Print

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 12 reviews

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is a beloved Southern dessert perfect for potlucks and gatherings. This moist yellow cake is infused with mandarin oranges in the batter, baked to golden perfection, then topped with a creamy pineapple and instant vanilla pudding mixture folded into whipped topping, crowned with more mandarin oranges for a refreshing, fruity finish.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained

Topping

  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juices
  • 1 (16 oz) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable or canola oil, and water until thoroughly combined. Then gently fold in one can of drained mandarin oranges until evenly distributed.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In a large bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and crushed pineapple with juices. Stir until well blended. Next, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to create a fluffy, creamy mixture.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the prepared topping evenly over the surface. Then, top the frosted cake with the remaining can of drained mandarin oranges, arranging them attractively.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the topping from melting.
  • Draining the mandarin oranges well is key to avoid extra moisture making the cake soggy.
  • This cake is best served well chilled but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a lighter twist, substitute whipped topping with freshly whipped cream.

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/classic-pig-pickin-cake-recipe/