The Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe is a quintessential Southern dessert that has graced tables at gatherings, barbecues, and festive occasions for generations. This moist and flavorful cake, layered with a creamy frosting, offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess, primarily due to its unique combination of pineapple and mandarin oranges. The lightness of the cake combined with the richness of the frosting makes for a perfect dessert that will leave your guests wanting more. Its vibrant layers also make it visually appealing, embodying the spirit of Southern hospitality, making it perfect for any outdoor party or celebration. Each bite of this cake delivers a tantalizing flavor experience that transports you to a warm Southern evening, filled with laughter and good company.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained (reserve syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons reserved mandarin orange syrup
• For Garnish:
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but adds a nice crunch and flavor)
  • Additional mandarin oranges (optional, for an attractive presentation)

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking, ensuring a smooth unmolding process that preserves the cake’s integrity.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk together until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen cake. The incorporation of air through whisking also aids in achieving a light texture.
3. In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Stir until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated. The oil provides moisture, while the fruits add flavor and texture, creating a delightful base that enhances the cake’s overall taste.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter will be thick and fragrant—a sign of deliciousness to come! This careful mixing helps prevent gluten formation, keeping the cake tender.
5. Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking. Aim for the same height in each pan to create a uniform layered cake, which not only looks more appealing but also ensures consistent baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown. The cakes should spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing air to circulate and prevent sogginess.
7. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. This can take about 2-3 minutes. Achieving the right consistency is key for a frosting that spreads beautifully.
8. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and reserved pineapple juice and mandarin orange syrup. Continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The frosting should be spreadable yet firm enough to hold its shape on the cake.
9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Ensure it reaches the edges for a polished look, as this will contribute to the cake’s overall aesthetic appeal.
10. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts and add additional mandarin oranges on top for decoration, enhancing both the flavor and presentation. This final step not only adds texture but also elevates the visual feast that is the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh fruits can enhance the cake’s taste significantly. Consider using organic ingredients for a more vibrant flavor. Freshly squeezed pineapple juice can elevate the frosting, adding a zesty note that complements the cream cheese.
• Make-Ahead Option: The cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, well-covered, to maintain moisture. This can also help the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer taste when served the next day.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake. Additionally, ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in texture, creating a lighter, fluffier cake.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to improve as it sits! Enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat, as the chilled cake can be a delightful dessert on a hot day.
• Cake Baking Tips: To ensure even baking, rotate the pans halfway through the baking time. Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake. Remember, every oven is different, so knowing your oven’s quirks can help achieve the best results with the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for structure, which allows the cake to rise properly without traditional gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of this classic dessert.
• Flavor Combinations: Experiment with adding shredded coconut or chopped bananas to the batter for a tropical twist. These additions lend a unique texture and flavor, making each bite even more delightful. You could also consider spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm depth of flavor.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use non-dairy butter and cream cheese for a vegan-friendly dessert. This version keeps the integrity of the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe while catering to dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can celebrate with this charming cake.

Print

Classic Pig Pickin' Cake

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: Southern Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 12 +

⏱️

Prep Time

20 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

—

The Classic Pig Pickin' Cake Recipe is a quintessential Southern dessert that has graced tables at gatherings, barbecues, and festive occasions for generations. This moist and flavorful cake, layered with a creamy frosting, offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess, primarily due to its unique combination of pineapple and mandarin oranges. The lightness of the cake combined with the richness of the frosting makes for a perfect dessert that will leave your guests wanting more.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Start cooking

Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
• 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained (reserve syrup)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons reserved mandarin orange syrup
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
• Additional mandarin oranges (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk together until well combined.

3.

In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, and mandarin oranges until combined.

4.

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

5.

Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

6.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8.

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.

9.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then add vanilla extract and reserved juices.

10.

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.

11.

Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake, garnishing with chopped nuts and additional mandarin oranges.