Classic Pig Pickin' Cake

Ingredients

• 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)

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.
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.