The Mandarin Orange Cake, also known as “Pig Pickin’ Cake,” is a classic Southern dessert celebrated for its light, fruity flavors and moist texture. This cake combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges within a tender yellow cake base, complemented by a creamy frosting made with crushed pineapple and whipped topping. It’s an ideal treat for gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing dessert.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 (15.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin orange segments, undrained
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (3.5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

Directions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, undrained mandarin orange segments, eggs, and vegetable oil. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the crushed pineapple with its juice, thawed whipped topping, and instant vanilla pudding mix until well blended.
Frost the Cake
After the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake into desired portions and serve.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 slice):

Calories: 337
Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 47mg
Sodium: 285mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 27g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin C: 6mg
Calcium: 49mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 81mg

The History and Popularity of Mandarin Orange Cake

Mandarin Orange Cake has been around for decades, with strong roots in Southern American baking traditions. It is often called “Pig Pickin’ Cake” because it was commonly served at large Southern barbecues, where a whole pig was roasted (or “picked”). This light and fruity cake provided a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue dishes.

The cake became widely popular in the mid-20th century as convenience baking grew in popularity. With the introduction of canned mandarin oranges, boxed cake mixes, and frozen whipped topping, home bakers found this recipe to be a quick and easy way to create a delicious dessert without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Today, Mandarin Orange Cake is still a favorite at church gatherings, summer picnics, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations. It has also gained popularity beyond the Southern U.S., with variations found in different regions and cultures.

Why Mandarin Orange Cake is So Special

This cake stands out from other desserts for several reasons:

Bright and Refreshing Flavor – The mandarin oranges add a subtle citrus sweetness that makes the cake taste light and refreshing rather than heavy and overly sweet.
Moist and Tender Texture – Thanks to the juice from the canned oranges, the cake remains incredibly moist, ensuring a soft and delicate crumb in every bite.
Easy to Make – This cake requires minimal ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants a stress-free dessert.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal – Whether it’s a birthday party, summer BBQ, or potluck, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Perfect for Warm Weather – Unlike rich chocolate cakes or dense cheesecakes, Mandarin Orange Cake is light enough to be enjoyed on hot summer days.

Variations of Mandarin Orange Cake

One of the best things about Mandarin Orange Cake is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to create different flavors and textures while maintaining the cake’s signature light and fruity essence. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

1. Coconut Mandarin Orange Cake
Adding shredded coconut to the batter or the frosting enhances the tropical flavors of the cake. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut on top for an added crunch.

2. Spiced Mandarin Orange Cake
Incorporating warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger gives the cake a unique depth of flavor, making it a great option for fall or holiday gatherings.

3. Chocolate Mandarin Orange Cake
For a more indulgent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cake or mix in chocolate chips into the batter. The combination of citrus and chocolate creates an irresistible contrast.

4. Lemon-Mandarin Cake
If you love citrus flavors, adding fresh lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the batter enhances the tartness, balancing out the sweetness.

5. Nutty Mandarin Orange Cake
Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter gives it a delightful crunch and a slightly richer texture. Nuts pair wonderfully with the light, fruity flavors of the cake.

6. Gluten-Free or Vegan Mandarin Orange Cake
For those with dietary restrictions, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. A vegan version can be achieved by replacing eggs with applesauce or flax eggs and using a dairy-free whipped topping.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mandarin Orange Cake

While this cake is quite easy to make, following a few key tips can ensure the best results:

1. Use Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients
Although this cake relies on canned mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, choosing high-quality brands with natural juice rather than syrup can enhance the freshness of the cake.

2. Do Not Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.

3. Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting
Since the frosting is light and creamy, applying it to a warm cake can cause it to melt and become runny. Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the frosting.

4. Chill for Best Flavor
For an even better texture and flavor, refrigerate the cake for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive taste.

5. Adjust Frosting Consistency as Needed
If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more whipped topping or a little powdered sugar. If you want a lighter consistency, add a splash of pineapple juice.

Serving Suggestions

Mandarin Orange Cake is best served chilled and can be enjoyed in several ways:

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee – The bright citrus notes complement the warm, comforting flavors of tea or coffee.
Topped with Extra Fruit – Garnish with fresh mandarin orange slices, pineapple chunks, or berries for added color and flavor.
Paired with Ice Cream – Vanilla or coconut ice cream makes a perfect pairing with the cake’s fruity flavors.
Decorated with Toasted Coconut or Nuts – Adding texture with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts can elevate the presentation.

Why Mandarin Orange Cake is a Great Dessert for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this cake is that it works for any occasion:

Summer BBQs and Picnics – Light, fruity, and easy to transport, this cake is ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Holiday Celebrations – The citrusy flavors make it a refreshing contrast to rich holiday desserts.
Birthday Parties – A fun, unique cake option for those who love fruit-based desserts.
Family Dinners – Simple enough for a weeknight dessert but special enough for a Sunday meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

Mandarin Orange Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it (without the frosting) for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before enjoying.

Conclusion

Mandarin Orange Cake is a timeless dessert that continues to be a favorite among home bakers. Its moist texture, bright citrus flavor, and creamy topping make it a go-to recipe for both casual and special occasions.

Pin2

2 Shares