Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

Pig Pickin’ Cake is a delightful, fruity dessert perfect for gatherings and celebrations. This moist yellow cake is infused with mandarin oranges and topped with a creamy, fluffy pineapple-cream cheese frosting that adds a tropical twist. Easy to prepare and wonderfully refreshing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines classic cake flavors with bright citrus notes for a unique treat.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 can mandarin oranges (15 ounces), drained, juice reserved
  • 1/2 cup reserved mandarin orange juice (from the can)

Topping Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 can crushed pineapple (20 ounces), well drained
  • 8 ounces thawed whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Instructions

  1. Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened unsalted butter, room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of the reserved mandarin orange juice. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin orange segments, breaking most into smaller pieces to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the batter.
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, about 45 minutes. This step is important to ensure the topping adheres properly and does not melt.
  6. Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Add Pineapple: Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple until fully combined with the cream cheese mixture.
  8. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pineapple and cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain, creating a light, creamy topping.
  9. Assemble Cake: Spread the pineapple cream cheese topping evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish with extra mandarin oranges for decoration.
  10. Serve: Chill the assembled cake before serving or serve it at a cool room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the topping to prevent it from melting.
  • If you prefer, substitute homemade whipped cream for store-bought whipped topping; just be sure it is well whipped and chilled.
  • To enhance the citrus flavor, zest some orange peel into the batter.
  • This cake is best served chilled, so refrigerate for at least an hour before serving if possible.
  • Use a fine mesh strainer to remove excess juice from the pineapple and mandarins to prevent a soggy cake.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American Southern

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/pig-pickin-cake-recipe/