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This sunshine cake brings citrus and tropical flavors together in perfect harmony. Juicy mandarin oranges inside the cake topped with sweet pineapple frosting make a cool, refreshing treat that's just right for any get-together, especially when it's warm outside.
I whipped this up for a summer cookout last year and it was gone in minutes - before any other sweet treats! Now whenever friends want me to bring something tasty to their parties, this bright, creamy dessert is what they ask for.
Ingredients
- Yellow cake mix: Gives you a quick, tasty foundation without extra work
- Mandarin oranges: Add zesty juice pockets and keep everything super moist
- Butter: Brings a homemade richness that box mixes need
- Crushed pineapple: Creates an island-inspired topping that works beautifully with the oranges
- Vanilla pudding mix: Makes the frosting thick and wonderfully sweet
- Cool Whip: Creates that airy, cloud-like topping everyone loves
- Powdered sugar: Cuts through the fruit's tanginess with just enough sweetness
How To Make Pig Pickin' Cake
- Get Everything Ready:
- Save the juice when you drain your mandarin oranges and pineapple. Don't throw it away! These juices pack tons of flavor that'll make your cake and frosting taste amazing.
- Whip Up The Batter:
- Mix your cake mix, soft butter, mandarin juice, eggs, and vanilla for a full 4 minutes. This extra beating puts air in your batter so it's not heavy, and makes sure everything's mixed really well.
- Toss In The Oranges:
- Carefully stir the drained oranges into your batter. Don't mash them up completely - you want little bites of orange scattered throughout so each forkful gives you a burst of citrus now and then.
- Pop It In The Oven:
- Pour your batter in the pan and keep an eye on it while it bakes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick comes out clean, but don't let it go too long. Nobody wants a dry cake - the moisture is what makes this treat so special.
- Whip Up The Topping:
- Mix the pineapple juice with vanilla pudding and powdered sugar until smooth. Then gently fold in your Cool Whip - don't stir too hard or you'll lose all the fluffiness. Last, add your well-drained pineapple chunks for that tropical kick.
- Top It Off And Cool Down:
- Wait till your cake's totally cool before adding frosting or it'll just melt away. Spread your topping evenly, then stick it in the fridge for at least 3 hours. Better yet, leave it overnight - it tastes way better the next day.
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For me, those mandarin oranges really make this cake special. I learned how wonderful they can be in baked goods from my grandma, who always made this for our family get-togethers. She'd always say you should keep some orange pieces whole so you get surprising little bursts of juice in random bites.
The Story Behind The Name
This sweet treat got its funny name because folks would serve it at Southern pig roasts. These outdoor feasts, called "pig pickins," featured whole hogs cooked slowly where guests would grab meat right off the animal. The light, fruity cake balanced out the heavy barbecue perfectly. What started as a simple dessert for backyard cookouts has grown into a favorite at potlucks, church dinners, and family celebrations across the country.
Storage Tips
Always keep this cake in the fridge because of the dairy in the topping. Wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic or put slices in containers that seal well. It'll stay tasty for about 5 days in the refrigerator, though the frosting might get a bit softer over time. Don't try freezing this one - the whipped topping will break down when it thaws and turn into a mess.
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Simple Twists
- Swap the yellow cake mix for lemon to amp up the citrus flavor
- Use freshly whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a more from-scratch taste
- Mix a spoonful of coconut extract into the frosting for an island vibe
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for some crunch
- Turn it into a fancy layer cake using two round pans for special occasions
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I switch canned mandarins for fresh ones?
You sure can. Just squeeze the juice you need and chop the segments into small, bite-sized pieces to blend in.
- → What can I use if I don’t have Cool Whip?
Homemade whipped cream or a non-dairy whipped topping works just fine as a Cool Whip replacement.
- → Is it okay to prepare this cake the night before?
Absolutely. Making it a day early is ideal. Overnight chilling lets all the flavors come together beautifully.
- → How should I store this cake properly?
Keep it chilled. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep that frosting fresh.
- → Can I swap the vanilla pudding for another flavor?
Vanilla's the classic choice, but feel free to switch it up with flavors like white chocolate or coconut for something different.
- → Can another type of cake mix work instead?
For sure! While yellow cake’s traditional, white cake or even pineapple-flavored mix can bring a fun twist to it.