When the sun peeks through the clouds and the sweet scent of summer fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a slice of Southern Soul Food Pig Pickin Cake to elevate the moment. I first encountered this delightful dessert at a family barbecue, where laughter and chatter danced around a table adorned with old-fashioned treats. The rich, moist yellow cake, dotted with bright mandarin oranges, was crowned with a fluffy, dreamy pineapple frosting that seemed to capture the very essence of carefree gatherings.
This cake, bursting with light citrus flavors, is not only a treat for the palate but also a celebration of community, perfect for potlucks or backyard get-togethers. What I love most is how simple it is to prepare, allowing me to focus on creating those cherished memories rather than getting lost in complicated baking. Join me as we whip up this classic Southern dessert, and discover just how easy it is to bring a slice of Southern hospitality to your own table.
Why is Pig Pickin Cake a Must-Try?
Indulgent flavors: With a moist yellow cake and zesty mandarin oranges, this dessert delights the senses with every bite.
Effortless preparation: You don’t need to be a baking expert to impress your friends and family!
Perfect for gatherings: Great for potlucks and BBQs, it’s a crowd-pleaser that encourages joyful conversations.
Versatile variations: Customize with nuts, fresh fruits, or even a cream cheese frosting for a personal touch.
Citrusy freshness: The fluffy pineapple frosting perfectly balances the cake’s richness, making it an uplifting choice for any occasion.
Nostalgic charm: Celebrate tradition with every bite of this Southern classic that brings back fond memories of sunny days with loved ones.
Pig Pickin Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the cake structure; for best results, measure accurately.
- Baking Powder – A leavening agent that helps the cake rise; make sure it’s fresh to ensure optimal fluffiness.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the cake; feel free to substitute with a baking sugar blend for a lighter option.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Cold Butter – Contributes richness and moisture; unsalted butter can be used to manage salt levels.
- Eggs – Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients; room temperature eggs ensure better mixing and volume.
- Diced Mandarin Oranges – Bright, sweet bursts of flavor; canned works well for convenience, but fresh is also lovely.
- Mandarin Orange Juice – Adds moisture and enhances the citrus flavor derived from the oranges.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor profile; while optional, it’s highly recommended for extra depth.
For the Frosting
- Crushed Pineapple – A key ingredient for frosting, bringing both sweetness and moisture; canned is preferred for flavor consistency.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding – Stabilizes and thickens the frosting for a creamy texture; essential for the right consistency.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting; can be swapped with a sugar alternative if desired.
- Whipped Cream – Provides a light and fluffy texture for the frosting; homemade or store-bought options are both great here.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating the delightful Pig Pickin Cake that captures the essence of Southern hospitality!
How to Make Pig Pickin Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for achieving that perfect, moist cake texture as it bakes.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. This step ensures all dry ingredients are well combined and aerated for a fluffy cake.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. This method helps to create a tender crumb in the cake.
- Add the eggs, mandarin orange juice, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. This blends the wet ingredients evenly, enhancing the cake’s moisture and flavor.
- Gently fold in the diced mandarin oranges. This adds delightful bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the cake, ensuring every bite is a treat.
- Pour the mixture into a bundt pan, smoothing the top as needed. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely for at least 2 hours before frosting.
- For the Frosting: Drain the crushed pineapple and mix the drained juice with the instant vanilla pudding until smooth. This creates a creamy base for your frosting.
- Stir in the powdered sugar followed by the whipped cream until fully combined. This mixture should be light and fluffy, perfect for topping your cake.
- Mix in the drained pineapple, then spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Refrigerate for 2 hours to let the frosting set and flavors meld beautifully.
- Slice and serve! Watch as friends and family delight in this Southern classic, savoring every bite of its moist, citrusy goodness.
Optional: Serve with additional mandarin oranges on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Pig Pickin Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can make the cake itself up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake it, let it cool completely, and wrap it tightly (preferably in plastic wrap) to keep it fresh. For the frosting, prepare it up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its light fluffiness. Just remember to stir the frosting gently before spreading it on the cake for the best texture. When it’s time to serve, frost the cake, refrigerate for 2 hours to set, and enjoy a delightful dessert that tastes just as delicious as if you made it all in one go!
Storage Tips for Pig Pickin Cake
Fridge: Keep the Pig Pickin Cake refrigerated due to the whipped cream frosting, where it will stay fresh for up to five days in an airtight container.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, you can gently heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat as it might affect the frosting.
Serving after storage: Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, so it regains its lovely moist texture and flavors after being in the fridge or freezer.
