Description

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is a delightfully moist and tangy dessert featuring a yellow cake base infused with mandarin oranges, topped with a creamy pineapple and whipped topping mixture. Perfect for parties and summer gatherings, this easy-to-make cake combines tropical fruit flavors and a fluffy texture for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

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 Ingredients

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 (second can for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the cake batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable or canola oil, and water. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and well incorporated. Then gently fold in one can of drained mandarin oranges, mixing carefully to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the batter.
Bake the cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the topping to ensure proper frosting adherence.
Make the topping: In a large bowl, mix the instant vanilla pudding mix with the crushed pineapple, including the juices, until the pudding is well blended. Gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, creating a creamy and fruity topping.
Assemble the cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the prepared pineapple and whipped topping mixture evenly over the surface. Then, arrange the second can of drained mandarin oranges on top as a vibrant garnish, adding extra bursts of citrus flavor and texture.
Chill and serve: Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step allows the topping to set slightly and enhances the overall flavor combination, making it a refreshing dessert ideal for warm weather or festive occasions.

Notes

Ensure the cake is fully cooled before applying the topping to prevent it from melting or becoming runny.
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a homemade yellow cake batter if desired.
For a richer flavor, use fresh orange segments instead of canned mandarin oranges, but be sure they are well drained to avoid excess moisture.
This cake is best served chilled and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.

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

Keywords: Pig Pickin Cake, mandarin orange cake, pineapple cake, southern cake recipes, easy fruit cake, yellow cake with fruit topping