Pig Pick'N Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 22 min Cuisine: American

A moist, fruity cake featuring mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, offering bright citrus flavors and a light, airy texture.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 3/4 cup Wesson oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges with juice
  • 1 large can crushed pineapple slightly drained
  • 1 (3 oz.) package dry vanilla instant pudding

Instructions

  1. Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, and mandarin oranges until well combined.
  2. Divide the batter into three equal layers.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 22 minutes.
  4. Allow the cake to cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more flavorful cake, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the oil with applesauce. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid a soggy cake. To achieve even layers, use a kitchen scale to divide the batter accurately.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with Glazed Carrots And Pineapple as a side dish for a festive meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It's perfect for potlucks or summer gatherings, offering a refreshing taste that complements other American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Pig Pick'N Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pig Pick'N Cake contains roughly 502 calories, with 7g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 672mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

502 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.8g 14% DV
Total Fat 7.2g 9% DV
Carbs 103.8g 38% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 12g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 671.6mg 29% DV
Potassium 284.5mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 69.5mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.8mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 7mg 8% DV
Calcium 228mg 18% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with lemon or white cake mixes for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly. Adding some lemon zest can enhance the citrus notes, making it a delightful variation.

What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?

If you don't have mandarin oranges, you can substitute them with crushed peaches or another sweet canned fruit. Just ensure that the fruit is well-drained to maintain the cake's texture. Alternatively, fresh oranges can work well, but they should be chopped into small pieces.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight can enhance the flavors. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can decorate it with whipped cream or fresh fruit for a beautiful presentation.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →