Deep in North Carolina's barbecue country, where whole hog roasts gather communities together, this pig pickin cake recipe earned its quirky name and beloved status. After learning it from a third-generation pitmaster and perfecting it in my pastry kitchen, I'm sharing the version that makes even non-dessert folks come back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Pig Pickin Cake Recipe
This isn't just another mandarin orange cake - it's a piece of Southern heritage reimagined. While modern versions often cut corners, this authentic pig pickin cake stays true to its roots while incorporating professional techniques that ensure perfect results. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or bringing dessert to a family gathering, this cake never fails to impress.
What Makes This Special:
- Perfect moisture balance
- Light, fluffy texture
- Make-ahead friendly
- Crowd-pleasing flavor
Success with this classic pig pickin cake comes from proper ingredient temperature and careful folding techniques.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Pig Pickin Cake Recipe
- Ingredients for Pig Pickin Cake Recipe
- How To Make Pig Pickin Cake
- Substitutions
- Pig Pickin Cake Recipe Ingredients Variations
- Essential Equipments for Pig Pickin Cake Success
- Storing Pig Pickin Cake
- Aunt Emma's Magic Touch
- Time for Southern Sweet Magic!
- Frequently Asked Questions :
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Pig Pickin Cake Recipe
Ingredients for Pig Pickin Cake Recipe
Main Components:
- Yellow cake mix
- Mandarin oranges (with juice)
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract (The foundation five)
Frosting Magic:
- Instant vanilla pudding
- Crushed pineapple
- Cool Whip
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Optional Enhancers:
- Coconut flakes
- Chopped pecans
- Orange zest
- Fresh mandarins
- Maraschino cherries
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Pig Pickin Cake
Prep Phase (15 mins):
- Cake Base
- Combine cake mix
- Add mandarin oranges
- Mix in oil and eggs
- Beat until fluffy
- Keep mandarins chunky
- Baking Steps
- Prepare pans
- Divide batter evenly
- Level with spatula
- Tap out bubbles
Frosting Creation:
- The Mix
- Drain pineapple well
- Mix with pudding
- Fold in Cool Whip
- Chill until firm
- Assembly Magic
- Cool layers completely
- Frost between layers
- Cover sides evenly
- Chill 2 hours
Note: For the perfect pig pickin cake recipe, don't overmix when adding mandarins - you want bits of fruit throughout.
Substitutions
Cake Base Options:
- Yellow mix → White cake mix
- Regular → Orange supreme
- Traditional → From scratch
- Store-bought → Homemade (Each creates unique but delicious results)
Fruit Alternatives:
- Mandarins → Fresh oranges
- Pineapple → Peaches
- Canned → Fresh fruit
- Traditional → Tropical mix
Frosting Swaps:
- Cool Whip → Real whipped cream
- Vanilla pudding → Cheesecake pudding
- Regular → Dairy-free
- Traditional → Cream cheese blend
Add-in Options:
- Coconut → Toasted nuts
- Pecans → Macadamia
- Regular → Gluten-free
- Classic → Sugar-free
Kitchen Story: Our "tropical accident" with mango instead of mandarins became Max's favorite summer version!
Pig Pickin Cake Recipe Ingredients Variations
Let's explore some delicious twists on this Southern classic while keeping its signature charm.
Tropical Paradise:
- Island Style
- Mango chunks
- Coconut cream pudding
- Toasted coconut
- Pineapple flowers (Our summer sensation)
Southern Comfort:
- Georgia Twist
- Fresh peaches
- Pecan praline
- Bourbon vanilla
- Caramel drizzle (Perfect for reunions)
Citrus Dream:
- Sunshine Special
- Mixed citrus
- Orange cream
- Candied zest
- Citrus glaze (Max's "sunshine cake")
Berry Beautiful:
- Garden Fresh
- Mixed berries
- Cream cheese blend
- Fresh mint
- Berry compote
Tip: For the best pig pickin cake recipe results, add fresh fruits just before serving to maintain their texture.
Essential Equipments for Pig Pickin Cake Success
Let's gather everything needed for perfect cake creation.
Must-Have Basics:
- 9-inch cake pans (3)
- For even layers
- Non-stick surface
- Same size
- Clean edges
Mixing Essentials:
- Stand/hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Rubber spatulas
- Measuring tools
Frosting Station:
- Offset spatula
- Cake plate
- Bench scraper
- Cake strips (For level layers)
Storing Pig Pickin Cake
Fresh Storage:
- Refrigerator (3-4 days)
- Cover completely
- Keep away from odors
- Seal edges well
- Serve slightly chilled
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Layers (2 days)
- Wrap individually
- Store flat
- Room temperature
- No frosting
Freezer Options:
- Unfrosted layers (1 month)
- Double wrap
- Label clearly
- Thaw in fridge
- Never freeze frosted
Serving Success:
- Remove 20 minutes before
- Cut with warm knife
- Clean blade between cuts
- Store leftovers promptly
P.S: This pig pickin cake recipe actually tastes better after a day in the fridge; the flavors develop and meld beautifully.
