Oh, sweet friends, there are some desserts that just whisper “home” and “comfort” to your soul, and for me, the Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake is one of them. This delightful treat is a true Southern gem, boasting a tender, moist yellow cake bursting with the bright, tangy sweetness of crushed pineapple, all crowned with a luscious, creamy frosting. It’s a cake that brings smiles with every single bite, a taste of sunshine that brightens any gathering.
I remember my grandmother, bless her heart, always had a cake cooling on her kitchen counter, and many a Sunday, it was something wonderfully fruity. While her specific “pig pickin” recipe was a closely guarded secret, my journey of baking, experimenting, and sometimes even failing in my own kitchen led me to recreate that same joyous feeling. There’s a magic in baking from scratch, a connection to traditions and a creative spark that warms the heart.
This recipe is not only incredibly easy to bake, making it perfect for both seasoned pros and budding bakers, but it’s also a fantastic, family-friendly dessert that shines at any celebration. My top tip? Don’t rush the chilling process; it’s key to that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth experience!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful Southern Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake relies on a few simple, yet impactful ingredients. We start with a yellow cake mix for an easy base, then elevate it with crushed pineapple for incredible moisture and flavor, creating a truly unforgettable dessert. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ready for your sweet adventure!
How to Make Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake
Whipping up this incredible Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake is a joy from start to finish. We begin by preparing the moist yellow cake, infusing it with that irresistible pineapple goodness. Next, we craft the dreamy, creamy frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s vibrant flavor. Finally, we assemble these delightful layers and let them chill, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together into a dessert that’s truly magical.
Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, tapping out any excess flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, the undrained 20 oz can of crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, and large eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake.
- Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before proceeding to the frosting step. This is crucial for the frosting to set properly.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping, the *well-drained* 8 oz can of crushed pineapple, powdered sugar, and shredded sweetened coconut.
- Gently fold the ingredients together until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can deflate the whipped topping.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.
- Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the frosting to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake
After countless hours in the kitchen, both from my grandmother’s side and my own experimental days, I’ve gathered a few cherished tips to ensure your Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake turns out absolutely perfect every time.
My Secret Trick: When adding the crushed pineapple to the cake batter, I always drain it well but don’t squeeze it completely dry. A little bit of that precious juice helps keep the cake incredibly moist and tender, preventing it from drying out.
I always recommend letting your eggs come to room temperature before you start baking. It helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake texture that just melts in your mouth.
When it comes to the frosting for this Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake, make sure your whipped topping is properly thawed but still very cold. This ensures a stable, airy, and wonderfully creamy consistency that holds up beautifully.
Don’t skip the chilling step! After you’ve assembled your cake, a good chill in the refrigerator allows the frosting to set and all the flavors to truly meld. Trust me, it makes all the difference in achieving that perfect, harmonious taste.
Fun Variations for Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake
One of the most delightful aspects of home baking is the freedom to play and personalize, and this Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake is wonderfully versatile! It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch.
For a tropical twist, my sister always asks me to toast some extra shredded coconut and sprinkle it generously over the top of the frosted cake. The nutty, caramelized notes add an extra layer of flavor and a lovely texture. You could even gently toast a small portion of the shredded sweetened coconut that’s mixed into the frosting for a more subtle depth.
If you’re feeling extra decadent, consider adding a thin layer of cream cheese frosting underneath the whipped topping for an even richer experience. The tang of the cream cheese would beautifully balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
For a burst of color and a touch of tartness, try folding in a handful of finely diced maraschino cherries or a swirl of raspberry jam into the cake batter itself or as a thin layer between the cake and frosting. A friend loves when I do this; it adds a festive flair to the Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake.
You could also experiment with different cake mix flavors! While yellow cake is classic, a butter pecan or even a white cake mix would offer a slightly different base while still allowing the pineapple to shine through.
What to Serve With Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake
This delightful Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake is a star on its own, but sometimes a little accompaniment makes a sweet moment even sweeter! It’s like finding the perfect cozy blanket for your favorite armchair.
I absolutely adore serving a slice of this cake with a simple scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream gently melts into the moist cake, creating a heavenly combination of temperatures and textures that is simply irresistible.
For a lighter, fresher touch, a small bowl of fresh mixed berries – think strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – provides a lovely counterpoint to the cake’s richness. Their slight tartness is a wonderful balance to the sweet Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake.
My mom always says a good cup of hot coffee or a fragrant herbal tea is the perfect pairing for any dessert. There’s something so comforting about sipping a warm drink alongside a sweet treat, especially after a lovely meal.
And if you’re looking for a quick serving idea, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch without any extra fuss.
How to Store Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake
Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake tasting as fresh and wonderful as the day you baked it! We want to savor every last bite, don’t we?
Refrigeration is Best: Due to its creamy, whipped topping frosting, the Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake should always be stored in the refrigerator. Place any leftovers in an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out and to absorb any fridge odors. It will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Friendly Tips: If you want to enjoy this cake for longer, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake (unfrosted is best, but frosted can work!). Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. This helps prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 1-2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice of Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quicker treat, you can gently bring it to room temperature on the counter for an hour or so before serving. My personal tip? A light, fresh sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few fresh pineapple chunks just before serving really brings it back to life after chilling!
Nutritional Benefits
While we bake for joy and flavor, it’s lovely to know that even delightful treats like our Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake can offer a little something extra. The crushed pineapple provides a touch of Vitamin C and dietary fiber, contributing a burst of fruity goodness. It’s a reminder that a treat can be both satisfying and nourishing when made with simple, wholesome ingredients and a sprinkle of love.
FAQs
Can I make the Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making a day or two in advance. In fact, the flavors of the Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake often deepen and meld beautifully after a day in the refrigerator, making it even more delicious.
Do I have to use yellow cake mix?
While a yellow cake mix is traditional for this Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake, you can experiment! A white cake mix or even a butter pecan mix could offer interesting variations. Just ensure it’s a moist cake mix.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed?
For the cake batter, crushed pineapple is ideal for its moisture and texture. For the frosting, if using fresh, make sure it’s very finely minced and drained well to maintain the frosting’s consistency for the Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake.
Why is it called “Pig Pickin Cake”?
The name “Pig Pickin Cake” traditionally comes from Southern barbecue events where a whole hog (a “pig pickin'”) is roasted. This cake, often served at such gatherings, became synonymous with these festive, community-focused meals.
Conclusion
Baking, for me, has always been about more than just ingredients; it’s about weaving stories, sharing warmth, and creating those cherished moments that become sweet memories. This Southern Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake truly embodies that spirit. With its tender cake, luscious pineapple, and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and gather loved ones around the table. So go ahead, step into your kitchen, embrace the joy of baking, and share a slice of this sunshine-filled Pineapple Pig Pickin Cake. You’re not just baking a cake; you’re baking love, one sweet memory at a time.