Introduction
What is Pig Pickin’ Cake made of? If you’ve never had the joy of tasting this light, citrusy, and irresistibly moist dessert, you’re in for a treat! I first discovered Pig Pickin’ Cake at a family barbecue, where it was the highlight of the dessert table. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked. The combination of fluffy cake, juicy mandarin oranges, and a creamy pineapple topping was pure magic.
This cake has deep roots in Southern tradition, often served at pig pickin’ gatherings—large outdoor feasts centered around whole-roasted pigs. But you don’t need a big event to enjoy it! It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and perfect for busy moms looking for a quick, refreshing dessert that feels homemade without the hassle.
So, what exactly goes into this famous cake? Let’s dive in!
What Is Pig Pickin’ Cake Made Of?
Pig Pickin’ Cake is made with just five basic ingredients, all of which are easy to find:
- Yellow Cake Mix – The base of the cake, providing a soft and airy texture.
- Mandarin Oranges – Adds moisture, a slight tang, and bursts of citrusy flavor.
- Eggs & Oil – Essential for structure and richness.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix – Helps create a creamy, velvety frosting.
- Crushed Pineapple & Whipped Topping – The secret to the cake’s signature light, fruity topping.
That’s it! No complicated techniques or exotic ingredients—just simple, delicious goodness.
Why Do They Call It Pig Pickin’ Cake?
The name “Pig Pickin’ Cake” comes from Southern pig pickin’ gatherings—a tradition where family and friends gather for a pig roast, often in a backyard or at a big outdoor event. Since this cake is a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert, it became a staple at these feasts.
The light, citrus-infused cake perfectly balances the richness of barbecue dishes, making it the ideal way to end a hearty meal on a sweet note.
Step-By-Step Recipe: How to Make Pig Pickin’ Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, with juice
For the Frosting:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, with juice
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and mandarin oranges (with juice). Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Frosting
In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla pudding mix and crushed pineapple (with juice) until well combined.
Fold in the whipped topping gently, creating a light and fluffy frosting.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers. Then, frost the top and sides.
For extra flair, garnish with mandarin orange slices or shredded coconut!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✔ Beginner-Friendly – No special skills required!
✔ Time-Saving – Takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
✔ Refreshing & Light – Perfect for summer.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing – A hit at any gathering!
FAQ
Why do they call it Pig Pickin’ Cake?
This cake got its name from Southern pig pickin’ gatherings, where roasted pigs were the main attraction. The cake was a popular dessert at these events, thanks to its light, citrusy taste that balanced out the rich barbecue flavors.
What are the ingredients in a Pig Pickin’ Cake?
The cake is made with yellow cake mix, mandarin oranges, eggs, oil, vanilla pudding mix, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping.
What is bundt cake made of?
Bundt cakes are made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a leavening agent. What makes them special is their distinctive ring shape, created using a Bundt pan
What is pinata cake made of?
Piñata cakes have a hollow center filled with candy, sprinkles, or chocolate. The cake itself is usually made of vanilla or chocolate sponge layers.
What makes a coffee cake different?
Unlike regular cakes, coffee cakes don’t have frosting. Instead, they often feature a cinnamon-sugar crumble topping and are meant to be enjoyed with coffee.