Aunt Emma's Magic Touch
The real secret to this pig pickin cake recipe came from my Aunt Emma's years at the North Carolina State Fair. While everyone focused on the cake mix, she'd simmer orange peels with vanilla beans in heavy cream the night before making the frosting. "The magic's in the waiting," she'd say, straining the infused cream the next morning.
But her true genius was in the assembly. She'd brush each cake layer with a mixture of reserved mandarin juice and a splash of orange blossom water. "A cake needs layers of flavor, just like a good story," she'd explain while building her masterpiece. This simple step ensured moisture while adding subtle depth that made her cake legendary at every church social.
Today, Max helps prepare the "flavor potion" as he calls it, carefully counting vanilla bean specks and orange peel strips. Though the original recipe is simple, these extra touches make it extraordinary.
Time for Southern Sweet Magic!
Whether you're headed to a pig pickin' or just craving something special, this pig pickin cake recipe brings a taste of Southern tradition to any gathering. From Aunt Emma's State Fair victories to your family table, it's a cake that tells stories while creating new memories.
Love Southern-inspired sweets? Try our Homemade Mandarin Orange Cake for another citrus sensation, or brighten your day with our tangy-sweet Lemon Brownies. For a no-bake treat that tastes like a million bucks, our Millionaire Pie delivers creamy, tropical flavors in every bite.
Share your sweet creations with us on social media, and do not forget to follow us there for more mouthwatering recipes. By the way, Max loves seeing your frosting swirls and sunny layers!
Rate this recipe and join our Southern baking family!
Need answers about perfecting your pig pickin cake? Check our FAQ section below!
Frequently Asked Questions :
Why is it called pig pickin cake?
This dessert earned its unique name at Southern pig roasts (called pig pickins), where whole hogs were barbecued and served to large gatherings. The cake became a traditional dessert at these events because its light, fruity flavor perfectly complemented the rich barbecue. Our pig pickin cake recipe maintains that same refreshing quality that made it a staple at these celebrations
Can I substitute pineapple juice for water in a boxed cake mix?
Yes! In fact, this is a great way to enhance your pig pickin cake recipe. Replace the water with well-drained pineapple juice for extra flavor depth. Just maintain the same liquid amount the box calls for, and remember that pineapple juice adds sweetness, so you might want to slightly reduce any additional sugar.
Can you give pigs cake mix?
While the name might suggest a connection to pigs, this cake is for human consumption only. The name comes from the events where it was served, not from feeding it to pigs. Pigs should stick to their appropriate feed for proper nutrition and health.
Where did pig pickin originate?
Pig pickins originated in the Carolinas as community celebrations centered around whole-hog barbecue. This style of cooking dates back to colonial times and remains a beloved Southern tradition. The cake became a standard dessert at these gatherings in the 1970s, perfectly balancing the savory barbecue with its light, fruity flavors.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Homemade Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this pig pickin cake recipe:
Easy Pig Pickin Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 3 39-inch cake pans (For even cake layers)
- 1 Hand/stand mixer (To blend ingredients)
- 2 Mixing bowls (Large for batter, small for frosting)
- 1 Rubber spatula (For folding ingredients)
- 1 Measuring cups (Accurate ingredient measuring)
- 1 Cake plate (For assembling and serving)
- 1 Offset spatula (For spreading frosting evenly)
- 1 Bench scraper (For smoothing frosting)
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow cake mix - Any brand works
- 1 cup Mandarin oranges - With juice
- ½ cup Vegetable oil - Neutral flavor
- 4 Eggs - Room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - Pure for best flavor
- 1 box Instant vanilla pudding - 3.4 oz package
- 1 can Crushed pineapple - Drained well (20 oz)
- 8 oz Cool Whip - Thawed
- ½ cup Powdered sugar - For sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - For frosting
- Coconut flakes (Optional) - chopped pecans, fresh mandarins, orange zest, maraschino cherries
Instructions
Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mandarin oranges (with juice), vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Using a hand or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is light and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Prep the Pans
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and lightly flour three 9-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans and use a spatula to smooth the tops.
Bake the Cake
- Place the cake pans on the middle oven rack.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Avoid opening the oven frequently to prevent uneven baking.
Cool the Cakes
- Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes.
- Transfer cakes to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before frosting (about 1 hour).
Make the Frosting
- In a medium bowl, combine drained crushed pineapple and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir well to distribute the pineapple evenly.
- Fold in Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing gently to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Cover the frosting and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Assemble the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate.
- Spread about ⅓ of the frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula.
- Repeat with the second and third layers, ensuring an even distribution of frosting.
Frost the Cake
- Use the remaining frosting to coat the sides and top of the cake.
- Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula or create decorative swirls for a rustic look.
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