What to Serve with Pig Pickin Cake?
When you present a slice of this Southern delight, complement it with dishes that embrace family and friendships.
- Grilled Barbecue Ribs: The smoky richness of tender ribs pairs beautifully with the cake’s citrusy sweetness, creating a delightful contrast.
- Classic Coleslaw: Crisp and refreshing, coleslaw adds a crunchy texture that balances the cake’s moistness, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Cornbread Muffins: The subtly sweet and buttery cornbread offers a warm hug and earthy notes that harmonize with the vibrant cake flavors.
- Southern Fried Chicken: Juicy, crispy chicken brings savory elements to the table, making it a quintessential pairing alongside the light cake.
- Sweet Tea: An iconic Southern beverage, sweet tea’s cold, sugary notes will make your taste buds dance alongside the refreshing flavors of the cake.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing, light side that mirrors the fruity freshness of the cake while cleansing the palate.
- Lemonade: Homemade lemonade bursts with refreshing zest that perfectly complements the cake’s sweetness, making it a delightful pairing for sunny gatherings.
- Pecan Pie: For a dessert-loving crowd, serving this classic Southern pie adds a nutty richness, rounding out your meal with an irresistible sweet finish.
Expert Tips for Pig Pickin Cake
- Mix Well: Achieve a pale yellow batter by thoroughly mixing your eggs; this is crucial for a light and fluffy cake.
- Cooling Time: Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting; frosting on a warm cake can lead to melting messiness.
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates the perfect crumb texture; avoid softening it before integrating into your flour mixture.
- Stand Mixer Advantage: Using a stand mixer can help achieve a smoother batter finish, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fruity Additions: Experiment with adding chopped pecans or fresh fruits for added texture and a twist to the classic Pig Pickin Cake flavor.
Pig Pickin Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative with your cake by trying out these delicious variations that will tantalize your taste buds!
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch and richer flavor.
- Creamy Twist: Swap the fluffy frosting for tangy cream cheese frosting to add a bold and creamy layer to your cake.
- Tropical Delight: Incorporate shredded coconut into the frosting or sprinkle on top for a fun, tropical twist.
- Fruity Upgrade: Mix in fresh diced pineapple or substitute mandarin oranges with juicy peaches for an extra pop of flavor.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the frosting for a decadent touch that pairs surprisingly well with the citrus notes.
- Spiced Variation: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that complements the citrus beautifully.
- Zesty Burst: Stir in a tablespoon of lemon zest to your cake batter for an extra layer of bright, zesty flavor that livens up the cake.
- Light & Frosty: Use whipped coconut cream instead of traditional frosting for a lighter, dairy-free option that still feels indulgent.
Pig Pickin Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of mandarin oranges should I use?
Absolutely! Canned mandarin oranges are incredibly convenient and work wonderfully for this recipe, providing sweetness and moisture. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, fresh mandarin oranges can also be used to elevate the flavor and freshness—even better if they are perfectly ripe!
How should I store leftover Pig Pickin Cake?
For your leftover cake, I recommend refrigerating it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will last up to five days, but let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long because it’s just too delicious! Ensure it stays cool, especially due to the whipped cream frosting.
Can I freeze Pig Pickin Cake?
Certainly! To freeze your delightful cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil—this prevents freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw gently, preserving its moist texture.
What’s the best way to prevent my cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
Very important! To avoid a sticking disaster, thoroughly grease your bundt pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray before pouring in the batter. Additionally, you can sprinkle some flour in the pan after greasing it, which creates a protective barrier. Just make sure to tap out any excess flour!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you have someone in your gathering with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free flour as a substitute for the all-purpose flour. Also, be cautious of any nut allergies if you opt to include chopped nuts as a variation. Always check with your guests first to ensure that everyone can enjoy this delightful Southern treat!
How can I make the frosting thicker?
If you find that your frosting isn’t quite thick enough, no worries! Start by adding more powdered sugar, a couple of tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. If needed, you can also add a bit more instant vanilla pudding to stabilize it further. It’s all about achieving that perfect creamy texture, so feel free to adjust till you’re satisfied!
Delicious Pig Pickin Cake with Pineapple Frosting Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand.
- Add the eggs, mandarin orange juice, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in the diced mandarin oranges.
- Pour the mixture into a bundt pan, smoothing the top as needed. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack.
- For the Frosting: Drain the crushed pineapple and mix the drained juice with the instant vanilla pudding until smooth.
- Stir in the powdered sugar followed by the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Mix in the drained pineapple, then spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours to let the frosting set.
- Slice and serve!