Description
Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is a delightful Southern dessert combining a moist yellow cake with juicy mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, topped with a creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping frosting. Perfectly chilled, this refreshing cake is ideal for summer potlucks and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges (with juice)
Frosting
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Extra mandarin orange segments for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or alternatively, a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of mandarin oranges including the juice. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients for 2–3 minutes until the batter is fluffy and the oranges are broken into small bits.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a separate bowl, mix the drained crushed pineapple with the instant vanilla pudding mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the prepared frosting over the cooled cake layers if using round pans, or directly over the 9×13 cake. Garnish with extra mandarin orange segments if desired for an attractive finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling step enhances the flavors and texture, making it refreshing and perfect for warm days.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled and can be made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- For extra citrus brightness, stir in a teaspoon of orange zest into the cake batter before baking.
- Homemade whipped cream can be used in place of store-bought whipped topping for a fresher taste.
