Pig Pickin’ Cake

Delicious mandarin oranges in a butter golden box cake mix with a crushed pineapple-infused whipped topping frosting, this Pig Pickin’ Cake recipe isn’t messing around with fresh fruit flavor!

Who knew this orange-flavored cake was a thing? It starts with a box cake mix and fruit, then add crushed pineapple and whipped topping icing, and ends with LOVE! This Pig-Pickin’ Cake is the cake for a light, airy, and refreshing dessert. Perfect for any spring or summer party, or for fruit lovers’ palettes!

Pic Pickin’, Pea Pickin’, Pig Lickin’…. Cake – whatever it’s called – don’t knock it till you try it! Plus, I assume it’s called that because it’s darn delicious! But really, it’s a long-standing Southern name because it was served at BBQs. Some others may call it Mandrain Orange Cake. That’s a name that personally speaks to my heart(and my secret love for those bite-sized, canned oranges). I can get behind almost any recipe that has mandarin oranges! Yum!

Our family has really enjoyed stumbling upon this scrumptious cake. It’s a simple recipe for beginners with an unexpected and fun result. A cool, fruit-infused cake! Not in an old-grandma fruit cake type way. This cake is vibing young hipster meets mandarin orange cake fabulousness! It’s a great cake after a hot day in the sun. It was the perfect cake to celebrate a summer birthday this year. This Pig Pickin’ Cake recipe is a fun, new(to us) way to enjoy cake!

How to Make the BEST Pig Pickin’ Cake

This Pig Pickin’ Cake recipe is easy to execute, making it great for kids and beginner bakers who want more than a standard cake for their event or dinner party. Pro Tip: This cake is excellent when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to blend better and saving time in the kitchen, too.

Ingredients for a Pig Pickin’ Cake

For the Cake:

• 15.25 ounces (1 box) butter golden cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, 1 stick, softened to room temperature
• 4 large eggs
• 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges, undrained

For the Frosting:

• 20 ounces (1 can) crushed pineapple, drained well
• 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding(smaller box)
• 12 ounces whipped topping, thawed,
• Optional: mandarin oranges for garnish

Instructions for a Pig Pickin’ Cake

First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Then, in a medium mixing bowl or in a stand mixer, add the cake mix, softened butter, 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges, and eggs. Blend this on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Now, evenly spread the batter in the prepared baking dish. Then bake the cake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top will be a deep golden brown.

As the cake cools, prepare the frosting. First, combine the drained crushed pineapple with the instant vanilla pudding. This will be thick. Then, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until it is thoroughly combined.

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top. Garnish with extra mandarin oranges if desired.

Serve chilled. Then cover and refrigerate leftovers.

Other Easy Dessert Recipes

Apple Dump Cake: A few(four) ingredients and the perfect fall dessert. This warm Apple Dump Cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Easy Raspberry Cheesecake Danish: Whether you want to enjoy it as a breakfast side or dessert, this simple, sweet Danish recipe is easy to make and even better to eat! It doesn’t get easier than A braided pastry sheet filled with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh raspberries. This is one recipe you must try!

Cookies and Cream Popcorn: When freshly popped popcorn, almond bark, and crushed Oreo cookies come together, the result is one of the best snacking desserts ever! This combination is truly addictive; you’ll find yourself both happy and sad that you made it. On one hand, it’s incredibly delicious, but on the other hand, it’s impossible to stop eating. Be sure to grab some right away, or it will disappear quickly! It’s a fantastic party snack that won’t last long!