Pioneer Woman Mandarin Orange Cake: A Sunshine Dessert for Every Gathering

Pig Pickin Cake, often celebrated in the South, is a delightful mandarin orange cake known for its moist texture and refreshing flavor. Topped with a luscious whipped cream and crushed pineapple frosting, this cake is an ideal dessert for sunny summer days, family get-togethers, and festive occasions like the Fourth of July. If you are a fan of easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, this Mandarin Orange Cake Pioneer Woman style, is sure to become a new favorite.

This recipe simplifies the baking process by using a boxed cake mix as its foundation, making it incredibly easy to prepare. Its light and zesty flavor profile makes it especially appealing during warmer months, instantly evoking the essence of summer.

Two slices of Pig Pickin Cake garnished with mandarin oranges and a cherry.

Pig Pickin Cake is a cherished southern classic that’s both simple to make and utterly satisfying.

If you’re looking for more effortless cake ideas, you might also enjoy our easy strawberry poke cake.

Discovering the Charm of Pig Pickin Cake

The allure of this simple orange and pineapple cake has spanned generations. My first encounter with Pig Pickin Cake was when my best friend prepared the Pioneer Woman version during a visit. Initially, I was curious but hesitant. However, one bite was all it took to convince me that this classic southern recipe was truly exceptional.

What makes this cake so appealing is its simplicity. By starting with a box cake mix and instant pudding, it’s practically semi-homemade! The addition of pudding is the secret to its incredibly moist crumb.

Whether I’m baking for a cozy family treat at home or for a lively outdoor barbecue with friends, Pig Pickin Cake is always a hit. In fact, it’s so popular that only a few crumbs are ever left at the bottom of the pan! It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly and leaves everyone wanting more.

Ingredients for Your Pig Pickin Cake Recipe

To bake this delightful Mandarin Orange Cake, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (for ease and consistent results)
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened (adds richness and moisture)
1 can (14 oz) mandarin oranges, drained (provides signature orange flavor). Reserve ½ cup of mandarin juice (enhances moisture and orange zest)
4 large eggs (binds ingredients and adds structure)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor depth)

For the Frosting:

1 box (4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (creates creamy texture and stability)
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained (adds tropical sweetness and flavor)
½ cup powdered sugar (sweetens frosting and provides smooth texture)
6 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip) (lightens frosting and adds airy texture)
Mandarin orange slices, for garnish (visual appeal and flavor hint)
Maraschino cherries, for garnish (classic decorative touch)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pig Pickin Cake

Cake batter ingredients mixed in a bowl, ready for baking.

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Combine Cake Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, ½ cup reserved mandarin orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Mix Batter: Beat on low speed until the ingredients are just combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add Mandarin Oranges: Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges. Stir until the oranges are broken into smaller pieces and evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the cake is perfectly baked.
Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple and instant vanilla pudding mix.
Sweeten Frosting: Add the powdered sugar to the pineapple mixture and mix until smooth and well combined.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the pineapple frosting evenly over the top.
Chill and Set: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 1-2 hours to allow the frosting to set and the cake to become chilled.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the cake with mandarin orange slices and maraschino cherries for a festive touch. Slice and enjoy this refreshing dessert!

Customizing Your Mandarin Orange Cake

While the classic Pig Pickin Cake recipe is fantastic as is, there are several delicious variations you can explore to tailor it to your taste:

Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting for added texture and a hint of coconut flavor. Toasted coconut would add a nutty depth.
Chopped Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Citrus Zest: Enhance the orange flavor by adding orange zest to the cake batter or frosting. Lemon or lime zest could also be interesting citrus twists.

Ingredient Swaps for Your Convenience

Don’t be afraid to adapt the recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

Extra Pineapple Cake: If you’re not a fan of oranges, simply omit the mandarin oranges and increase the amount of crushed pineapple in the cake batter or frosting.
Pineapple-Free Cake: Conversely, if pineapple isn’t your favorite, skip it and double up on mandarin oranges for an intensely orange-flavored cake.
Coconut Infusion: Mix sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut into the cake batter for a subtle coconut flavor throughout.

Pro Tips for the Best Mandarin Orange Cake

To ensure your Pig Pickin Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Drain Fruit Thoroughly: Draining both the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple is crucial. Excess juice can make the cake batter too wet and the frosting runny.
Gently Fold in Fruit: When adding the mandarin oranges to the batter, fold them in gently to prevent them from breaking down too much. You want small pieces of fruit that are still noticeable in each bite.
Cool Cake Completely Before Frosting: Patience is key! Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Ensure the cake is completely cool to room temperature before applying the pineapple frosting.

A generous slice of Pig Pickin Cake showing moist texture and pineapple frosting.

Storing Your Leftover Pig Pickin Cake

Since Pig Pickin Cake is best served chilled, proper storage is essential to maintain its texture and flavor:

Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days.
Cover Properly: Ensure the cake is well-covered to prevent it from drying out and absorbing refrigerator odors.

Pig Pickin Cake Recipe: Common Questions Answered

Why is it called Pig Pickin’ Cake?

The name “Pig Pickin’ Cake” originates from southern barbecue traditions. These cakes were often served at “pig pickin'” events, where communities gathered to roast a whole pig and enjoy fellowship. The cake became a staple dessert at these gatherings, perfectly complementing the savory barbecue.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant flavor. Just ensure you chop it into small pieces similar in size to canned crushed pineapple. Canned pineapple is convenient and pre-chopped, saving time, but fresh pineapple is a delicious alternative.

How to tell when the cake is done?

The toothpick test is your best friend for cake baking. Insert a clean toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If wet batter clings to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and test again with a fresh toothpick.

Can I bake this cake in round pans?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans. Baking time might slightly vary, so use the toothpick test to check for doneness. You can then layer the cakes with frosting in between and on top for a classic round cake presentation. However, it’s traditionally served in squares from a 9×13 inch pan.

More Cake Recipes You’ll Love

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Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Frosting Recipe Card

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

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Description: Pig Pickin Cake is a classic, incredibly moist mandarin orange cake topped with a light whipped cream and crushed pineapple frosting. Perfect for any gathering!

Ingredients:

For the cake:

1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
14 oz mandarin oranges, drained, ½ cup juice reserved
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
20 oz crushed pineapple, drained
½ cup powdered sugar
6 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
Mandarin orange slices and maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan.
Combine cake mix, butter, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
Fold in drained mandarin oranges.
Pour into pan and bake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick clean.
Cool cake completely.
For frosting, combine pineapple, pudding mix, and powdered sugar.
Fold in whipped topping.
Frost cooled cake and refrigerate 1-2 hours.
Garnish and serve chilled.

Notes: Nutrition facts are calculated without yellow cake mix.

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