Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake
🍰 Classic Pig Picking’ Cake
🍽️ Servings:
12–16 slices
⏱️ Total Time:
2 hours (including chilling)
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Prep: 20 minutes
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Bake: 25–30 minutes
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Chill: 1 hour minimum
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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1 box yellow cake mix
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1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, undrained
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½ cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs
For the Frosting:
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1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip (thawed)
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
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1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (do not prepare it separately)
🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13 inch pan if preferred).
2. Make the Cake Batter:
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In a large bowl, combine:
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Cake mix
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Whole can of mandarin oranges (with juice)
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Oil
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Eggs
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Beat on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
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The oranges will break apart — that’s what you want.
3. Bake:
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Pour batter evenly into pans.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cakes cool completely in the pans, then remove to cool racks.
4. Make the Frosting:
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In a medium bowl, stir together:
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Crushed pineapple with juice
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Vanilla pudding mix
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Let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Fold in the Cool Whip gently until smooth.
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Chill the frosting for 10–15 minutes (optional, but helps with spreading).
5. Assemble the Cake:
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Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top and sides.
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Refrigerate the entire cake for at least 1 hour before serving (best if chilled overnight).
🎉 Optional Toppings:
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Extra mandarin slices or pineapple tidbits on top
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Toasted coconut flakes
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Chopped pecans or walnuts (for texture)
❓Q&A About Pig Pickin’ Cake:
❓ Why is it called “Pig Pickin’ Cake”?
A: It’s a traditional Southern dessert served at pig pickin’s — large outdoor barbecues where a whole pig is roasted. The cake’s light, fruity flavor is the perfect complement to heavy barbecue dishes.
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just keep it covered and chilled.
❓ Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Yes, but it won’t be as stable, especially if you need it to last overnight or in warm temperatures. Use stabilized whipped cream for better results.
❓ Can I use other fruits?
A: You can add other fruits like diced strawberries or peaches, but the mandarin orange + pineapple combo is the traditional and most popular.
❓ Can I make this as a sheet cake?
A: Yes! Use a 9×13 pan, bake as directed, and frost the top once cooled. Great for potlucks and easy serving.
