Light, fruity, and filled with Southern charm—this nostalgic dessert will steal the show at any gathering.
🏡 Introduction: A Cake with a Quirky Name and a Rich Tradition
In the warm embrace of the American South, traditions are passed down not just through stories—but through food. And when it comes to classic Southern desserts, few are as beloved or as curiously named as the Pig Pickin’ Cake. This vibrant, citrusy cake is a mainstay at backyard barbecues, church picnics, and—yes—pig pickin’s: Southern gatherings centered around a whole roasted pig.
But don’t let the name fool you—there’s no pork in this cake. It simply earned its name by being the dessert of choice at these events, perfectly complementing the savory, smoky meat with its light and fruity flavor.
🌞 What Makes Pig Pickin’ Cake So Special?
The magic of Pig Pickin’ Cake lies in its simplicity and sunshine-bright flavor. It’s:
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✨ Light and fluffy, thanks to whipped topping
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🍊 Citrusy and refreshing, thanks to mandarin oranges and pineapple
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🧁 Easy to make, with a boxed cake mix base
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👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly, perfect for potlucks and picnics
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🔁 Make-ahead friendly, since the flavor improves after chilling
🧁 Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
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½ cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs
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1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, with juice
For the Frosting:
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1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
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1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
👩🍳 How to Make Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or a 9×13-inch dish for a sheet cake version).
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Yellow cake mix
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Vegetable oil
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Eggs
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Mandarin oranges with juice
Mix on medium speed until smooth. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine the ingredients and break up the orange slices.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 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 4: Prepare the Frosting
In another bowl, mix:
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Crushed pineapple (with juice)
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Instant vanilla pudding mix
Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, then fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake layers. You can layer the cake for a more elegant presentation or frost it as a sheet cake for a simpler look.
Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Garnish with extra mandarin oranges or pineapple slices for a decorative touch.
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Serve chilled for the most refreshing taste.
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This cake pairs beautifully with BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or fried chicken at a summer picnic or Sunday dinner.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Make it tropical: Add shredded coconut or a splash of coconut extract to the frosting.
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Use butter cake mix for extra richness.
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Layered trifle version: Cube the cake and layer it in a trifle dish with the frosting and fruit for a fun presentation.
❤️ Why Southerners Love This Cake
Pig Pickin’ Cake isn’t just delicious—it’s filled with memories. It’s the cake your grandma brought to the family reunion. The one that always disappeared first at the church potluck. The one that makes you smile before the first bite.
Its easy preparation, vintage charm, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a forever favorite.
📝 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, craving something nostalgic, or just want to brighten your table with a zesty dessert, Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake never disappoints. It’s a sweet reminder that the simplest recipes often bring the most joy.