Nothing beats a moist, fruity, and refreshing dessert—especially one bursting with sweet mandarin oranges and tropical pineapple flavors. If you’re craving a cake that’s light yet indulgent, Mandarin Orange Cake is the perfect treat.
This cake, also known as Pig Pickin’ Cake, is a Southern classic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its simple ingredients—often starting with a yellow cake mix—and a luscious pineapple whipped topping, it’s a foolproof dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or just because you love citrusy sweets, this guide has got you covered!
In this article, you’ll discover:
The history and origins of this Southern favorite
The essential ingredients and why they matter
A step-by-step recipe that guarantees success
Fun variations to customize your cake
The best tips for serving, storing, and troubleshooting
Let’s dive in!
What is Mandarin Orange Cake?
At its core, mandarin orange cake is a soft, fluffy dessert packed with real mandarin orange pieces in the batter, giving it a naturally sweet, citrusy flavor. What sets it apart from other cakes? It’s incredibly moist, thanks to the addition of fruit juices, and is traditionally topped with a light, pineapple-infused whipped frosting that melts in your mouth.
This cake is known for its refreshing, tropical taste—perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or even as an everyday treat when you’re craving something fruity. Plus, it’s super easy to make, especially when using a cake mix as the base!
The History: A Southern Favorite also Known as Pig Pickin’ Cake
Ever heard of Pig Pickin’ Cake? That’s just another name for Mandarin Orange Cake, especially in the Southern United States. The name comes from traditional pig roast gatherings (or pig pickin’s), where this cake was often served as a light, refreshing dessert after a hearty barbecue.
Because it’s made with fruit, it doesn’t feel as heavy as other cakes, making it a go-to dessert after big meals. Over the years, it has remained a beloved Southern classic—and once you taste it, you’ll see why!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Not convinced yet? Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this cake:
Quick & Easy – Minimal effort, maximum flavor! Using a cake mix makes it nearly foolproof.
Moist & Fluffy – The combination of mandarin oranges and pineapple frosting ensures it stays soft and delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday feast, this cake fits the bill.
Customizable – Want to add coconut? Prefer cream cheese frosting? The possibilities are endless!
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Mandarin Orange Cake
Essential Ingredients: Cake Mix vs. From Scratch
One of the best things about mandarin orange cake is its versatility. You can make it with a boxed cake mix for convenience or go the from-scratch route if you prefer a homemade touch.
- Using Cake Mix: A yellow cake mix is the most common base. It’s a time-saver and pairs beautifully with citrus flavors. Just mix in the mandarin oranges and other ingredients, and you’re halfway done!
- Making it from Scratch: Prefer homemade? Use flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla for a fresher take. The key is incorporating the mandarin orange juice into the batter for extra moisture.
The Role of Mandarin Oranges in Texture and Flavor
The star ingredient here is, of course, mandarin oranges. These tiny, juicy citrus fruits add:
Natural sweetness – No need for too much added sugar!
Extra moisture – Keeps the cake from drying out.
A soft, fruity texture – The orange pieces blend right into the batter, making every bite delicious.
Canned mandarins work best because they’re softer and already packed in juice. But fresh mandarins can also be used—just make sure to remove seeds and peel before blending them into the batter.
The Secret to a Moist Cake: Pineapple and Whipped Frosting
What makes mandarin orange cake truly special? The pineapple whipped frosting! Instead of heavy buttercream, this cake is topped with a light, tropical-inspired mixture of:
- Crushed pineapple (adds natural sweetness and tang)
- Vanilla pudding mix (helps stabilize the frosting)
- Cool Whip or whipped cream (makes it fluffy and airy)
The result? A creamy, refreshing topping that perfectly complements the citrusy cake. Now that we’ve covered ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe!
Step-by-Step Recipe: Classic Mandarin Orange Cake
Preparation: What You Need Before You Start
Before baking, gather everything you need:
For the cake:
1 box of yellow cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
4 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained and mashed slightly
For the frosting:
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan.
Mixing the Batter: Combining the Ingredients Correctly
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
Add the mandarin oranges and mix gently—don’t overmix! The small fruit pieces should stay visible.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Baking Tips: How to Get a Perfectly Moist Cake
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Avoid overbaking—this cake is supposed to be super moist!
Let it cool completely before adding the frosting.
Making the Pineapple Whipped Frosting
In a bowl, mix the crushed pineapple (with juice) and vanilla pudding mix until thick.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip (or whipped cream) until well combined.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Assembling the Cake and Final Touches
To make your mandarin orange cake extra special:
Garnish with extra mandarin orange slices on top.
Sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped nuts for texture.
Let it chill overnight—the flavors get even better the next day!
Variations and Customizations
Healthier Version: Low-Sugar and Gluten-Free Options
Want to enjoy mandarin orange cake without the guilt? Here are some ways to make it healthier while keeping the flavor intact:
- Low-sugar option: Use a sugar-free cake mix or reduce sugar by half in a homemade version. Swap the vanilla pudding mix for a sugar-free alternative.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix or make your own using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free alternative: Replace the Cool Whip with coconut whipped cream and ensure the pudding mix is dairy-free.
Alternative Frosting Choices: Cream Cheese vs. Buttercream
While the pineapple whipped frosting is classic, you can switch it up:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: If you love a tangy, richer flavor, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a thicker topping.
- Buttercream Frosting: Want something more traditional? A light orange-flavored buttercream using butter, powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla pairs beautifully with this cake.
Adding Nuts, Coconut, or Chocolate for Extra Flavor
For an extra kick of texture and taste, consider these add-ins:
Toasted coconut flakes – A tropical twist that enhances the citrus flavors.
Chopped pecans or walnuts – Adds crunch and a nutty contrast.
