Pig Pickin’ Cake

Okay boos, let’s talk about a real Southern classic, the Pig Pickin’ Cake! Now, don’t ya worry if your roots aren’t planted in Southern soil – this cake’s for everyone. It’s packed with juicy mandarin oranges and drenched in pineapple goodness, all topped off with a fluffy vanilla pineapple whipped cream. I go the traditional (and easy) route with a box of yellow cake mix because, why not? It’s simple and delicious. But hey, you can make it from scratch with my basic yellow cake recipe!

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If you’re not from the South, I betcha have some questions about the name of this cake. Some folks even shorten it to just “pig cake,” which, I’ll admit, doesn’t sound too yummy. I’ve heard more than a few times “is this cake made for pigs?” or “does it actually have pig in it?” but I promise, it’s none of that! Pig pickin’ cake was traditionally whipped up for Southern pig roasts, known as pig pickin’s. So that’s where it found its quirky name. But no matter how you call it, one thing’s fo sho – it’s sunshine in a plate!

The Low Down On This Pig Pickin’ Cake

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern American, baby!
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Sweet mandarin and pineapple
Skill Level: Beginner

• Beginner Baker Friendly: You don’t have to be a contestant of The Great American Baking Show to whip up this recipe. It has simple steps and a forgiving nature, so it’s essentially foolproof. And when you top it with those cute mandarins, you get a cake that looks as good as it tastes!
• Fluffy, Citrusy, and Moist: The light, fluffy texture meets the zesty joy of citrus and the sweet charm of pineapple, creating a flavor and texture combo that’s refreshing in every bite. You’ll want to savor every forkful!
• Simplicity at Its Finest: Don’t ya worry about needing a kitchen full of fancy gadgets for this pig pickin’ cake recipe. A simple hand or stand mixer and a basic baking pan are all you need to bring it to life.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Picture a sunny day, a backyard filled with friends and laughter, and a table sporting the most inviting pig pickin’ cake. It’s the embodiment of spring and summer happiness, fitting right in at barbecues, picnics, or any potluck!

Ingredients To Make Pig Pickin’ Cake

For The Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation of our cake. I just grab a standard package from the store. It’s all about keeping things simple n’ tasty!
• Butter: Make sure it’s softened, this adds richness to the cake. I always go for unsalted butter to keep the sweetness in check.
• Eggs: Room temp, please! They’re crucial for binding everything together and adding that lovely moist texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a pinch, but it makes all the difference adding that subtle hint of vanilla goodness.
• Mandarin Oranges in Light Syrup: Drain them but don’t toss that syrup! We’re saving ¼ cup of it for the cake mix. And hey, grab a few extra mandarins for garnishing on top.
• Crushed Pineapple in Juice: Just like the mandarins, we’re draining it but keeping ¼ cup of the juice for the cake. The rest of the pineapple gets its own spotlight in the topping.

For The Topping

• Whipped Topping: I’m a fan of Cool Whip! You’ll find it in the frozen dessert aisle. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before you get to mixing – it’s gotta be nice and spreadable.
• Vanilla Instant Pudding: Grab a box of the instant variety, not the cook-and-serve kind. This mixes into our topping to create that irresistible creamy texture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: A sweet lil’ addition that makes the topping perfectly smooth and sweet.
• Additional Mandarins: As garnish, for that pretty little finish on top.

How To Make Pig Pickin’ Cake

Step 1: Mix The Cake Batter And Bake It

1. Add cake mix and butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
2. Mix on medium speed until butter has broken down into small bits. Lower the speed and add the eggs one at a time until smooth and evenly combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add vanilla, the ¼ cup of mandarin liquid, and the ¼ cup of pineapple liquid and mix until smooth.
4. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and gently fold in the mandarins with a spatula.
5. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Then, let it cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Mix The Topping and Spread It Onto The Cake

1. Add whipped topping, instant pudding mix, and confectioners’ sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix on medium speed until evenly mixed.
2. Add in crushed pineapple.
3. Mix until incorporated, scraping down as needed.
4. Spread the topping evenly onto the cooled cake and garnish with additional mandarins. Serve immediately.

