Pig Pickin' Cake

This classic Pig Pickin' Cake is a traditional Southern dessert that starts with a box of yellow cake mix and a can of mandarin oranges. The moist, citrus-flavored cake is topped with a fluffy whipped pineapple frosting. It's perfect for a pig roast, a cookout with friends, or your family's next Sunday supper. So delicious, refreshing, and easy to whip up!

What is Pig Pickin' Cake?

If you've never heard of this funny-sounding dessert, allow me to introduce you to the best Pig Pickin' Cake recipe ever! I originally received the recipe from my friend Jackie, and shortly thereafter my 101-year-old Great Aunt Bee sent me her cake recipe from North Carolina. Guess what? They were the same recipe, so I instantly knew it was a classic.

Pig Pickin' Cake is an easy dessert that starts with a box of yellow cake mix. The cake is prepared with a can of mandarin oranges in syrup, so it has tiny bits of orange throughout and is infused with a bright citrus flavor. The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the orange-flavored syrup and plenty of oil!

The traditional cake is typically finished with a whipped pineapple frosting, which is a simple combination of Cool Whip, canned crushed pineapple, and vanilla instant pudding mix. It's light, fluffy and so delicious! You just can't beat the combination of orange, pineapple, and vanilla in every bite.

Why is it called Pig Pickin' Cake?

You might be wondering what in the world this mandarin orange cake has to do with a pig?! Well, it's very simple: this dessert is commonly served at a Southern barbecue -- also known as a "pig pickin'" -- where guests "pick" the tender meat off of the whole roasted pig. Other common dishes served at a pig pickin' include coleslaw, mac and cheese, macaroni salad, baked beans and potato salad.

Origin

The Pig Pickin' Cake definitely originated in the American South. Many folks site North Carolina as the first state to serve the orange pineapple cake, which is no surprise given that whole hog barbecues often define the Southern region of the state.

Ingredients

This is a quick overview of the ingredients that you'll need for a mandarin orange pig pickin cake. As always, specific measurements and complete cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

• Yellow cake mix: I always use Duncan Hines brand, but any similar box will work.
• Eggs: give the cake structure.
• Vegetable oil: keeps the cake super-moist. You can substitute with another neutral oil, like canola.
• Mandarin oranges in syrup: don't drain the oranges. The liquid from the can adds flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Frozen whipped topping: such as Cool Whip. Make sure that it thaws in the refrigerator before stirring together the frosting.
• Vanilla instant pudding mix: just one small (4-serving) box. Do not prepare the pudding according to package instructions -- you only need the dry mix.
• Crushed pineapple: make sure that it's well-drained so that it doesn't water-down the frosting.

How to Make a Pig Pickin' Cake

Since the recipe starts with a cake mix, this mandarin orange Pig Pickin' Cake is an easy dessert for every cookout, picnic, or party on your calendar!

1. Beat together the cake mix, eggs, and oil on low speed for about 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
2. Add the mandarin oranges (with their syrup) and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, or until completely combined.
3. Bake the cake in a 350° F oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
4. Fold together the whipped topping, dry pudding mix, and crushed pineapple.
5. Spread the “frosting” on the cooled cake.
6. Refrigerate until ready to slice and serve!

Storage

Cover tightly and store the cake in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, but the frosting tends to get a bit watery as it sits. You can also freeze this cake with or without the frosting for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Bake the cake in two round cake pans and stack them to form a layer cake. You  might need a little bit more frosting for the layers, sides and top of the cake.
• Add walnuts or pecans to the batter, or garnish the top of the cake with the chopped nuts.
• Coconut: add coconut extract to the batter and garnish the frosting with sweetened coconut flakes.

Tips for the Best Pig Pickin' Cake Recipe

• Thaw the Cool Whip in the refrigerator overnight before stirring together the frosting. Do not thaw the Cool Whip on the counter at room temperature or it will lose its fluffy texture.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting, or the icing will "melt" right off.
• Garnish the top of the cake with extra mandarin oranges, sprinkles, coconut, or chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.

More Southern Cake Recipes to Try

• Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
• The Best Coconut Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• Grandma's Texas Sheet Cake
• Caramel Cake
• Hummingbird Cake
• Carrot Cake