Sweet Pig Pickin Cake Recipe

Sweet & Tangy Pig Pickin Cake Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Southern summers buzz with sweet memories, and this pig pickin cake recipe weaves pure magic into every bite.

Moist layers whisper tales of potlucks and church gatherings.

Pineapple and mandarin oranges dance through the tender crumb, creating a dessert that sings of Southern hospitality.

Creamy frosting blankets each slice with cloudlike smoothness.

Tangy and sweet notes blend perfectly, promising a dessert that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Every forkful tells a story of comfort and tradition.

You’ll want to make this cake again and again, sharing joy with every delectable slice.

Mixing and Baking a Perfect Pig Pickin Cake

  • Pineapple Pudding Mixture

Create a creamy base by combining crushed pineapple with vanilla pudding mix, stirring until the ingredients blend smoothly into a luscious, tropical-inspired filling.

  • Whipped Cream Layers

Gently fold whipped topping into the pineapple mixture in two stages, ensuring a light and airy texture that will make the cake irresistibly soft and decadent.

  • Cake Assembly

Allow the cake layers to cool completely before transforming them into a delightful dessert by spreading the pineapple cream between and around the layers.

  • Fruity Finishing Touches

Elevate the cake’s appearance by garnishing with vibrant fresh fruits like strawberries, mandarin oranges, or additional pineapple chunks for a pop of color and extra flavor.

  • Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the completed cake to let the flavors meld and the cream set, creating a refreshing and delectable Southern-style dessert perfect for any gathering.

Ways to Dress Up Your Pig Pickin Cake

  • Pat mandarin oranges and strawberries dry before garnishing to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
  • Replace whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a richer, more luxurious frosting experience that elevates the cake's overall flavor profile.
  • Keep the Pig Pickin Cake refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, storing in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
  • Toast shredded coconut lightly and sprinkle over the top for an added crunch and nutty dimension that complements the fruity frosting.
  • Prepare the cake layers and frosting a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld and making assembly easier when you're ready to serve.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 186 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes into Pig Pickin Cake

For Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the foundational fluffy and moist texture for the dessert.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains tender and rich with a smooth crumb.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cake layers.
For Creamy Frosting:
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates a silky, luxurious frosting with deep vanilla flavor.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Introduces tropical sweetness and moisture to the frosting.
  • Whipped Topping: Delivers a light, airy consistency and creamy texture.
For Garnish and Decoration:
  • Strawberries: Adds vibrant color and fresh, sweet-tart burst of flavor.
  • Mandarin Oranges: Provides bright, citrusy notes and elegant visual appeal.
  • Extra Pineapple Chunks: Enhances the tropical theme and adds textural contrast.

Tools That Help You Bake Pig Pickin Cake

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and creating smooth frosting.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending pudding mix and pineapple without lumps.
  • Rubber spatula: Helps fold whipped topping gently and evenly into the mixture.
  • Cake stand or serving platter: Ideal for presenting and displaying the finished cake.
  • Cake layers: Two round cake pans for baking the cake base.
  • Offset spatula: Helps spread frosting smoothly and evenly on cake layers.

Serving This Southern Favorite

  • Garnish with Fresh Citrus: Top the cake with vibrant mandarin orange segments and fresh strawberry slices for a burst of color and tangy sweetness.
  • Create a Tropical Presentation: Arrange additional pineapple chunks around the cake's base or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a summery, island-inspired look.
  • Slice and Serve Chilled: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to enhance the creamy texture and allow flavors to meld perfectly. Cut into neat, clean slices using a knife dipped in hot water for elegant presentation.
  • Pair with Complementary Beverages: Serve alongside a light iced tea, fruity punch, or a crisp white wine to complement the cake's tropical and creamy profile.

Storing Pig Pickin Cake Without Drying Out

  • Chill Strategically: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set perfectly.
  • Safeguard Freshness: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture preservation.
  • Freeze with Care: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for 2-3 months, maintaining its delightful moisture.
  • Serve Smartly: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to let it slightly warm up, enhancing its creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
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Sweet Pig Pickin Cake Recipe

Sweet Pig Pickin Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Southern charm shines through this pig pickin cake, blending pineapple, mandarin oranges, and whipped cream into a delightful dessert. Creamy layers promise pure indulgence for gatherings and celebrations.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Pineapple Pudding Fusion: Combine crushed pineapple with instant vanilla pudding mix in a medium bowl, stirring until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency that blends the tropical fruit’s moisture with the pudding’s rich texture.
  2. Whipped Incorporation: Fold whipped topping into the pineapple-pudding mixture in two gentle stages, ensuring a light, airy frosting that maintains a delicate, cloud-like appearance.
  3. Layer Assembly: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate, then generously spread the chilled pineapple-pudding frosting, creating an even, luxurious coating that reaches the layer’s edges.
  4. Final Layering: Carefully position the second cake layer atop the frosted base, pressing lightly to secure the two tiers and create a harmonious dessert structure.
  5. Complete Frosting: Enrobe the entire cake with the remaining pineapple-pudding frosting, using smooth, sweeping motions to achieve a pristine and inviting exterior that showcases the cake’s delicate layers.
  6. Artistic Garnish: Optional decoration includes artfully arranging fresh strawberries, mandarin orange segments, or additional pineapple pieces across the cake’s surface, adding a vibrant and appetizing final touch.

Notes

  • Chill for Best Texture: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend and frosting to set perfectly.
  • Moisture Magic: The crushed pineapple keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a tropical tang that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Smooth Frosting Technique: Use an offset spatula or smooth-edged knife to create an even, professional-looking frosting layer without tearing the cake.
  • Serving Pro Tip: Serve chilled and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 186
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 94 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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