🌟 Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe 🌟
A Southern Classic!
At a traditional Southern barbecue, often referred to as a Pig Pickin’, you’ll find a delightful dessert that’s a crowd-pleaser: the Pig Pickin’ Cake. This bright, fruity treat is the perfect way to end a hearty feast, embodying the spirit of Southern hospitality. With its light texture and vibrant flavors, this cake has garnered a special place in dessert lore without an ounce of actual pig!
🥧 Ingredients:
| For the Cake | |
|---|---|
| 1 box yellow cake mix | (plus eggs, as per package directions) |
| 1 can mandarin oranges | (drained and chopped) |
| ½ cup vegetable oil |
| For the Frosting | |
|---|---|
| 1 container of whipped topping (Cool Whip) | |
| 1 small package instant vanilla pudding | |
| 1 can crushed pineapples | (drained) |
🍽️ Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the chopped mandarin oranges, eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Mix until well combined.
-
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly among three greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool on wire racks.
-
Make the Frosting:
- In another bowl, mix the drained crushed pineapples with the instant vanilla pudding.
- Fold in the whipped topping until smooth. (Tip: For extra thickness, use “extra creamy” Cool Whip!)
-
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each layer. Stack the layers on top of one another.
- You can leave the sides unfrosted for a “naked” look or frost the entire cake.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. (For best flavor, make it a day ahead!)
🎉 Enjoy!
This delightful cake is light, refreshing, and bursting with citrus goodness, making it a fantastic way to wrap up a rich meal. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a special occasion, this Pig Pickin’ Cake is sure to impress!
🍴 Tips and Variations:
- For added texture, consider folding in walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut into the batter or frosting.
- If you don’t have three round pans, you can bake the cake in a single 9×13-inch pan following the same temperature and time guidelines.
Embrace the Southern spirit with this joyous, scrumptious dessert that brings a taste of tradition to any gathering! Enjoy every slice!