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
Scale
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.
