Pig Pickin Cake

Pig Pickin’ Cake is a beloved Southern dessert, especially popular at BBQs, potlucks, and—yes—pig pickin’s (a type of Southern gathering where a whole pig is roasted). It’s light, fruity, and refreshingly sweet, making it the perfect ending to a rich meal.

Despite the name, there’s no pork in this cake — it’s named after the event, not the ingredients.

🍊 Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

(A.k.a. Mandarin Orange Cake or Sunshine Cake)

Ingredients

🍰 For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, undrained

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

🍍 For the Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)

• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained

📝 Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, vanilla (if using), and mandarin oranges with juice.

• Beat with an electric mixer for about 2–3 minutes, until the oranges break up slightly and the batter is fluffy.

• Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 9-inch round pans).

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Let cake cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Frosting:

• In a medium bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple with juice and dry pudding mix.

• Fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined.

• Chill frosting for 10–15 minutes to firm up (optional, but helps with spreading).

3. Assemble:

• Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

• Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.

🍽 Serving Suggestions:

• Top with extra mandarin slices or pineapple tidbits for a pretty garnish.

• Perfect served cold — even better the next day!

🧊 Storage:

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• This cake does not freeze well due to the whipped topping frosting.

💡 Variations:

• Use a white or butter cake mix instead of yellow.

• Add shredded coconut or chopped pecans to the frosting for texture.

• Swap the vanilla pudding with coconut cream or banana pudding mix for a twist.