Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe – A Southern Citrus Dessert Favorite

If you’ve never tried a Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake, you’re in for a true Southern treat. This vintage dessert is light, fruity, and bursting with citrus flavor. Made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, yellow cake mix, and creamy whipped topping, this cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, summer barbecues, or holiday dessert tables.

It’s called Pig Pickin’ Cake because it was often served at Southern pig roasts, but don’t worry—you don’t need a pig roast to enjoy it. This cake is incredibly easy to make and always the first dessert to disappear.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

Easy to make – starts with a boxed cake mix.
Bright and refreshing – mandarin oranges and pineapple add a tropical twist.
Crowd favorite – perfect for birthdays, church suppers, holidays, or BBQs.
Make ahead friendly – best served chilled.

Ingredients for Pig Pickin’ Cake

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
1 cup water
2 cans (11 oz each) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, with juices
1 tub (16 oz) frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

How to Make Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake

Step 1 – Bake the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth.
Add one can of mandarin oranges (drained) and beat until blended.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely.

Step 2 – Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, stir together the instant pudding mix and the crushed pineapple with juices.
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth.

Step 3 – Assemble the Cake

Spread the pineapple-pudding topping evenly over the cooled cake.
Garnish with the second can of mandarin oranges on top.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Pig Pickin’ Cake

For extra flavor, use butter instead of oil in the cake batter.
Make it ahead of time – this cake tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Try it in cupcake form for parties and individual servings.
For a lighter version, use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is best served cold, making it a perfect summer dessert. Pair it with:

Fresh fruit salad
Iced tea or lemonade
Grilled meats at a backyard BBQ

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Add frosting and toppings after thawing.

Final Thoughts

The Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. With its fluffy cake base, creamy pineapple topping, and juicy mandarin oranges, this easy dessert recipe deserves a spot in your collection of Southern cake recipes.

Whether you’re hosting a cookout, holiday gathering, or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress every guest.