To take you a little deeper into the heart of Southern comfort, allow me to introduce you to a dessert that will have everyone wanting more… The Easy Pig Pickin Cake… Picture this: a warm summer evening, the scent of barbecue filling the air, and a table full of friends and family gathered together. What is missing? A show-stopping dessert equally as memorable as the main course! Enter… the Pig Pickin Cake! This is a Southern staple that is without a doubt as big a part of the tradition as the pig roast!
This cake is a medley of flavors: light, fluffy and bursting with citrus flavor. This is one of those desserts that you close your eyes and savor as you take each mouthful – the cake is a moist orange cake with a creamy, dreamy pineapple whipped topping frosting. It’s sweet, tangy and so easy to eat!
As someone who loves to bake, I appreciate how simple this recipe is. You don’t have to be a pastry chef to create this cake. It is an easy-peasy, no-fuss dessert that you could bring to a cookout, a potluck or to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you are curious about the name, “Pig Pickin Cake,” let’s talk about it for a minute. While a little quirky, there is good reason for the name; this cake is usually served at a party called a pig pickin where a whole pig is roasted and everyone picks (or pulls) the pork off of the bone to eat. It is an easy way to celebrate friends, family, food and a good time.
So if you want to bring a little southern flavor to your table, let’s get to this quick and easy Pig Pickin Cake recipe. Your welcome in advance; this dessert is loved by the masses and I promise everyone will want a second serving – and the recipe!
Why This Easy Pig Pickin Cake is a Must-Try
This Easy Pig Pickin Cake is a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s a no-bake wonder that combines the zesty flavors of orange and pineapple with a creamy, dreamy frosting. The cake itself is light and airy, while the frosting is rich and indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
What sets this cake apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it at a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just as a treat for yourself.
The flavors are what really make this cake shine. The orange cake is moist and flavorful, while the pineapple and whipped topping frosting adds a tropical twist. It’s a combination that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor. This cake is a Southern classic that’s been passed down through generations. It’s a taste of tradition that’s sure to bring back fond memories—or create new ones.
A Family Favorite: The Story Behind Our Pig Pickin Cake
Let me tell you about the first time I made this cake for my family. It was a hot summer day, and we were hosting a backyard barbecue. I wanted to make something special for dessert, something that would stand out among the usual fare. That’s when I stumbled upon the Pig Pickin Cake recipe.
I was a bit skeptical at first. A cake with orange and pineapple? It sounded unusual, but I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, it was a hit! My husband couldn’t stop raving about it, and my kids were begging for seconds.
Since then, this cake has become a staple in our household. It’s our go-to dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just because. There’s something about the combination of flavors that’s just irresistible.
One of my favorite memories is the time I made this cake for my best friend’s birthday. She’s a bit of a foodie, so I was nervous about how she’d react. But she loved it! In fact, she asked for the recipe and has been making it ever since.
This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a memory maker. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and creates lasting memories. And that’s why it’s so special to me.
Why This Easy Pig Pickin Cake
This Easy Pig Pickin Cake is a dessert that is almost as much fun to make as it is to eat, and it is one of those easy no-bake desserts. It incorporates orange and pineapple flavors with a creamy and dreamy frosting. The cake is light and fluffy while the frosting is rich and luscious. The combination of sweet and zesty makes it a favorite with the kids and adults alike.
What I love the most about this cake is that it is so easy. You only have to put a few ingredients together, and it doesn’t take long to prep…yet it looks and tastes like it came from a bakery! You can serve it for a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or to simply treat yourself.
The flavors are what really set it apart! The orange cake is delicious and moist, and the pineapple and whipped topping as frosting is tropical twist. It is a combination that is both refreshing and fulfilling.
And we can’t forget the nostalgia factor either. This cake is a Southern classic that has been passed down through generations. It’s a taste of tradition that is sure to evoke memories — or even make new ones.
How to Make Easy Pig Pickin Cake
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, mix together the orange cake mix, mandarin oranges, eggs and vegetable oil. Mix until combined.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pineapple, instant vanilla pudding mix and whipped topping. Stir until smooth and combined well.
Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips For Easy Pig Pickin Cake
For the best results, make sure to drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple thoroughly. Excess moisture can make the cake soggy.
If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought whipped topping. However, homemade whipped cream will take this cake to the next level.
This cake is best served chilled, so be sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
If the thought of mandarin oranges makes you cringe, you can use fresh orange segments or even orange juice instead.
For a tropical twist on this cake, you could add shredded coconut to the frosting.
If you would prefer a lighter cake, you could feel free to use a sugar-free cake mix and/or low-fat whipped topping.
Make a Healthier Version
To make a healthier version of this cake, you could use sugar-free cake mix and low-fat whipped topping. You could also use unsweetened applesauce in place of the vegetable oil for a lower-fat cake.
Closing For Easy Pig Pickin Cake
After reading about all of these different variations to the easy pig pickin cake recipe you now see it is a cake that people can enjoy in a variety of ways! It truly is a delicious, easy dessert that everyone will love at your next gathering. As always, let us know how your dish came out and check out some of our other recipes!
Easy Pig Pickin Cake
Description
Indulge in the delightfully moist and flavorful Pig Pickin Cake, bursting with tropical goodness. This citrus-infused dessert features layers of pineapple, mandarin oranges, and whipped cream, creating a perfect harmony of sweetness. Enjoy a slice of sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, mandarin oranges, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
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Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pineapple, instant vanilla pudding mix, and whipped topping. Stir until smooth and well combined.
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Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2401.94kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 59.9g93%
- Saturated Fat 19.68g99%
- Cholesterol 744mg248%
- Sodium 3866.81mg162%
- Potassium 596.54mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 421.97g141%
- Dietary Fiber 5.69g23%
- Sugars 218.29g
- Protein 46.5g93%
- Vitamin A 1080 IU
- Calcium 1244.23 mg
- Iron 13.59 mg
- Vitamin D 4 mcg
- Vitamin E 8.38 mg
- Vitamin K 54.65 mcg
- Thiamin 1.2 mg
- Riboflavin 2.04 mg
- Niacin 12.49 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.48 mg
- Folate 455.9 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.78 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 4.59 mg
- Phosphorus 2138.29 mg
- Magnesium 80.87 mg
- Zinc 4.96 mg
- Selenium 105.86 mcg
- Copper 0.56 mg
- Manganese 1.12 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
