The Pig Pickin’ Cake, despite its playfully unique name, stands as a testament to truly fantastic and effortlessly delicious Southern baking. Crafted with the remarkable convenience of a boxed cake mix, this recipe is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a variety of gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a lively summer barbecue, enjoying a leisurely picnic, contributing to a church potluck, or simply looking for a delightful family dinner dessert, this cake promises a taste of sunshine and simple, joyful indulgence.
Easy Pig Pickin’ Cake: A Tropical Southern Delight Everyone Loves
The intriguing origin of the “Pig Pickin’ Cake” name often sparks curiosity, but there’s universal agreement on one point: this cake is an undeniable favorite, particularly cherished during the warmer months. Its irresistible combination of sweet mandarin oranges, tangy crushed pineapple, and a moist, tender yellow cake base creates a symphony of tropical flavors that is both incredibly refreshing and deeply satisfying.
The Curious History Behind the Name: Pig Pickin’ Cake Unveiled
While the name might evoke vivid, rustic imagery, its true derivation is deeply woven into the fabric of Southern culinary tradition. Historical accounts and articles, including those from esteemed publications like Southern Living, suggest the cake earned its distinctive moniker from its frequent appearance at classic Southern pig roasts, affectionately known as “pig pickin’s.” These events are a cherished cultural cornerstone in the South, characterized by convivial gatherings of friends and family enjoying slow-roasted pork barbecue alongside a bountiful spread of traditional side dishes and, of course, delightful desserts.
Another popular theory points to North Carolina as the birthplace of this beloved dessert, where it quickly became a staple alongside the region’s renowned American South pork barbecue. A “pig pickin'” is essentially a grand communal feast, a potluck celebration where guests proudly bring their finest culinary creations to share. In this setting, the Pig Pickin’ Cake, with its light texture and vibrant fruit flavors, served as the perfect refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory barbecue. Its bright, citrusy profile and airy, sweet taste offer an ideal palate cleanser, ensuring a balanced and memorable dining experience after such hearty meals.
Regardless of its precise historical journey, the Pig Pickin’ Cake has firmly established itself as a revered Southern classic. Its widespread appeal and regional adaptations have given rise to many affectionate alternative names. You might hear it referred to as Mandarin Orange Cake, Pea Pickin’ Cake, Pig Eatin’ Cake, Pig Cake, Sunshine Cake, Orange Pineapple Layer Cake, Summer Cake, or even Celestial Snow Cake. This rich tapestry of names wonderfully reflects its popularity and the sheer joy it brings to countless tables across the country. We’re always fascinated by regional variations – what do you call this delightful cake in your local area?
The Irresistible Allure of This Easy Mandarin Orange and Pineapple Cake
Beyond its captivating name and intriguing history, the true magic of the Pig Pickin’ Cake lies in its utterly irresistible taste and its remarkable ease of preparation. Each generous bite is a burst of tropical sunshine, a perfect harmony created by the delightful blend of sweet mandarin oranges and juicy pineapple. The moist, airy cake provides an ideal canvas for the creamy, dreamy whipped frosting, resulting in a dessert that feels both luxuriously indulgent and wonderfully refreshing.
One essential tip for elevating its flavor to perfection is to allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This crucial chilling period enables all the vibrant fruit flavors to meld beautifully with the cake and frosting, intensifying the overall taste and perfecting the cake’s texture. Due to the delicate nature of the whipped topping, any leftover cake should be promptly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The good news is, this cake often tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent candidate for advance preparation for your next event!
This particular recipe holds a special, warm place in my heart. It was one of the very first dishes I had the pleasure of teaching my husband’s nephew during his month-long visit. My goal was to equip him with a repertoire of easy, delicious recipes he could confidently recreate once he returned home to Alabama. It was truly a joy to have such an enthusiastic assistant in the kitchen, and I’m quite certain he had absolutely no complaints about his month-long, dedicated duty as our official taste tester for all our culinary experiments!
Simple Ingredients for an Epic Easy Dessert
One of the many appealing qualities of the Pig Pickin’ Cake is its reliance on readily available, simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have nestled in your pantry. This section provides a quick overview of what you’ll need to create this epic Southern dessert. For precise measurements and detailed, step-by-step instructions, please refer to the complete printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
For the Moist Cake Base:
- Yellow Cake Mix: This is your ultimate shortcut for achieving a consistently delicious, moist, and fluffy cake without the fuss of baking from scratch.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb and overall moisture.
- Canned Mandarin Oranges: These sweet, citrusy segments are drained, with their juice reserved to be incorporated directly into the cake batter, ensuring a vibrant fruit flavor throughout.
- Eggs: Crucial for binding the ingredients, providing structure, and adding richness to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A foundational flavor enhancer that beautifully complements the fruit and deepens the overall taste.
Optional Add-Ins for Enhanced Texture: For those who appreciate a delightful textural contrast, consider gently folding in some toasted pecans or walnuts into the cake batter. These nuts add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor. Additionally, a few vibrant maraschino cherries can be used as a festive and colorful garnish on top of the finished cake.
For the Irresistible Whipped Frosting:
- Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: This is the secret ingredient for creating a light, creamy, and wonderfully flavorful frosting that sets beautifully and adds stability.
- Crushed Pineapple: When drained, the pineapple itself adds a sweet and tangy texture, while its reserved juice becomes a key component in hydrating and flavoring the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Essential for sweetening the frosting to perfection and ensuring a silky-smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Cool Whip (or similar whipped topping): The cornerstone of this frosting, providing its signature light, airy, and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Mandarin Orange Slices: Ideal for a beautiful, vibrant, and edible garnish, enhancing both the visual appeal and the citrusy taste.
Essential Equipment for Your Baking Adventure
Creating this delightful Pig Pickin’ Cake is not only simple in terms of ingredients but also requires a minimal setup of standard kitchen equipment. Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process:
- 9×13 Baking Dish: This standard size is perfect for baking a sheet cake, ensuring even cooking and providing ample servings for your family or guests.
- Hand Mixer or Electric Stand Mixer: An invaluable tool for thoroughly combining the cake batter ingredients and achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency, as well as for whipping up the light and airy frosting.
- Two Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one sizable bowl for preparing the cake batter and a separate one for mixing the frosting components. Many bakers find a glass batter bowl with a handle particularly convenient for its ease of handling and stability on the counter.
- Spider Strainer: While a regular colander works, a spider strainer is exceptionally efficient for easily and thoroughly draining the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, ensuring you capture every drop of their flavorful juices.
- Wire Racks: Absolutely crucial for allowing the baked cake to cool completely and evenly before you apply the frosting. Proper cooling is vital to prevent the delicate whipped topping from melting and creating a messy finish.
Preparation, Storage, and Serving Recommendations
Make-Ahead & Storage Guidelines:
One of the most appealing features of this Pineapple Mandarin Orange Cake is its exceptional make-ahead friendly nature. In fact, many enthusiasts find that the cake’s flavors deepen and become even more harmonious the day after it’s made, following a good chill in the refrigerator.
- Make-Ahead: For optimal flavor development and ultimate convenience, consider preparing this cake a day in advance of your event. Just ensure it has chilled for at least a few hours before it’s time to serve.
- Storage: Any remaining Pig Pickin’ Cake should be meticulously stored in an airtight container within the refrigerator. This practice is essential for maintaining its fresh taste and preserving the delicate texture of the whipped topping. When properly stored, the cake can be enjoyed for up to five days.
- Freezing: For those looking to extend the cake’s shelf life, freezing is an excellent option. Place individual portions or the entire leftover cake in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will retain its delicious quality for up to three months.
- How to Reheat (Thaw): To savor frozen cake portions, simply transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw gradually overnight. This slow thawing process is key to preserving the ideal texture and freshness of the Cool Whip frosting.
Creative Recipe Variations to Delight Every Palate
The inherent beauty of the Pig Pickin’ Cake extends beyond its straightforward preparation and delightful flavor; it also lies in its remarkable versatility. This foundational recipe can be effortlessly adapted to accommodate various dietary preferences or simply to introduce your own unique culinary flair.
Creative Substitutions & Flavor Enhancements:
- Embrace Tropical Sweetness: For an additional layer of tropical flavor and a pleasant textural contrast, consider gently folding finely shredded coconut flakes into the frosting. The coconut adds a delightful chewiness that perfectly complements the pineapple and mandarin oranges.
- Elevate with a Layered Presentation: While traditionally baked as a convenient sheet cake, you can easily transform this recipe into a more elegant layered dessert. Simply divide the batter evenly between two nine-inch round cake pans. Ensure both cake layers are baked evenly and allowed to cool completely before meticulously stacking and frosting them, creating a stunning presentation worthy of any special occasion.
Thoughtful Dietary Adaptations:
- Vegetarian Option: This delightful mandarin orange and pineapple cake is naturally vegetarian, making it an excellent and inclusive choice for individuals adhering to a meat-free diet.
- Vegan Option: To tailor this recipe for a vegan lifestyle, you can easily substitute the yellow cake mix, butter, eggs, instant vanilla pudding mix, and Cool Whip with the wide array of plant-based alternatives now readily available in most grocery stores. Many brands offer high-quality vegan cake mixes, butter substitutes, egg replacers, instant puddings made without dairy, and delicious plant-based whipped toppings.
- Gluten-Free: Adapting this recipe for those following a gluten-free diet is remarkably simple. The primary modification involves selecting a certified gluten-free yellow cake mix. While most other ingredients are typically naturally gluten-free, it is always wise to double-check product labels to ensure full compliance.
- Adjusting Serving Sizes: The standard recipe yields approximately 12 generous servings. However, the recipe is easily scalable. You can effortlessly adjust the ingredient quantities up or down to perfectly accommodate your specific needs, whether you’re serving a small intimate family meal or catering to a larger festive gathering.
- Sugar-Free Alternative: For individuals mindful of their sugar intake, this cake can be prepared in a sugar-free version. The original recipe contains about 43 grams of sugar per serving. To significantly reduce this, opt for a sugar-free yellow cake mix, a sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix, use a sugar substitute designed for baking (such as an erythritol-based powdered sugar substitute) for the frosting, choose sugar-free Cool Whip, and select canned fruit varieties packed in water or unsweetened juice with no added sugar.
Expert Tips for Baking the Best Pig Pickin’ Cake
Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted Pig Pickin’ Cake is incredibly simple when you follow these expert tips and tricks:
- Always Preheat Your Oven: A fundamental step for successful baking is to always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) well in advance of placing your cake inside. A properly preheated oven ensures even baking from the start and helps the cake achieve a consistent rise and texture.
- Don’t Discard That Pineapple Juice! This is a crucial detail for the frosting! The juice from the canned crushed pineapple is a key ingredient, providing not only essential moisture but also an added layer of delightful tropical flavor that ties the entire cake together. Make sure to drain the pineapple carefully and reserve the juice.
- Check for Cake Doneness Accurately: To confidently determine if your cake is perfectly baked through, insert a clean toothpick or a specialized cake tester into the very center of the cake. If it emerges clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is ready to be removed from the oven.
