Pig Pickin Cake

Pineapple Orange Cake, also known as Pig Pickin Cake, is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This moist and refreshing cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, birthday party, or potluck. With its creamy pineapple frosting and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake can be whipped up in no time.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple creates a light and fruity taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake serves 20 people, making it ideal for gatherings where you want to impress friends and family.
• Guilt-Free Indulgence: Using applesauce instead of oil keeps this dessert lower in fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it as a standalone treat or pair it with fresh fruit for an even lighter option.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. The right equipment can make all the difference when creating your Pig Pickin Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 13×9 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Baking dish: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Pineapple Orange Cake aka Pig Pickin Cake is an easy, light dessert recipe that’s nearly guilt free! You’ll love the refreshing, moist orange cake topped with creamy pineapple flavored frosting!

For the Cake

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 can mandarin oranges, undrained (15 ounce)
• 4 egg whites
• 1/3 cup applesauce

For the Frosting

• 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained (20 ounce)
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounce)
• 12 ounce Cool Whip (thawed)

How to Make Pig Pickin Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray your 13×9 baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, mandarin oranges (with juice), egg whites, and applesauce. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes until well blended.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed pineapple and vanilla pudding mix until thoroughly combined. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until it’s fully incorporated.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Spread the creamy pineapple frosting evenly over your cooled cake. To allow flavors to meld beautifully, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. ENJOY!

How to Serve Pig Pickin Cake

Serving Pig Pickin Cake can be as delightful as making it. This refreshing dessert is perfect for various occasions, and how you serve it can enhance the experience.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a decorative plate for a personal touch.
• Add a dollop of extra Cool Whip on top for added creaminess.

Family Style

• Present the entire cake in the baking dish as a communal dessert.
• Let guests serve themselves for a casual and inviting atmosphere.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair slices with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to elevate flavors.
• This adds color and freshness, making your dessert table more appealing.

On Special Occasions

• Dress up the cake with edible flowers or citrus zest for parties.
• This adds elegance and makes it suitable for celebrations.

With Ice Cream

• Serve a slice alongside vanilla or coconut ice cream.
• The cold ice cream complements the moist cake beautifully.

How to Perfect Pig Pickin Cake

To make sure your Pig Pickin Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and other ingredients to room temperature helps them mix better, resulting in a fluffier cake.

• Do not overmix: Mixing just until combined prevents a dense texture. Be gentle when incorporating all ingredients.

• Cool completely before frosting: Letting the cake cool fully ensures that your frosting stays intact and doesn’t melt into the cake.

• Choose high-quality Cool Whip: Using quality whipped topping enhances flavor and texture, making your frosting even more delicious.

• Add more pineapple: If you love pineapple, consider folding in some extra crushed pineapple into the batter or frosting for an intensified taste.

• Chill before serving: Refrigerating your finished cake allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing overall taste.

Best Side Dishes for Pig Pickin Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pig Pickin Cake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad with grilled chicken and mixed greens complements the sweetness of the cake.

2. Coleslaw: This crunchy side offers a great contrast to the moistness of the cake, balancing flavors nicely.

3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits pairs perfectly with this dessert’s tropical notes.

4. Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread provides an ideal backdrop to showcase the vibrant flavors of your cake.

5. Baked Beans: Savory baked beans add heartiness to your meal, making it satisfying alongside dessert.

6. Pasta Salad: A cool pasta salad offers texture and contrasts nicely with the moistness of Pig Pickin Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pig Pickin Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not using fresh ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your ingredients. Fresh eggs and pudding mix will ensure the best flavor and texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Skipping the cooling step: Letting your cake cool completely before frosting is crucial. If you frost while warm, the frosting will melt and not set properly.

• Using the wrong pan size: Make sure to use a 13×9 inch pan as specified. A different size can alter baking time and cake thickness.

• Not refrigerating after frosting: Refrigerating the finished cake for at least an hour helps flavors meld and makes it easier to slice.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pig Pickin Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking in a container to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pig Pickin Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Pig Pickin Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Not recommended; it may dry out the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pig Pickin Cake?

Pig Pickin Cake is a light and refreshing dessert made with orange-flavored cake topped with creamy pineapple frosting. It’s perfect for gatherings!

How can I customize my Pig Pickin Cake?

You can add shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the batter or frosting for extra texture. Experiment with flavors by using different pudding mixes!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free white cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How should I serve Pig Pickin Cake?

Serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s great as a summer dessert or for any celebration!

Final Thoughts

Pig Pickin Cake is a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly versatile. With its light, moist texture and refreshing flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins! Try this recipe today and enjoy every bite!