{"id":13177,"date":"2026-08-24T12:42:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T16:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.somethingswanky.com\/?p=13177"},"modified":"2026-08-24T12:42:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T16:42:35","slug":"grandmas-pig-cake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.somethingswanky.com\/grandmas-pig-cake\/","title":{"rendered":"Pig Cake Recipe with Mandarin Orange and Pineapple"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Y’all, if you’ve never made this pig cake recipe, I am so excited for you right now \u2014 because your life is about to change! \ud83d\udc37\ud83c\udf89 This is Grandma’s legendary Pig Pickin’ Cake: a moist, fluffy boxed yellow cake mix loaded with juicy mandarin oranges, topped with the dreamiest fluffy pineapple frosting made from cool whip, instant vanilla pudding mix, and drained crushed pineapple. It is the perfect dessert for family gatherings, church potluck spreads, and hot summer days when you need something cold and creamy and absolutely ah-mazing.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What Is Pig Pickin’ Cake?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So glad you asked! Pig pickin’ cake \u2014 also called pea pickin’ cake, mandarin orange cake, or sunshine cake \u2014 is a classic southern recipe with serious southern roots. It got its name because it’s traditionally served at pig roasts, whole hog cookouts, and backyard barbecues across southern states. It’s one of those favorite potluck desserts that disappears in minutes! The combination of mandarin oranges baked right into the cake batter gives it a bright citrus flavor and a bright orange flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy pineapple topping. This fruity cake is honestly one of my all-time favorite cakes \u2014 and once you taste it, you’ll get why it’s such a popular dessert and a true southern staple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Need to Make This Pig Cake Recipe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The only thing you need to know before you start is that this is a super easy, totally foolproof cake recipe built on a box cake mix \u2014 no stress, no fuss! For the cake layers, grab a box of yellow cake mix (a boxed yellow cake mix, white cake mix, or even french vanilla works beautifully!), large eggs, vegetable oil, and a can of mandarin oranges \u2014 don’t drain them, we’re using that cup of the juice right in the cake batter! Reserve juice from the can for extra bright citrus flavor. For the fluffy pineapple frosting, you’ll need an instant pudding mix (instant vanilla pudding mix is classic), whipped topping like cool whip, and drained pineapple \u2014 specifically drained crushed pineapple. Optionally top with maraschino cherries for a little extra fun. Be sure your large eggs are at room temperature for best results!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recipe Tips & Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n