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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
