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Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

Olivia Brooks
This Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe uses mandarin oranges, pineapple, and whipped topping for a light, fruity, and creamy dessert perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Cooling rack
  • Can opener
  • Offset spatula (optional, for smoother frosting)

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 can 11 oz mandarin oranges (with juice)

For the Frosting:

  • 1 container 8 oz whipped topping (thawed)
  • 1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple (undrained)
  • 1 package 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  • Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and mandarin oranges along with their juice. Beat the mixture until smooth. As you mix, the oranges will break down slightly, blending into the batter and adding moisture.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Cool Completely

  • Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This step is essential—if the cake is even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and lose its airy texture.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with all its juice) and the dry pudding mix. Stir until fully blended. Then gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

  • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Use an offset spatula if you want a smooth, bakery-style finish.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

  • Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend and gives the cake its signature refreshing texture.

Notes

  • Always use the mandarin oranges with their juice—this is essential for moisture
  • Do not overmix the batter once smooth
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting
  • Chill longer for even better flavor (overnight is ideal)
  • Use full-fat whipped topping for the best texture
Keyword Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe