This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished piece of Southern culinary heritage. With its impossibly moist, citrus-kissed crumb and a cloud-like creamy frosting studded with fruit, this cake is the definition of a « crowd-pleaser. » Why is it called a Pig Pickin’ Cake? Legend has it this was the go-to dessert to serve a crowd at a whole hog roast (a « pig pickin' ») because it’s easy to make, feeds a multitude, and provides a bright, refreshing finish to a rich, savory meal.
Get ready to bake the cake that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Let’s bring this vintage classic back into the spotlight!
Why This Pig Pickin’ Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s talk about what makes this cake so special and why it has stood the test of time.
- Unforgettable Flavor & Texture: This cake is a masterclass in contrast. The cake itself is supremely moist and bursting with bright, sunny notes from mandarin oranges and pineapple. The frosting is a light, fluffy, and creamy wonder that melts in your mouth.
- Effortlessly Elegant: Don’t let the stunning appearance fool you. This is a « doctored cake mix » recipe, meaning it starts with a simple box mix for ultimate ease, but the added ingredients transform it into something that tastes completely homemade and gourmet.
- The Potluck Pro: It travels like a dream, feeds a small army, and is guaranteed to be the talk of any gathering. It’s the dessert that always disappears first.
- A Delicious Piece of History: Baking this cake is like taking a step back in time. It’s a recipe often found on handwritten index cards and in well-loved community cookbooks, carrying with it the warmth and hospitality of the South.
Gathering Your Sunshine: The Simple Ingredients List
The beauty of this cake is its simplicity. You likely have many of these items in your pantry right now!
For the Sunshine Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (Butter recipe style is ideal, but standard works perfectly)
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, DO NOT DRAIN – this is key!
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance the flavor
For the Dreamy Cream Frosting:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, DO NOT DRAIN – this provides the liquid and flavor!
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional Garnish: A few extra mandarin orange segments or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Bliss
Follow these simple steps for a flawless, stunning cake every single time.
Step 1: Create the Sunshine Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, the entire can of mandarin oranges (juice and all!), vegetable oil, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The batter will be thick and flecked with beautiful pieces of orange.
Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the vibrant batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
This is crucial: Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before you even think about frosting it. A warm cake will melt the delicate frosting.
Step 3: Whip Up the Magical Frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry instant vanilla pudding mix and the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice and all!). It will start to thicken almost immediately.
Once combined, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a spatula until you have a smooth, creamy, and dreamy frosting.
Step 4: Frost and Fulfill Your Dessert Dreams
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the creamy pineapple frosting evenly over the top. For a beautiful finish, you can garnish with a few reserved mandarin orange segments or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a little texture.
Step 5: The (Brief) Wait is the Hardest Part
For the absolute best texture and flavor, cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to marry and the frosting to set perfectly, making it easy to slice.
Pro-Tips for the Absolute Best Pig Pickin’ Cake
- Don’t You Dare Drain Those Cans! The liquid from the fruit is the secret to the cake’s incredible moisture and the frosting’s perfect consistency. This is the most important rule of this recipe.
- Cool Completely: We said it before, but it’s worth repeating. Patience is key! Frosting a warm cake will result in a soupy, runny mess.
- Fold, Don’t Stir: When incorporating the whipped topping into the pudding and pineapple, use a gentle folding motion. This preserves the airy, light texture of the frosting.
- Make it a Day Ahead: This cake actually gets better the longer it sits. Making it the day before your event is a fantastic strategy—it frees up your time and results in a more flavorful cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cake mix?
A: While yellow cake is the classic, a butter pecan cake mix is a very popular and delicious variation that adds a lovely nutty flavor.
Q: Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
A: Yes, absolutely. Because of the whipped topping and fruit in the frosting, this cake must be stored covered in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make this into a layer cake?
A: You can! Divide the batter between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. The baking time may be slightly less, so start checking for doneness around 20-22 minutes. Let the layers cool completely before frosting.
Q: How long will it last?
A: When stored properly in the fridge, it will be delicious for 3-4 days.
The Final Slice: Why This Cake is a Legend
The Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a experience. It’s the taste of celebration, community, and Southern comfort. It proves that the most beloved dishes are often the simplest ones, made with joy and shared with love.
So, the next time you need a guaranteed show-stopping dessert, skip the complicated recipes and bake this piece of sunny, Southern nostalgia. One bite, and you’ll understand exactly why it’s stood the test of time.
Now, we have to know—is this a classic from your childhood, or are you discovering it for the first time? Share your memories and baking photos in the comments below! And don’t forget to pin this recipe to your dessert board so you never lose it.
