Southern Pig Pickin Cake Recipe (Sunshine Cake)

Southern Dessert (Pig Pickin Cake Recipe)

Pig Pickin Cake recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert originating from the South. It features a moist yellow cake with mandarin oranges mixed into the batter.

The cake is finished with a light frosting made from whipped topping, crushed pineapple, and vanilla pudding. This light and fruity pig pickin cake recipe is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, especially Barbecues (BBQ’s) and Potlucks. The name comes from its frequent appearance at Southern pig roasts, known as “pig pickins,” but it remains a favorite for any occasion.

Pig Pickin Cake recipe is also known by several other names, including Mandarin Orange Cake, Mandarin Pineapple Cake, Pea Pickin’ Cake, Sunshine Cake, and Pineapple Orange Cake.

Despite the different names, they all refer to the same delicious, easy-to-make dessert that features a moist, fruity cake with a creamy pineapple topping. Another beloved Southern dessert you might enjoy is Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake, and Buttermilk Pound Cake is known for its rich banana, pineapple, and pecan flavors.

Ingredients to Make Pig Pickin Cake Recipe

For the Cake:

Yellow Cake Mix (approximately 15.25 oz): Yellow cake mix is a pre-packaged dry mix that typically includes flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It simplifies the cake preparation process.
Large Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in baking by providing structure and moisture to the cake batter.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil adds moisture and richness to the cake. It also helps to keep the cake moist after baking.
Mandarin Oranges, (undrained): Mandarin oranges add a unique citrus flavor and moisture to the cake batter. Using them with their juice enhances the fruity taste of the cake.

For the Frosting:

Cool Whip, (Thawed): Cool Whip is a brand of whipped topping that is pre-made and thawed for convenience. It adds a creamy texture to the frosting.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Instant vanilla pudding mix serves as a stabilizer and flavor enhancer for the frosting. It helps to thicken the frosting and adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
Crushed Pineapple, (undrained): Crushed pineapple provides additional sweetness, moisture, and texture to the frosting. Using it with its juice ensures the frosting has a balanced pineapple flavor.

How to Make Pig Pickin Cake Recipe

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures the cakes do not stick to the pans and can be easily removed after baking.

2. Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
The batter will be thick initially, but continue mixing until it becomes smooth and creamy.

3. Add Mandarin Oranges

Open the can of mandarin oranges and pour the entire contents, including the juice, into the cake batter.
Continue mixing with the electric mixer on medium speed. The mixer will help break up the mandarin oranges into smaller pieces and distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Mix until the oranges are well incorporated and the batter has a consistent texture with no large chunks of fruit.

4. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter equally between the three prepared pans. You can use a measuring cup or a kitchen scale to ensure equal distribution.
Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of each cake layer. If it comes out clean with no batter clinging to it, the cakes are done.
Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking, as this can cause the cakes to sink. Only check for doneness towards the end of the baking time.

5. Cool the Cake Layers

Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, gently run a knife around the edges of each cake layer to loosen them from the pans.
Carefully invert the pans onto the wire racks and lift them off to release the cakes.
Allow the cakes to cool completely on the wire racks before frosting. Cooling completely is important to prevent the frosting from melting when applied to the warm cakes.

6. Prepare the Frosting

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip, instant vanilla pudding mix, and crushed pineapple with its juice.
Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the frosting is smooth. The pudding mix will help stabilize the frosting and give it a creamy texture.

7. Assemble the Cake

Place one of the fully cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top of the cake layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer.
Repeat the process by adding another layer of frosting on top of the second cake layer.
Finally, place the third cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use long, smooth strokes with the spatula to create an even and polished finish.

8. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the frosting to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, to keep it fresh.

Enjoy your Pig Pickin Cake Recipe! This cake is a delightful treat with its fruity flavors and creamy frosting.

Additional Notes

Mandarin Oranges: If you cannot find canned mandarin oranges, you can use fresh mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented. However, canned mandarin oranges are favored for their convenience and consistently reliable flavor.
Cool Whip: If Cool Whip is not available, you can substitute it with freshly whipped cream. Whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten with powdered sugar to taste.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Ensure you use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve pudding mix, as the latter requires cooking and will not work the same way in this recipe.

Preparation Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and Cool Whip to come to room temperature before using them. Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother cake batter and frosting.
Thawing Cool Whip: Thaw Cool Whip in the refrigerator for several hours before using it in the frosting. This ensures it reaches a smooth consistency suitable for mixing with the other ingredients.

Tips and Variations

Garnish the top of the cake with additional mandarin orange segments or crushed pineapple for a decorative touch.
This cake can be made a day ahead. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
If preferred, bake the cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish instead of layering it. Adjust the baking time accordingly, usually around 25-30 minutes.

What to Serve with Easy Pig Pickin Cake Recipe

Fresh Fruit: Complement the cake’s fruity flavors with a side of fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the light and fluffy cake.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea pair well with the cake’s citrus notes.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of extra whipped cream enhances the cake’s creamy texture.
Coffee or Tea: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Light Sorbet: A light sorbet, such as lemon or raspberry, can provide a refreshing balance to the cake’s sweetness.
Cheese Platter: A simple cheese platter with mild cheeses can be a nice savory contrast to the dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fresh mandarin oranges be used instead of canned in the Pig Pickin Cake recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned. To do this, you’ll need to peel and segment the fresh mandarins, removing any seeds and as much pith as possible. Fresh mandarins tend to be juicier and might have a slightly different texture compared to canned ones, so you may need to adjust the quantity to balance the moisture content in the pig pickin cake recipe. If the recipe calls for the juice from canned mandarins, you might need to add a little extra liquid, such as orange juice, to compensate.

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftover Pig Pickin’ Cake:

Refrigerator: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Serving: When ready to serve again, you can bring it to room temperature or enjoy it cold, depending on your preference.

Can I freeze Pig Pickin Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze Pig Pickin’ Cake. Follow these steps for best results:

Freezing: Cut the cake into individual slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can wrap the entire cake if you have a large enough container or wrap.
Storage: Place the wrapped slices or cake in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date.
Duration: The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the slices or cake in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature or serve cold based on your preference.

How long the cake should be refrigerated before serving?

Refrigerate the Pig Pickin’ Cake for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to set properly, resulting in a better-tasting cake. For the best results, you can refrigerate the cake overnight.

Can I make Pig Pickin Cake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Pig Pickin Cake recipe ahead of time. In fact, making it a day in advance can enhance the flavor, as the ingredients have more time to meld together. After baking and assembling the cake, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and allow the flavors to develop fully.

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