Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

Introduction

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is a delightful, fruity dessert that brings together the sweetness of yellow cake with refreshing citrus and pineapple flavors. Topped with creamy whipped topping and mandarin oranges, it’s perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup water
• 2 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juices
• 1 (16 oz) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add one can of drained mandarin oranges into the batter and gently beat until evenly incorporated.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
5. Step 5: For the topping, stir the instant vanilla pudding mix into the crushed pineapple, including the juices, until smooth.
6. Step 6: Fold the thawed whipped topping into the pineapple mixture gently until combined.
7. Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and top with the remaining can of mandarin oranges.
8. Step 8: Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and topping to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mandarin slices instead of canned for a fresher taste and firmer texture.
• For a tropical twist, add a handful of shredded coconut to the frosting mixture.
• Make sure to fully drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple to keep the cake from becoming soggy.

Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within this period. Reheat is not recommended as the texture is best served chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe. Just be sure it’s a sturdy batter that can hold up well with added fruit.

What can I substitute for the instant pudding mix?

If you don’t have instant pudding mix, you can make a quick homemade vanilla pudding or use a cooked pudding recipe cooled before folding into the whipped topping.

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 113 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is a moist and fruity yellow cake combined with mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, topped with a creamy whipped vanilla pudding frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings and pig pickin’ parties, this cake offers a refreshing, sweet treat with a tropical twist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained

Topping

• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juices
• 1 (16 oz) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained (for topping)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix cake batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable or canola oil, and water. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Then fold in one can of drained mandarin oranges evenly into the batter.
3. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
4. Prepare the topping: In a large bowl, stir the instant vanilla pudding mix with the crushed pineapple including its juices until well combined. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to create a creamy mixture.
5. Frost and decorate: Spread the pudding and whipped topping mixture evenly over the cooled cake. Finally, top with the second can of drained mandarin oranges for an extra fruity finish.
6. Chill before serving: Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.

Notes

• Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the topping to prevent it from melting.
• Drain mandarin oranges well to avoid excess liquid making the cake soggy.
• For best results, chill the cake for several hours or overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
• This cake is best stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Keywords: Pig Pickin Cake, southern cake, mandarin orange cake, pineapple cake, whipped topping dessert