Tips For Making The Best Southern Pig Pickin Cake

1. Be Gentle on the Mixing: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we’re all about that soft, tender crumb. So mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture!
2. Don’t Skip the Crushed Pineapple: When I say crushed pineapple, I mean it. Those chunks might look tempting to use, but trust me, they won’t blend into your frosting the way crushed pineapple does.
3. Chill the Cool Whip: Keep that Cool Whip tucked away in the fridge right up until you’re ready to use it. This keeps it nice and firm, making sure your topping is the right consistency to spread smoothly over your cake.
4. Let the Cake Cool: After your Southern pig pickin cake has baked, give it some time to cool down completely before you even think about adding that whipped topping. Why? Well, unless you’re going for a melted mess, letting it cool ensures the topping stays fluffy and perfect!

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Garnish Mix-Up: Crushed pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch, while fresh orange slices arranged in a pretty pattern can make your easy pig pickin’ cake a true centerpiece.
• Coconut Additions: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, mix in some shredded coconut into the cake batter or sprinkle it over the whipped topping. It pairs wonderfully with the citrusy mandarin and tropical pineapple!
• Go Gluten-Free: Y’all, making this cake friendly for our gluten-free friends is a breeze. Swap out the regular yellow cake mix for a 1:1 gluten-free flour baking mix, and check that your instant pudding mix is also gluten-free. Yep, it’s that easy!
• Use Different Cake Mixes: Don’t be shy about experimenting with different cake mix flavors to give your pig pickin’ cake a new twist. Lemon, orange, or even pineapple cake mixes can amplify the citrusy notes and create a variety of delicious versions of the classic recipe!

What To Serve With This Easy Pig Pickin Cake

• Honestly, this pig pickin’ cake is as versatile as it is delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or just because you need a lil’ sweet treat in your day.
• For a truly indulgent dessert experience, why not serve it alongside a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a side of mango sorbet? The creamy, cool textures really contrast with the cake’s moist crumb.
• When it comes to brunch, this pig cake sits beautifully next to savory favorites. Think a spread with savory sausage and egg casserole, a breakfast board, and maybe a pitcher of sweet tea to wash it all down. This cake brings a sweet, refreshing balance to the table!
• If you’re leaning towards breakfast, consider pairing it with something on the heartier side to complement its sweetness. A plate of crispy bacon or even a savory chicken potato frittata can help you start your day on a high note.

How To Store Pig Pickin’ Cake

This pig pickin’ cake has a whipped topping and delicate mandarin garnish, so it’s best kept cool. Simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and place it inside the fridge. If you find yourself with extra frosting, you can keep it in a separate airtight container inside the fridge as well.

How Long Will Pig Pickin’ Cake Last In The Fridge?

Your pretty cake will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 5 days, boo. The key is keeping it covered to protect it from absorbing any odors and to prevent the frosting from drying out!

Can I Freeze Pig Cake?

You def can, but I suggest you freeze the cake without the frosting – that way you’ll avoid a soggy cake once you thaw it. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil to guard against freezer burn. Stored this way, your cake will stay yummy for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yup, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping. However, keep in mind that whipped cream is less stable and may not hold up as well in the fridge.

How do I ensure the cake is moist?
The key to a moist pig pickin’ cake lies in not overbaking it and using the syrups from the canned fruits like you’re supposed to do! Also, make sure to test the cake with a toothpick for doneness to avoid overbaking.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No stand mixer? No problem! You can use a hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease for the cake batter. For the frosting, a hand mixer works well, but make sure to whip until you achieve the right consistency.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake is a testament to the joy of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special! It’s so easy to make, and the result is a moist, light, and absolutely delicious cake. BTW, if you have any questions along the way, don’t forget to check the tips and FAQs above. Happy baking, y’all!

More Fruit Cake Recipes

• Lemon Loaf Cake
• Pineapple Coconut Cake Recipe
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
• Key Lime Cake Recipe
• Pineapple Cake (Lighter And Full Fat Version)

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