a bit of flour around the bottom and edges; this trick helps your cake release cleanly once baked. Discard any extra flour for a smooth surface.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mandarin oranges (but save ¼ cup of their juice to keep things moist inside), eggs, vanilla, and vegetable oil. Beat this mixture on a low setting for two minutes until everything is fully incorporated, creating a luscious batter that’s ready to turn into cake magic.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It helps to peek a few minutes before time’s up because ovens can vary!
Step 4: Cool Completely
Patience is key here: let the cake cool entirely before taking the frosting step. This prevents the topping from melting into the cake, keeping each layer distinct and beautiful.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Frosting
In a separate bowl, stir together the thawed whipped cream, well-drained crushed pineapple, and instant vanilla pudding mix. This blend thickens into a whipped, dreamy topping that perfectly complements the citrus-infused cake below.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Spread this heavenly frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For a final fresh touch, scatter some mandarin oranges on top as garnish. This not only looks stunning but adds a juicy burst in every slice.
Step 7: Chill or Serve
You can serve the cake immediately, but for best results, cover it and refrigerate for a few hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the texture to settle into that iconic Pig Pickin’ Cake experience.
How to Serve Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mandarin orange segments make the perfect garnish, providing vibrant color and a bright, citrusy zing that highlights the cake’s fruity notes. Consider adding toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light summer beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad to balance the meal with savory and crisp elements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving your Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe in individual clear glasses as parfaits with layers of cake cubes and frosting repeated. Alternatively, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint to elevate the presentation instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for about three to four days, making for an easy sweet snack or dessert option over the next few afternoons.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen, it can last up to two months without losing that delightful texture and flavor that makes it so special.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, it’s not usually reheated. If you prefer your cake closer to room temperature, simply let it sit out of the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before serving so the flavors and textures shine through beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe from scratch without a cake mix?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe as a base. Just make sure it’s moist and sturdy enough to hold up under the fruity frosting for the best results.
Is this cake suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Traditional versions use whipped cream and pudding mixes that contain dairy, but you can substitute with coconut-based whipped toppings and dairy-free pudding mixes to keep it delicious and allergy-friendly.
Can I substitute fresh fruit for canned in this recipe?
Canned mandarin oranges and pineapple are preferred for their sweetness and tender texture, but you can experiment with fresh peeled mandarins and crushed fresh pineapple if you prefer. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid sogginess.
How far ahead can I make this cake before serving?
This Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe can be refrigerated for up to two days before serving. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the delicious experience.
What’s the best way to cut this cake neatly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps you get clean, even slices without dragging the moist frosting or cake apart.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and sunny afternoons. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just a cozy night in, it’s a delicious reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most unforgettable treats. Give it a try and watch this cake become your new favorite dessert staple!
Print
Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Pig Pickin’ Cake is a light and fruity dessert featuring a moist yellow cake base infused with mandarin oranges and pineapple, topped with a creamy, fluffy frosting made from whipped cream and instant vanilla pudding. This Southern-inspired cake is perfect for summertime gatherings and potlucks, offering a refreshing and sweet treat that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
- 15.25 ounces can mandarin oranges (reserve ¼ cup of juice)
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 20 ounces can crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 16 ounces whipped cream (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Spray a 9×13 glass or metal baking pan with non-stick spray. Lightly flour the bottom and edges, tapping out any excess flour. This helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan during baking. Set the pan aside.
- Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mandarin oranges (with ¼ cup of the juice reserved), eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes until the ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Bake Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting to avoid melting or sliding.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, mix together the thawed whipped cream, well-drained crushed pineapple, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Frost Cake: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface. For extra flair, garnish with additional mandarin oranges if desired.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cake immediately or cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to enjoy. This cake tastes best chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent the frosting from becoming too watery.
- You can use homemade whipped cream in place of Cool Whip for a fresher taste.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
- Leftover cake should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days.
- This cake pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