- Cool the Cake Completely Before Frosting: This step cannot be overstated and is absolutely critical for a beautiful finish! The cake must be entirely and thoroughly cool before you even think about applying the whipped topping. If the cake retains any warmth, even slight, the delicate Cool Whip will inevitably melt, resulting in a runny, messy, and unappealing frosting. Exercising patience here is key to achieving a perfectly set and smooth topping.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside Your Pig Pickin’ Cake
This light, citrusy, and utterly delightful Pig Pickin’ Cake, bursting with the sweet tang of mandarin oranges and pineapple in every bite, makes a truly wonderful conclusion to almost any meal. Its refreshing profile is particularly complementary after hearty Southern fare. Here are some thoughtful pairing suggestions to inspire your next menu planning endeavor:
Complementary Side Dishes:
- Broccoli Casserole
- Apple Stuffing
- Funeral Potatoes
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams
- Southern Style Green Beans
- CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans
Hearty Main Dishes:
- Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
- Stovetop Meatloaf
- Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers
- CrockPot Creamy Rosemary Pork
- Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings
- CrockPot Macaroni & Cheese with Ham
- CrockPot Salisbury Steak
- CrockPot Ham & Cheese Grits
Other Delicious Desserts to Explore:
- Ooey-Gooey Butter Cake
- Lemon Bars
- Lemon Icebox Pie
- Best Rice Krispie Treats
- Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler
- Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Bisquick Apple Cobbler
- Bisquick Peach Cobbler
- Molasses Cookies
- Banana Bread
- Classic Chocolate Brownies
Refreshing Beverage Selections:
- Coke Slushie
- Red Robin Freckled Lemonade
- CopyCat McDonald’s Sweet Tea
When to Indulge in This Delightful Cake
The Pig Pickin’ Cake’s vibrant flavor profile and light, refreshing qualities make it an incredibly versatile dessert, perfectly suited for a wide array of occasions throughout the year. Its sunny disposition makes it a perennial favorite:
- Casual Lunches or Relaxed Dinners
- Community Potlucks and Shared Gatherings
- Outdoor Cookouts and Festive Barbecues
- Joyful Family and Friend Celebrations
- Anytime a craving strikes for a delightful taste of Southern sunshine!
Explore More Delicious Dessert Recipes
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ease and fantastic flavor of this Pig Pickin’ Cake, we’re confident you’ll love exploring other delightful dessert creations from our collection. We offer a treasure trove of sweet treats, perfect for satisfying every craving and suiting every occasion:
- Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Butterfinger Poke Cake
- Apple Snickers Salad
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- Salted Caramel Popcorn
- Oreo Milkshake
For even more quick and simple baking ideas, don’t forget to browse through all our Yellow Cake Mix recipes!
We invite you to delve into our extensive range of copycat recipes, discover a diverse collection of dessert recipes for every sweet tooth, and explore our incredibly convenient CrockPot Recipes for effortless meal preparation.
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Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe
This easy Pig Pickin’ Cake recipe is made with a convenient boxed cake mix. It features the perfect combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple, topped with a great, creamy icing, ideal for any gathering.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 365 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Print Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pig Pickin’ Cake:
- 1 yellow cake mix (standard 15.25 oz box)
- ½ cup Butter, softened
- 14 oz Mandarin Oranges, undrained (you will use ½ cup of the juice in the cake batter)
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Icing/Topping:
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (one small box)
- 20 oz Crushed Pineapple, undrained (you will use the juice for the frosting base)
- ½ cup Confectioners Powdered Sugar
- ¾ tub Cool Whip (approximately 12 oz, from an 8oz or 16oz tub)
- Mandarin orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, ½ cup of mandarin orange juice (drained from the canned mandarin oranges), large eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or electric stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Gently fold in the drained mandarin orange segments into the cake batter. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the baked cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. This step is absolutely crucial before applying the frosting.
- While the cake cools, prepare the luscious frosting: Drain the crushed pineapple, making sure to reserve all of the pineapple juice in a separate bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice with the instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk vigorously until the mixture begins to thicken, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth, then gently fold in the Cool Whip until it is fully incorporated and the frosting is light and airy.
- Finally, fold in the drained crushed pineapple into the frosting mixture.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
- For a beautiful presentation, garnish the cake with additional fresh mandarin orange slices.
- For the best flavor and to allow the frosting to properly set, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Mixing Bowl (x2)
- Hand Mixer or Electric Stand Mixer
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan
- Spider Strainer or Colander
- Wire Rack
- Toothpick or Cake Tester
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 365 (Calories from Fat 99)
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g 17%
- Saturated Fat 6g 38%
- Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Sodium 464mg 20%
Potassium 174mg 5%
Carbohydrates 63g 21%
- Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugar 43g 48%
Protein 4g 8%
Vitamin A 589IU 12%
Vitamin C 13mg 16%
Calcium 137mg 14%
Iron 1mg 6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.