Pig Pickin

Here’s a classic Pig Pickin’ Cake recipe — a light, fruity Southern favorite that’s often served at BBQs and gatherings (especially pig pickin’s, hence the name).

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🧁 Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe

Also known as “Mandarin Orange Cake”

Ingredients

🍰 For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges (with juice)

• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract

🍍 For the Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed

• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)

• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans (or one 9×13 pan).

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

   • Cake mix

   • Eggs

   • Oil

   • Entire can of mandarin oranges (juice and all)

4. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until oranges break up and batter is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

5. Pour into prepared pans and bake:

   • 9-inch rounds: 25–30 min

   • 9×13 pan: 30–35 min
     (Or until toothpick comes out clean)

6. Let cool completely.

2. Make the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, stir together:

   • Crushed pineapple (juice included)

   • Instant pudding mix

2. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Fold in the Cool Whip until smooth.

4. Chill for 30+ minutes if possible.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• If using round pans: spread frosting between the layers and over the top/sides.

• If using a 9×13: just frost the top.

• Store cake covered in the fridge.