Here’s a look at Pig Pickin’ Cake — what it actually is and how to make it! 🍊🍍🍰
🐷 What Is Pig Pickin’ Cake?
Pig Pickin’ Cake is a classic Southern dessert, especially popular at barbecues and “pig pickin’” gatherings (whole‑hog cookouts) in the Carolinas and Southeast. Despite the name, there’s no pork in it — the name comes from being served at pig pickin’ feasts, where people “pick” the slow‑roasted barbecue.
This cake is light, fruity, and refreshing — kind of like a citrus ambrosia in cake form, with mandarin oranges baked into the cake and a sweet pineapple‑vanilla whipped frosting on top.
🍊 Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake — Easy Recipe
🛒 Ingredients
Cake
-
1 box yellow cake mix
-
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, with juice
-
4 large eggs
-
¼ cup vegetable oil
(You can also reserve some orange juice to add to the batter.)
Frosting
-
1 (16 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
-
1 (3.4 oz) packet instant vanilla pudding mix
-
2 (8 oz) containers whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
(Or whip your own cream and fold in the pudding & pineapple.)
👩🍳 Instructions
🧁 Make the Cake
-
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
-
Grease and flour a 9×13‑inch pan (or three 8‑inch round pans if you want layers).
-
In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, mandarin oranges with juice, and oil. Beat until smooth.
-
Pour into the prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
-
Cool completely.
🍍 Make the Frosting
-
In a bowl, mix drained crushed pineapple and instant pudding mix.
-
Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
🍰 Assemble
-
Once the cake is cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.
-
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours so the frosting sets and the flavors meld.
🌟 Tips & Variations
-
If you want a layer cake, you can bake the batter in three round pans and stack them with frosting between layers.
-
Some people add toasted coconut, pecans, or walnuts to the frosting or as a garnish for extra texture.
-
You can make it a day ahead — it tastes even better after chilling.
🍋 Why It’s Loved
Pig Pickin’ Cake is beloved for being:
-
Easy to make with pantry staples
-
Moist and fruity
-
Great for warm weather or after heavy meals
-
A nostalgic Southern classic that’s stood the test of time