How to Make Pig Pickin’ Cake (Classic Southern Mandarin Orange Cake)
If you’ve ever been to a Southern barbecue, church potluck, or family reunion, you’ve probably seen (and tasted) the famous Pig Pickin’ Cake. Light, moist, fruity, and topped with a fluffy pineapple whipped frosting, this cake is a true Southern classic.
Despite its unusual name, Pig Pickin’ Cake has nothing to do with pork. The name comes from its popularity at “pig pickin’” gatherings — traditional Southern barbecues where a whole pig is roasted and guests “pick” the meat straight from the grill.
This easy mandarin orange cake recipe is refreshing, simple to make, and perfect for warm weather events, holidays, or anytime you want a light and crowd-pleasing dessert.
Let’s dive into how to make it step by step.
Why You’ll Love Pig Pickin’ Cake
This cake has remained popular for decades because it’s:
- Incredibly moist and soft
- Bursting with citrus flavor
- Light and not overly sweet
- Easy to prepare using simple ingredients
- Perfect for potlucks and gatherings
- Better when made ahead of time
It’s often called Mandarin Orange Cake or Sunshine Cake, but no matter the name, the flavor is unforgettable.
Ingredients for Pig Pickin’ Cake
One of the reasons this cake is so loved is because it uses convenient ingredients.
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges (with juice)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For the Frosting:
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple (do not drain)
- 1 (3.4 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
That’s it! Simple, affordable, and easy to find.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two round cake pans.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Yellow cake mix
- Mandarin oranges (with juice)
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. The oranges will break apart as you mix, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
The batter should be slightly thick but smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This step is very important — frosting a warm cake will cause it to melt.
