Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake: The Legendary Southern Sunshrine on a Plate


 

For the Vibrant Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix (butter recipe style, if available)

  • 1 (11 oz) can Mandarin Orange Segments in Light Syrup, UNDRAINED

  • 4 Large Eggs

  • ½ cup Vegetable Oil

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for depth

For the Heavenly Frosting (The Icing on the Cake):

  • 1 (20 oz) can Crushed Pineapple in Juice, UNDRAINED

  • 1 (3.4 oz) box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

  • 1 (8 oz) tub Frozen Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

  • 1 (8 oz) block Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature

The Method: Simple Steps to Legend Status

Phase 1: The "Dump & Mix" Cake Batter

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. The Grand Mix: In a large bowl, combine the entire can of mandarin oranges (with all the syrup), cake mix, eggs, and oil. Use an electric mixer to beat on medium speed for 2 full minutes. The batter will be slightly lumpy from the oranges—this is perfect.

  3. Bake & Cool: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Phase 2: The No-Cook, Magical Frosting

  1. Drain the Pineapple (This Time Only!): Pour the can of crushed pineapple into a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. PRESS with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. RESERVE THE JUICE. You need about ¼ cup.

  2. Whip the Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the instant pudding mix and the reserved ¼ cup pineapple juice. Beat for 1-2 minutes until thick and smooth.

  3. Fold in Fluff & Fruit: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until no white streaks remain. Then, fold in the drained crushed pineapple.

Phase 3: Assemble the Masterpiece

  1. Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a generous layer of frosting. Top with the second layer.

  2. Frost & Decorate: Frost the top and sides with the remaining creamy pineapple frosting.

  3. The Classic Garnish (Optional but Traditional): Decorate the top with additional well-drained mandarin orange segments and a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped pecans.

Phase 4: The Crucial Chill

  1. Set & Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, the frosting to set perfectly, and transforms the cake into its legendary, sublime self.

Pro-Tips for Pig Pickin’ Perfection

  • Do NOT Drain the Mandarin Oranges for the Cake: That syrup is liquid gold for moisture.

  • DO Drain the Pineapple for the Frosting: Otherwise, your frosting will be a runny mess.

  • Room Temperature is Key: Soft cream cheese and thawed whipped topping are essential for a smooth, lump-free frosting.

  • Make it a Day Ahead: This cake is famously better on day two. The flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more perfect.

Serving Your Slice of Southern Sunshine

Serve chilled, straight from the fridge. It’s a self-contained celebration—needing no accompaniment but perhaps:

  • A glass of sweet iced tea.

  • A sunny afternoon on the porch.

  • The happy silence of people enjoying one of the best cakes they’ve ever eaten.

Conclusion: More Than a Cake, It’s a Memory

The Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is a testament to Southern ingenuity: creating something breathtakingly delicious from the simplest of pantry staples. It carries the warmth of shared tables, the joy of family reunions, and the promise that the best desserts are often the ones made with joy, not complexity.

So, preheat your oven, open those cans, and get ready to bake a cake that doesn’t just satisfy a sweet tooth—it creates a core memory.