The Ultimate Pig Pickin Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Southern gatherings buzz with excitement when a pig pickin cake appears on the dessert table, promising pure culinary delight.

This heavenly confection blends tropical and citrusy notes into a moist, tender masterpiece that instantly captivates taste buds.

Creamy layers meld with bright, zesty undertones, creating a dessert that transcends ordinary expectations.

Soft, pillowy textures complement a refreshing flavor profile that dances between sweet and tangy sensations.

Bold yet delicate, this cake represents a cherished tradition rooted in southern hospitality and warmth.

Guests always marvel at its unexpected combination of ingredients that somehow harmonize perfectly.

Family recipes whisper stories of celebration, connection, and joy through each delectable slice.

What Makes Pig Pickin Cake a Southern Classic

• Burst of Tropical Freshness: This cake delivers a delightful explosion of pineapple and citrus flavors that transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise, making every bite feel like a mini vacation.
• Super Simple Celebration Dessert: With minimal ingredients and easy mixing steps, this cake is perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, allowing even novice cooks to create an impressive and delicious treat quickly.
• Creamy Dreamy Texture Delight: The combination of instant pudding and whipped topping creates an incredibly smooth, light, and luxurious frosting that melts in your mouth, providing a velvety contrast to the cake's soft layers.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions like summer gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations, this cake can be easily dressed up with fresh fruit decorations or kept simple for a classic dessert that everyone will love.

Pig Pickin Cake Ingredient Lineup

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a soft, tender foundation for the cake.
• Large Eggs: Bind the cake mix and add richness and structure to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.

• Crushed Pineapple: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, with its juice enhancing flavor.
• Mandarin Oranges: Optional topping that brings a bright, citrusy element to the dessert.
• Strawberries: Optional fresh garnish that adds color and a fresh finish.

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, stable base for the frosting with a smooth texture.
• Whipped Topping: Provides a light, airy, and creamy frosting that complements the cake's sweetness.

How to Assemble and Bake Pig Pickin Cake

Step 1: Combine Pineapple and Pudding

In a mixing bowl, whisk together crushed pineapple (including its juice) and instant vanilla pudding until smooth and well blended.

Step 2: Create Creamy Frosting

• Add half of the whipped topping and incorporate thoroughly
• Add remaining whipped topping and mix until smooth and creamy

Step 3: Chill Frosting

Refrigerate the prepared frosting while allowing the cake layers to cool completely.

Step 4: Layer and Frost Cake

Carefully spread frosting on top of the first cake layer.

Gently place the second cake layer on top.

Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Add Optional Decorations

• Fresh strawberries
• Additional pineapple chunks
• Mandarin orange segments

Tips for the Best Pig Pickin Cake Texture

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the frosting for at least 30 minutes to achieve a firmer, more spreadable consistency that won't tear the cake layers.
• Drain Pineapple Precisely: Gently squeeze excess juice from the crushed pineapple to prevent a soggy cake and ensure a perfect texture.
• Layer with Care: Use a cake turntable or rotating stand for smooth, even frosting application and professional-looking results.
• Room Temperature Magic: Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the creamy topping.
• Garnish Gorgeously: Arrange fresh fruit decorations just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and prevent wilting.

Storing and Reheating Pig Pickin Cake Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Pig Pickin Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cake covered to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delightful texture.
• Container Method: Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the cake's surface before sealing the container. This prevents condensation and helps preserve the frosting's creamy consistency.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste and texture.

Serving Ideas for Pig Pickin Cake

• Pair with Tropical Rum Cocktail: A light, fruity rum punch complements the cake's pineapple and citrus notes, enhancing the dessert's tropical vibe with a refreshing alcoholic kick.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Latte: The creamy, smooth coffee balances the cake's sweetness, while the vanilla undertones harmonize perfectly with the cake's pudding and whipped topping layers.
• Match with Chilled Peach Iced Tea: A crisp, slightly sweet tea provides a cooling contrast to the rich cake, echoing the fruity flavors and offering a light, refreshing palate cleanser.
• Complement with Coconut Sorbet: This dairy-free, light dessert adds an extra tropical dimension, mirroring the cake's pineapple and citrus elements with a smooth, refreshing finish.

Creative Versions of Pig Pickin Cake

• Tropical Citrus Remix: Swap crushed pineapple with fresh orange segments and add a zesty lime zest to the pudding mixture for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.
• Berry Bliss Edition: Replace mandarin oranges with fresh blueberries and raspberries, incorporating a handful of chopped berries into the frosting for extra fruity bursts.
• Coconut Paradise Spin: Mix shredded coconut into the whipped topping and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a rich, tropical texture and enhanced sweetness.
• Chocolate Orange Dream: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between cake layers and incorporate orange extract into the pudding mixture for a decadent, indulgent dessert experience.

Pig Pickin Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets citrusy sweetness in this classic Pig Pickin Cake, a mandarin orange-infused dessert that brings nostalgic memories of potlucks and family gatherings. Moist yellow cake layers crowned with creamy pineapple whipped frosting promise a delightful taste of traditional Southern hospitality you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) crushed pineapple, undrained
• 5.1 ounces (145 grams) instant vanilla pudding
• 16 ounces (454 grams) frozen whipped topping, thawed

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Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine crushed pineapple (including its liquid) with instant vanilla pudding mix, stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and create a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Gently incorporate the whipped topping into the pineapple-pudding mixture in two stages, first adding half and folding carefully, then adding the remaining half to ensure a uniform, light consistency.
3. Place the prepared frosting in the refrigerator to chill and set while the cake layers cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
4. Carefully spread the chilled pineapple-pudding frosting over the first cake layer, ensuring an even coverage that reaches to the edges.
5. Delicately position the second cake layer on top of the frosted base, creating a elegant two-tier dessert.
6. Apply the remaining frosting over the entire cake, using smooth, sweeping motions to create a clean and appetizing finish.
7. For an optional decorative touch, garnish the cake with fresh strawberries, additional mandarin orange segments, or extra pineapple pieces, arranging them artfully across the top and sides of the frosted cake.

Notes

• This Southern dessert gets its quirky name from traditional pig roast gatherings where the cake was often served.
• Ensure both cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent a melty, messy result.
• Chill the cake for at least an hour after frosting to help set the creamy pineapple-infused topping.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• The whipped topping creates a light, airy frosting that’s less sweet than traditional buttercream.
• Fresh fruit garnishes not only add visual appeal but also provide a refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg