Name: Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges (with juice); 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (thawed); 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (drained); 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)

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If you’re looking for a sunny slice of Southern nostalgia to brighten any potluck or family gathering, this Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe delivers delight in every bite. With juicy mandarin oranges baked right into a fluffy yellow cake and a cloud-like pineapple frosting, it’s a retro favorite that’s as easy as it is impressive. Every spoonful is fruity, creamy, and wonderfully light—you might just find yourself reaching for a second piece!

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Each component brings a special touch, whether it’s fruity flavor or dreamy texture, making every bite irresistible and so easy to love.

Yellow cake mix: The ultimate shortcut for a moist, tender base—no one will guess it’s from a box!
Canned mandarin oranges (with juice): Builds a bright, citrusy tang and keeps the cake extra moist; the juice is key for flavor.
Large eggs: Essential for structure and adding richness to the cake.
Vegetable oil: Locks in softness so your cake stays light and fluffy.
Frozen whipped topping (thawed): Forms the billowy base for that classic, creamy frosting.
Canned crushed pineapple (drained): Adds sweet tropical notes and juicy little bursts in every mouthful.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (dry): Helps thicken the frosting and adds smooth vanilla undertones—don’t prepare it, just sprinkle in the dry mix.

How to Make Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F, letting that anticipation build! In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, the entire can of mandarin oranges (juice and all), eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix everything together until the oranges break up a bit and the batter looks fluffy and smooth—this method ensures you’ll get juicy orange bits dancing all through the cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans, then pour in your sunny batter. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back lightly when pressed.

Step 3: Cool Completely

This part is hard, but patience is your secret ingredient. Let the cake cool completely in its pan on a wire rack so that your delicate frosting doesn’t melt and slip right off. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Make the Pineapple Frosting

While your cake cools, stir up the ultimate Southern topping. In a medium bowl, gently fold together the thawed whipped topping, drained crushed pineapple, and dry vanilla pudding mix. The pudding mix thickens everything up, while the pineapple infuses the frosting with sweet-tart tropical goodness. Spread this dreamy layer generously over the cooled cake.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Transfer the frosted cake to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This rest lets all the flavors blend and means the frosting will slice cleanly. The Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe is at its very best when served nice and cold!

How to Serve Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Dressing up your Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe is half the fun! Scattering a few extra mandarin orange segments or pineapple chunks across the top makes each slice look festive and fresh. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or a handful of pecan pieces adds a pretty finishing touch and just the right amount of crunch.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is wonderfully light and bursting with fruit, it pairs perfectly with other summery favorites. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a fruit salad, or a glass of sweet iced tea. Its breezy flavors make it right at home with barbecue or potluck classics.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to put an extra spin on the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe? Try baking the batter as cupcakes for a grab-and-go treat, or layer the cake and frosting into individual trifle jars for a picnic-friendly dessert. For birthdays or casual celebrations, get creative with your decorations—think edible flowers or a zesty citrus glaze drizzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe is how well it keeps! Leftover slices can be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days. The frosting helps keep the cake moist, and the flavors only get better with time—if there’s any left to save, that is!

Freezing

It’s absolutely possible to freeze this cake. For best results, wrap individual, unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add your fresh pineapple frosting before serving. For frosted slices, freeze on a tray until solid, then wrap tightly for impressive “make ahead” moments.

Reheating

This cake is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat—just let it come to temperature in the refrigerator before slicing, and you’re good to go. If you accidentally froze a slice, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?

Canned mandarin oranges are handy because they come packed in sweet juice that keeps the cake moist, but you can use fresh orange segments if you prefer. Just add a couple of tablespoons of orange juice to replace the can’s liquid.

Is there a gluten-free version of the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply swap the yellow cake mix for a trusted gluten-free alternative. Make sure your pudding mix and whipped topping are also certified gluten-free for a worry-free dessert.

What if I can’t find instant vanilla pudding mix?

If instant vanilla pudding isn’t available, substitute with cheesecake pudding or white chocolate pudding mix—these work equally well to thicken and flavor the frosting, keeping it creamy and luscious.

Can I make the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe in advance?

Yes, in fact, this recipe is even better when made a day ahead! The extra chill time in the fridge allows the citrus and tropical flavors to meld beautifully, so it’s perfect for prepping before a get-together.

What are some fun variations on this cake?

You can experiment with adding coconut flakes to the frosting, swapping mandarin oranges for peaches, or layering in additional fruit between the cake and frosting. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon in the batter or a dash of lemon zest in the frosting for your own signature twist!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe a try—it’s a showstopper that feels like sunshine on a plate and is just as easy as it is delicious. Whether you bake it for a holiday spread or a cozy family dessert, you’re sure to spark requests for seconds and maybe even for your secret recipe!

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake! A moist mandarin orange-infused cake topped with a luscious pineapple whipped cream frosting, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges (with juice)
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Frosting:

1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (drained)
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F.
Mix the cake: Combine cake mix, mandarin oranges (with juice), eggs, and oil until fluffy. Pour into greased pan/pans.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool.
Make the frosting: Mix whipped topping, crushed pineapple, and pudding mix. Spread over cooled cake.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.