Pig Lickin’ Good Cake: A Summery Delight
Introduction: Pig Lickin’ Good Cake is a light, moist cake perfect for summer gatherings. Its name might sound quirky, but once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so adored by all who try it. The cake is a playful twist on a traditional Southern dessert, featuring a simple combination of yellow cake mix, mandarin oranges, and a refreshing, creamy topping made of Cool Whip, pineapple, and vanilla pudding. This cake is easy to prepare, making it ideal for family get-togethers, potlucks, or even a fun weeknight treat. It’s the type of dessert that’s bound to disappear as soon as it’s served, so be ready for requests for seconds!
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 11 oz can mandarin oranges (with juice)
- For the Frosting:
- 1 (16 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 small package vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan (or if you prefer, you can use 3 round cake pans for a layered effect).
- Make the Cake:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 4 eggs, vegetable oil, and the can of mandarin oranges with their juice (do not drain).
- Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend everything until the batter is smooth and well combined. The mandarin oranges will break down and blend into the batter, helping to keep the cake moist.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip, drained crushed pineapple, and vanilla instant pudding mix.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth, fluffy frosting.
- If you’re using shredded coconut, fold it into the frosting at this stage for added texture and flavor.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the frosting set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- After the cake has chilled, slice it into squares (or wedges if using round pans) and serve. The cool, refreshing frosting paired with the moist cake makes for the perfect summer dessert!
History: The “Pig Lickin’ Good Cake” has deep roots in Southern and rural American cuisine, which is known for its comfort food desserts. Though its exact origin is unclear, the name itself has folklore qualities that speak to the simple joy of eating something so delicious that it’s fit for even the pickiest of pigs. Many versions of this cake have popped up over the years, with variations including different fruits or cake flavors. The whimsical name likely comes from a fun, regional storytelling tradition that encourages memorable, quirky names for beloved recipes.
Its popularity has risen in recent years, particularly at summer gatherings, potlucks, and picnics. The cake’s use of canned fruits (mandarin oranges and pineapple) makes it an easy go-to for busy families who want a simple, flavorful treat without a lot of fuss.
Formation: The formation of this dessert speaks to a larger trend in American baking where convenience meets indulgence. By combining a simple boxed cake mix with easily accessible canned fruits and pre-made whipped topping, the cake is both time-efficient and satisfying. The way the cake batter absorbs the mandarin orange juice gives it a light, moist texture, while the pineapple and vanilla pudding frosting adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that makes every bite a treat.
This cake doesn’t require any special tools, techniques, or advanced skills to make—just basic kitchen equipment and a little time for chilling in the fridge. This simplicity, paired with the refreshing, tropical flavors, is what makes the cake a go-to for any summer celebration.
Conclusion: Pig Lickin’ Good Cake is a fun, easy-to-make dessert that checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing treat. It’s sweet, refreshing, and perfectly suited to a warm, sunny day. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue, a summer picnic, or just as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to win over anyone who tries it. Its combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and a hint of tropical flavors is irresistible.
So the next time you’re looking for a dessert that will both impress and satisfy, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of this delightful “Pig Lickin’ Good Cake.” You won’t regret it—and neither will your guests!
Lovers of the Cake: This cake is loved by people of all ages, particularly those who enjoy sweet, creamy desserts with a bit of tropical flair. It’s especially popular among those who prefer easy-to-make, no-fuss recipes that still yield amazing results. It’s perfect for fans of Southern desserts, those who enjoy light cakes with fruity flavors, and anyone looking to add a fun, whimsical touch to their dessert table.
Methods for Lovers: If you’re someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen or just likes to put your personal twist on recipes, here are a few variations you can try:
- Add More Fruit: Try adding diced strawberries, peaches, or cherries to the frosting for extra fruity flavors and color.
- Coconut Lovers: Increase the coconut in the frosting, or even sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a little crunch.
- Nuts for Texture: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake mix for a nutty flavor that complements the fruit.
No matter how you personalize it, Pig Lickin’ Good Cake will always remain a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert!