{"id":1803,"date":"2026-02-12T22:04:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T22:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/?p=1803"},"modified":"2026-02-12T22:04:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T22:04:25","slug":"how-to-make-pig-pickin-cake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/?p=1803","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Pig Pickin Cake"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>How to Make Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake (Classic Southern Mandarin Orange Cake)<\/h1>\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever been to a Southern barbecue, church potluck, or family reunion, you\u2019ve probably seen (and tasted) the famous <strong>Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake<\/strong>. Light, moist, fruity, and topped with a fluffy pineapple whipped frosting, this cake is a true Southern classic.<\/p>\n<p>Despite its unusual name, Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake has nothing to do with pork. The name comes from its popularity at \u201cpig pickin\u2019\u201d gatherings \u2014 traditional Southern barbecues where a whole pig is roasted and guests \u201cpick\u201d the meat straight from the grill.<\/p>\n<p>This easy mandarin orange cake recipe is refreshing, simple to make, and perfect for warm weather events, holidays, or anytime you want a light and crowd-pleasing dessert.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s dive into how to make it step by step.<\/p>\n<h1>Why You\u2019ll Love Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake<\/h1>\n<p>This cake has remained popular for decades because it\u2019s:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Incredibly moist and soft<\/li>\n<li>Bursting with citrus flavor<\/li>\n<li>Light and not overly sweet<\/li>\n<li>Easy to prepare using simple ingredients<\/li>\n<li>Perfect for potlucks and gatherings<\/li>\n<li>Better when made ahead of time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s often called <strong>Mandarin Orange Cake<\/strong> or <strong>Sunshine Cake<\/strong>, but no matter the name, the flavor is unforgettable.<\/p>\n<h1>Ingredients for Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake<\/h1>\n<p>One of the reasons this cake is so loved is because it uses convenient ingredients.<\/p>\n<h2>For the Cake:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>1 box yellow cake mix<\/li>\n<li>1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges (with juice)<\/li>\n<li>4 large eggs<\/li>\n<li>\u00bd cup vegetable oil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>For the Frosting:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple (do not drain)<\/li>\n<li>1 (3.4 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding mix<\/li>\n<li>1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>That\u2019s it! Simple, affordable, and easy to find.<\/p>\n<h1>Step-by-Step Instructions<\/h1>\n<h2>Step 1: Preheat the Oven<\/h2>\n<p>Preheat your oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).<br \/>\nGrease and flour a 9&#215;13-inch baking dish or two round cake pans.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter<\/h2>\n<p>In a large mixing bowl, combine:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Yellow cake mix<\/li>\n<li>Mandarin oranges (with juice)<\/li>\n<li>Eggs<\/li>\n<li>Vegetable oil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. The oranges will break apart as you mix, adding natural sweetness and moisture.<\/p>\n<p>The batter should be slightly thick but smooth.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 3: Bake the Cake<\/h2>\n<p>Pour the batter into the prepared pan.<\/p>\n<p>Bake for 25\u201335 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.<\/p>\n<p>Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This step is very important \u2014 frosting a warm cake will cause it to melt.<\/p>\n<h1>How to Make the Pineapple Frosting<\/h1>\n<p>This frosting is what makes Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake so special. It\u2019s light, creamy, and fruity \u2014 almost like a tropical cloud.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 4: Mix the Frosting<\/h2>\n<p>In a large bowl, combine:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Crushed pineapple (with juice)<\/li>\n<li>Instant vanilla pudding mix<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Stir until the pudding mix dissolves and thickens slightly (about 2\u20133 minutes).<\/p>\n<p>Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully combined.<\/p>\n<p>The frosting should be fluffy and creamy.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 5: Frost the Cake<\/h2>\n<p>Once the cake is completely cool, spread the pineapple frosting evenly over the top.<\/p>\n<p>If making a layer cake, spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides.<\/p>\n<h1>Chill Before Serving<\/h1>\n<p>For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.<\/p>\n<p>Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake actually tastes better the next day because the flavors have time to blend together.<\/p>\n<p>Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.<\/p>\n<h1>What Does Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake Taste Like?<\/h1>\n<p>This cake is:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Moist and tender<\/li>\n<li>Light and fluffy<\/li>\n<li>Sweet but not heavy<\/li>\n<li>Bursting with citrus and pineapple flavor<\/li>\n<li>Cool and refreshing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s perfect after a barbecue meal because it\u2019s not overly rich.<\/p>\n<h1>Tips for the Best Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Do not drain the mandarin oranges. The juice adds flavor and moisture.<\/li>\n<li>Do not drain the pineapple. The juice activates the pudding mix.<\/li>\n<li>Let the cake cool completely before frosting.<\/li>\n<li>Chill before serving for the best texture.<\/li>\n<li>Store in the refrigerator since the frosting is whipped-based.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Variations and Customizations<\/h1>\n<p>Want to change it up? Try these ideas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use white cake mix instead of yellow<\/li>\n<li>Add shredded coconut to the frosting<\/li>\n<li>Garnish with extra mandarin slices<\/li>\n<li>Add chopped pecans for texture<\/li>\n<li>Turn into cupcakes for parties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This cake is very versatile and easy to customize.<\/p>\n<h1>Storage Instructions<\/h1>\n<p>Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.<\/p>\n<p>Freezer: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.<\/p>\n<p>Because of the whipped topping frosting, always keep the finished cake chilled.<\/p>\n<h1>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1>\n<h2>Why is it called Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake?<\/h2>\n<p>It became popular at Southern pig roasts (pig pickin\u2019s), where it was served as a light dessert after barbecue meals.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I make this cake ahead of time?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes! It\u2019s actually better when made a day in advance.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I use homemade whipped cream?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, but stabilize it so it holds up well in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n<h2>Does this cake need refrigeration?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, because of the whipped topping and pineapple frosting.<\/p>\n<p>Final Thoughts<\/p>\n<p>Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake is more than just a dessert \u2014 it\u2019s a Southern tradition. Its bright citrus flavor, creamy pineapple topping, and moist texture make it perfect for gatherings, holidays, and summer barbecues.<\/p>\n<p>Simple to make, refreshing to eat, and loved by crowds, this classic mandarin orange cake continues to be a favorite for good reason.<\/p>\n<p>Once you try it, you\u2019ll understand why it has stood the test of time.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; How to Make Pig Pickin\u2019 Cake (Classic Southern Mandarin Orange Cake) If you\u2019ve ever been to a Southern barbecue,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1804,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1803","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home","category-recipes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1803"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1803\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1805,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1803\/revisions\/1805"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1803"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1803"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}