Description
Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is a moist and fluffy yellow cake infused with juicy mandarin oranges and topped with a creamy pineapple and vanilla pudding frosting. Perfect for Southern gatherings and summer potlucks, this refreshing dessert combines fruity flavors with a light whipped topping to create a crowd-pleasing treat that’s best served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges (with juice)
Frosting Ingredients
- 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 a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and the entire 11 oz can of mandarin oranges with juice. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter becomes fluffy and the orange pieces break down into small bits.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
- Prepare Frosting: In a separate bowl, mix the drained crushed pineapple with the instant vanilla pudding mix until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: If using round cake layers, spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cakes. For a 9×13 cake, spread the frosting over the top. Garnish with extra mandarin orange segments if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Notes
- Serve the cake chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
- This cake can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated until serving.
- Add a bit of orange zest to the batter for enhanced citrus flavor.
- Homemade whipped cream can be used in place of store-bought whipped topping such as Cool Whip.
