Description
Pig Pickin’ Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert featuring a moist yellow cake layered with a creamy, fruity frosting made from whipped cream, crushed pineapple, and instant vanilla pudding. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks, offering a sweet balance of citrus and tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- 15.25 ounce can mandarin oranges (reserve ¼ cup of juice)
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 16 ounces whipped cream (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix
- Mandarin oranges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking your cake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch glass or metal baking pan with non-stick spray. Then, dust the bottom and edges lightly with flour, discarding any excess flour. This helps prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mandarin oranges (drained but reserving ¼ cup of the juice), eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent the topping from melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped cream, well-drained crushed pineapple, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish the top with additional mandarin oranges for a vibrant, decorative touch.
- Serve or Refrigerate: Serve immediately or cover the cake and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling enhances the flavors and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the whipped topping.
- Well-draining the canned pineapple is important to prevent a soggy cake.
- You can garnish with extra mandarin oranges or other citrus fruits to enhance presentation.
- This cake is best served chilled but can be kept at room temperature for a short time.
- Use a glass or metal pan as per the recipe to ensure even baking.
