Pioneer Woman Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe: A Sweet Southern Tradition

Pioneer Woman Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe: A Sweet Southern Tradition

Introduction to Pig Pickin’ Cake

Have you ever heard of Pig Pickin’ Cake? Don’t let the name fool you! This delightful dessert doesn’t have anything to do with pigs. Instead, it’s a charming Southern tradition known for its light, fruity flavor and easy preparation. The Pioneer Woman Pig Pickin’ Cake recipe is a timeless treat that you can easily create at home. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dessert!

What is Pig Pickin’ Cake?

You might be wondering why this cake has such a unique name. In the South, “pig pickin’” refers to a barbecue where the main dish is a whole roasted pig. And what’s the best way to end a savory meal? With something sweet, of course! That’s where Pig Pickin’ Cake comes in. While it’s often enjoyed at these gatherings, the cake itself doesn’t contain pork. Instead, it’s characterized by its moist texture and tropical flavors, thanks to the use of mandarin oranges and pineapple.

Ingredients You Will Need

Before we start baking, let’s gather our ingredients. What makes this cake so special is its combination of simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need to get started:

Cake Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Yellow cake mix1 box
Eggs4
Mandarin oranges1 can (11 oz)
Vegetable oil1/2 cup

Frosting Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Whipped topping (Cool Whip)1 container (8 oz)
Instant vanilla pudding mix1 package (3.4 oz)
Crushed pineapple1 can (20 oz)

Steps to Make Pig Pickin’ Cake

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to making the cake. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious Pig Pickin’ Cake to enjoy in no time.

Preparing the Cake

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake will bake evenly.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the can of mandarin oranges with their juice. Mix until the batter is smooth and the oranges are well incorporated. The oranges add moisture and a subtle citrusy flavor.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool the Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is important to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

Making the Frosting

  1. Prepare the Frosting Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the whipped topping, instant vanilla pudding mix, and crushed pineapple with its juice. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  2. Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. The combination of creamy vanilla and tangy pineapple makes this frosting irresistible.
  3. Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Tips for the Perfect Pig Pickin’ Cake

H3: Customize Your Cake

Feel free to get creative! Here are some ways you can customize your Pig Pickin’ Cake:

  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a crunchy texture.
  • Extra Fruit: Top the cake with additional mandarin oranges or pineapple slices for an extra fruity touch.
  • Flavored Pudding Mix: Try using a coconut or banana pudding mix instead of vanilla for a different twist.

H3: Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so tasty), cover the cake with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze the cake without frosting for up to two months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before you frost and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Pig Pickin’ Cake recipe is a gem for several reasons:

  • Easy to Make: With a boxed cake mix and a few extra ingredients, this cake is simple enough for beginners.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Its light and refreshing flavor makes it a huge hit at gatherings.
  • Versatile: You can adapt it to your taste with different flavors and toppings.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete Southern-themed meal, serve your Pig Pickin’ Cake with some classic barbecue dishes. Here are a few ideas:

  • Barbecue Ribs: Nothing says Southern like savory, smoky ribs.
  • Cornbread: Soft and buttery cornbread complements the sweetness of the cake.
  • Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw salad balances out the richness.

A Sweet Conclusion

You are now ready to create your own Pioneer Woman Pig Pickin’ Cake. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can impress your friends and family with a cake that’s both delicious and unique. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a regular day when you want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy your craving for something sweet and refreshing. Enjoy your baking adventure!

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Pioneer Woman Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe: A Sweet Southern Tradition


  • Author: recipesfresh.net
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Discover the delightful charm of the South with the Pioneer Woman Pig Pickin’ Cake, a moist and tropical-flavored dessert perfect for any occasion. Despite its quirky name, this cake offers a refreshing burst of citrus and pineapple, making it an easy crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges (with juice)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Frosting:

  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and mandarin oranges along with their juice. Beat until the batter is smooth, ensuring the oranges are well combined.
  3. Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Prepare the Frosting Mix: In a medium bowl, mix together the whipped topping, instant vanilla pudding, and crushed pineapple with its juice until well blended.
  6. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  7. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors

Notes

  • Customize Your Cake: Add chopped nuts or extra fruit for additional texture and flavor.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftover cake in the refrigerator with plastic wrap for up to three days. You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to two months.
  • Prep Time: 15minutes
  • Cook Time: 30minutes

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