Pig Pickin Cake Recipe
Introduction
Pig Pickin Cake is a light, fruity dessert perfect for warm-weather gatherings. This moist yellow cake layered with pineapple and mandarin oranges, topped with a creamy vanilla pudding whipped topping, offers a refreshing twist on traditional cakes.
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 2 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges (juice from 1 can reserved, second drained and discarded)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 (3.5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Optional: 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, well drained, for garnish
- Optional: 1 (11-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, well drained, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, juice from one can of mandarin oranges, whole mandarin oranges from both cans, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a hand-held electric mixer to blend for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 5: In a medium bowl, mix the well-drained crushed pineapple with the instant vanilla pudding mix until the pineapple is evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Step 6: Fold the thawed whipped topping into the pineapple and pudding mixture until fully combined. Spread this frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Step 7: Garnish the top with additional well-drained mandarin oranges or pineapple tidbits, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Reserve the juice from one can of mandarin oranges to add extra moisture and flavor to the cake batter.
- For added texture, fold in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the frosting mixture.
- Use fresh fruit for garnish to brighten the presentation.
- If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the amount of whipped topping slightly or substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with honey.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the topping fresh. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften slightly. This cake is best enjoyed within a few days due to the fresh fruit topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?
Yes, you can bake a homemade yellow cake from scratch and follow the same assembly instructions. Just ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding the pudding topping.
Is it necessary to drain the canned fruit well?
Yes, draining the pineapple and optional fruit well prevents the cake from becoming soggy and keeps the topping creamy and thick.
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Pig Pickin Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pig Pickin Cake is a moist and fruity yellow cake with a delightful blend of mandarin oranges and pineapple, topped with a creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping frosting. This Southern-inspired dessert is perfect for a summer gathering or family celebration, combining easy-to-use canned fruit and cake mix for a quick yet impressive treat.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 2 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges (juice from 1 can reserved, second can well drained and discarded)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling and Frosting
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 (3.5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Optional garnish: 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, well drained
- Optional garnish: 1 (11-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, well drained
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, juice from one can of mandarin oranges, the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using a hand-held electric mixer, blend the ingredients for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking pan placed on a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the well-drained crushed pineapple with the instant vanilla pudding mix, stirring until the pineapple is evenly coated. Let this mixture sit for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine with Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pineapple-pudding mixture until fully combined, creating a creamy frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the creamy frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For additional texture and flavor, garnish the top with well-drained mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to reserve the juice from one can of mandarin oranges; it adds moisture and flavor to the cake batter.
- Ensure the canned pineapple and optional fruit garnishes are well drained to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
- The cake must be completely cooled before frosting to keep the topping from melting.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for flavors to meld.
- Use fresh whipped topping rather than canned whipped cream for better texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern United States
Keywords: Pig Pickin Cake, Southern dessert, pineapple cake, mandarin orange cake, easy cake recipe, fruit cake, instant pudding cake
