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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully spread the chilled pineapple-pudding frosting over the first cake layer, ensuring an even coverage that reaches to the edges.
- Delicately position the second cake layer on top of the frosted base, creating a elegant two-tier dessert.
- Apply the remaining frosting over the entire cake, using smooth, sweeping motions to create a clean and appetizing finish.
- 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