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Delicious Pig Pickin' Cake layered with mandarin oranges and pineapple frosting.

Pig Pickin’ Cake

A fun, fruity dessert cake that tastes like sunshine and is perfect for gatherings. It's easy to make with a cake mix, juicy fruits, and a fluffy topping that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 box yellow cake mix Plus ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 can mandarin oranges About 11 ounces, do not drain
  • 1 can crushed pineapple About 20 ounces, do not drain
For the Topping
  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix 3.4 ounces
  • 1 tub Cool Whip 8 ounces, thawed
Optional Toppings
  • Extra mandarin orange segments For garnish
  • Coconut or chopped pecans Optional for variation

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour two round cake pans, or spray a 9×13 pan.
  2. Mix the cake mix with the ingredients indicated on the box. Stir in the mandarin oranges with juice, breaking up some segments, but leaving some pieces noticeable.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Topping Preparation
  1. In a bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple (with juice) and the dry instant pudding mix until it starts to thicken, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  2. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake
  1. If using layers, spread some topping on the first cake layer, add the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides. If using a 9×13 pan, simply spread the topping over the entire cooled cake.
Chill
  1. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the topping to set properly.

Notes

Make sure the cake cools completely before adding the topping. It's better the next day as the flavors settle and the topping firms up. For gatherings, consider making it in a 9×13 pan for easier serving.