Dark chocolate chips – Orange and chocolate are a heavenly combination!
These small changes can completely transform the cake while still keeping its signature light and fruity essence.
Serving and Storing Mandarin Orange Cake
Best Ways to Serve: Occasions and Pairings
This cake isn’t just delicious—it’s also versatile. Serve it at:
Family gatherings – A favorite at BBQs, potlucks, and summer picnics.
Birthday parties – A refreshing alternative to heavy chocolate cakes.
Tea time or brunch – Pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
To elevate your mandarin orange cake, serve it with:
- A side of fresh berries
- A drizzle of honey or caramel
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
How to Store: Refrigeration vs. Freezing Tips
To keep your cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The whipped topping keeps the cake moist.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic wrap and thaw overnight before frosting.
- Make-ahead tip: This cake tastes even better the next day after chilling!
With these storage tricks, you can enjoy your cake for days without losing its signature soft and fluffy texture.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though mandarin orange cake is simple to make, a few common mistakes can lead to a dry texture, runny frosting, or lack of flavor. Here’s how to avoid them!
Overmixing and Its Effect on Cake Texture
One of the most frequent baking mistakes is overmixing the batter. While it might seem like a good idea to blend everything thoroughly, too much mixing develops gluten, making the cake dense and tough instead of light and fluffy.
Solution: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. A few lumps are okay!
Why Your Cake Might Turn Out Dry (And How to Fix It)
A mandarin orange cake should be moist and soft, but baking errors can dry it out.
Overbaking: If left in the oven too long, it will lose its moisture.
Not enough liquid: Draining mandarins too much can reduce their juice content.
Incorrect flour measurement: Too much flour absorbs moisture and makes the cake dry.
Solution: Check for doneness at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not dry crumbs or wet batter.
Ensuring the Frosting is Light and Fluffy
A runny or grainy frosting can ruin the experience. The main culprit? Not chilling the frosting ingredients before mixing!
Solution: Refrigerate the crushed pineapple before mixing it with pudding mix and whipped topping. This will help the frosting hold its shape and stay fluffy.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll have a perfect, moist, and flavorful mandarin orange cake every time!
FAQs: Answering the Most Common Questions
Many people have questions when making mandarin orange cake. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked ones!
1. Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh mandarins can be used, but they require extra preparation. Peel, remove seeds, and blend slightly before adding to the batter. Keep in mind that canned mandarins add extra juice and sweetness, which can affect the texture if replaced with fresh ones.
2. What is the difference between Mandarin Orange Cake and Pig Pickin’ Cake?
Both cakes are similar, but Pig Pickin’ Cake is a Southern variation that always includes pineapple in the batter and frosting. Mandarin orange cake sometimes skips pineapple in the batter but still features a citrus-forward flavor.
3. Can I make this cake without pineapple?
Yes, but the frosting won’t have the same tropical sweetness and moisture. Instead, you can substitute:
Orange zest and juice for added citrus flavor.
Vanilla Greek yogurt to maintain the creamy texture.
4. How long does Mandarin Orange Cake last in the fridge?
This cake stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as it chills!
That wraps up our complete guide to mandarin orange cake! Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it with new flavors, this cake is sure to be a favorite. Enjoy baking!
Fun Ways to Decorate Mandarin Orange Cake
A delicious cake deserves an eye-catching presentation! While mandarin orange cake is naturally beautiful with its golden color and creamy frosting, a few extra touches can make it even more inviting.
Simple and Elegant Garnishes
If you prefer a minimalist look, here are a few easy ways to decorate:
Mandarin Orange Slices: Place whole or halved orange segments on top for a bright, citrusy touch.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle lightly over the frosting for a tropical feel.
Crushed Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and contrast beautifully with the soft cake.
Edible Flowers: Small blooms like chamomile or pansies can make the cake look delicate and refined.
Creative and Festive Cake Designs
Want to impress your guests? Try these fun decorating ideas:
Layered Cake: Instead of a sheet cake, bake two round cake layers and spread frosting between them for a more elegant presentation.
Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the frosting for a gourmet touch.
Whipped Cream Swirls: Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls on top, then garnish with orange zest.
Citrus Zest Dusting: A light sprinkle of orange or lemon zest enhances the citrus theme.
Whether you go for simple elegance or a bold statement, these decorations will make your mandarin orange cake look as amazing as it tastes!
The Best Drinks to Pair with Mandarin Orange Cake
Pairing your mandarin orange cake with the right drink elevates the experience! Whether you prefer something refreshing, creamy, or indulgent, there’s a perfect beverage for every occasion.
Refreshing and Light Pairings
If you want a drink that complements the cake’s bright citrus notes, try these:
Iced Citrus Tea: A blend of black tea, lemon, and honey enhances the cake’s fruity flavors.
Sparkling Orange Soda: The fizzy bubbles contrast the creamy frosting, making every bite feel lighter.
Mimosa (Champagne + Orange Juice): Ideal for brunch or celebrations! The bubbly sweetness pairs beautifully with the cake.
Creamy and Indulgent Pairings
For a richer pairing, go with smooth, creamy drinks that balance the citrusy tang:
Vanilla Latte: The warm, velvety flavors of espresso and vanilla complement the cake’s sweetness.
Chilled Almond Milk: A light, nutty contrast to the cake’s tropical flavors.
Homemade Eggnog (for the holidays!): The spiced, creamy texture creates a festive combination.
Unexpected But Perfect Matches
Want to try something different? These drinks will surprise you:
Coconut Rum Cocktail: A tropical, slightly boozy pairing that makes the cake taste like vacation in a bite!
Whether you’re serving this cake at brunch, a birthday, or a cozy night in, these drinks will take it to the next level. Enjoy your perfect pairing!