If you have a sweet tooth and a love for fruity, creamy desserts, the Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This cake is a delightful Southern classic that combines the bright, zesty flavors of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple with the light, fluffy texture of yellow cake and whipped topping. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. The Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe creates a moist, flavorful treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, moisture, and freshness, making the cake utterly irresistible.
- 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix: The foundation of the cake, providing a moist, soft crumb and buttery flavor.
- 15.25 ounce can mandarin oranges (reserving ¼ cup of juice): Adds sweet, tangy bursts of citrus and moisture to brighten the cake.
- 4 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness for a tender crumb.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft without weighing it down.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (well-drained): Introduces tropical sweetness and moisture to the frosting.
- 16 ounces whipped cream (such as Cool Whip), thawed: Creates a light, creamy frosting that’s perfectly fluffy.
- 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding: Adds body and a silky texture to the frosting layer.
How to Make Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, grab a 9×13 glass or metal pan and spray it with non-stick spray. Then, lightly dust the pan with flour around the bottom and edges; this little extra step helps your cake slip out cleanly once baked. After dusting, toss out the excess flour—your pan is ready!
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, drained mandarin oranges (don’t forget to save ¼ cup of the juice!), eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients on low speed for about 2 minutes. This slow mixing lets everything blend evenly without overworking the batter, which keeps your cake tender and light.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That’s the sweet spot—it ensures your Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe will be perfectly cooked through but still moist and soft.
Step 4: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Patience here pays off! Let the cake cool completely before you dive into the frosting step. If you try to frost while warm, the creamy topping just won’t set right, and who wants a messy cake?
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Frosting
In a large bowl, stir together the thawed whipped cream, well-drained crushed pineapple, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Combining these three creates a luscious, fluffy frosting that’s bursting with tropical flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. The fluffy topping contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath and adds a refreshing fruity touch that brings the whole dessert to life.
Step 7: Garnish and Chill
If you like, garnish the top with additional mandarin oranges for a pop of color and extra zing. Then either serve immediately or cover the cake and refrigerate until you’re ready to impress your guests with this delightful creation.
How to Serve Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mandarin orange segments or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes make fantastic garnishes. These add a bright, natural sweetness and a touch of crunch that elevates the cake’s flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The fresh elements complement the tropical sweetness of the cake without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake in individual clear glasses layered with extra whipped topping and some pineapple chunks for a parfait-style treat. Alternatively, add edible flowers or mint sprigs on top for a charming, garden-party feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes better as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but it’s best to freeze it before frosting to maintain texture. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready, thaw completely before adding frosting and serving for optimum flavor and texture.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want the cake slightly less cold, leave it out for 10–15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly. This way, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of fluffiness and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned mandarin oranges and pineapple?
While fresh fruit can be delicious, canned mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple help maintain consistency in sweetness and moisture. If using fresh, make sure to drain the fruit well to avoid a soggy cake.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure that the pudding mix is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe without compromising on flavor.
Can I substitute whipped cream for Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Freshly whipped heavy cream works beautifully and adds a rich creaminess. Just be sure to whip it to soft peaks and use immediately for the best results.
How long does the Pig Pickin’ Cake last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this cake stays fresh and tasty for about 3 days. Beyond that, the texture may start to change due to the whipped topping.
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Yes, making the cake a day ahead is a smart move! Bake and cool the cake, then cover and refrigerate. Add the frosting and garnishes just before serving for the freshest taste and perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Its perfect blend of tropical fruits, creamy frosting, and moist cake makes it an absolute showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether for a festive occasion or a simple family dessert, this cake brings joy with every bite. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you’ll be sharing this beloved recipe with friends and family in no time!
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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pig Pickin’ Cake is a delightful, fruit-filled yellow cake that’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations. This moist cake combines the sweet flavors of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple with a creamy, fluffy frosting made from instant vanilla pudding and whipped topping, creating a refreshing and crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Cake
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
- 15.25 ounce can mandarin oranges (reserve ¼ cup of juice)
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 16 ounces whipped cream (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your cake.
- Prepare the baking pan: Lightly spray a 9×13 glass or metal baking pan with non-stick spray, then dust the bottom and edges with flour. Discard any excess flour. This will help prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mandarin oranges (except the reserved ¼ cup juice), eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting or sliding off.
- Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, mix together the thawed whipped cream, well-drained crushed pineapple, and instant vanilla pudding mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Frost the cake: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish the top with additional mandarin orange segments for a decorative touch.
- Serve or store: Serve the cake immediately or cover and refrigerate it until ready to enjoy. Refrigeration helps keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid a soggy frosting.
- You can use fresh mandarin oranges as garnish for a fresher look and taste.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of instant pudding slightly.
- This cake tastes best when chilled for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld.
- Non-stick spray and flour preparation is important to ease cake removal from the pan.
