Light Pig Pickin Cake is a cool, creamy Southern dessert made with mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping. This lighter version is simple to prepare, perfect for potlucks and cookouts, and stays moist while cutting back on calories.
Traditionally served as a layer cake at Southern gatherings called “pig pickins,” this recipe is baked in a 9×13-inch pan for easy serving. Using a boxed yellow cake mix keeps the method quick, while substitutes like unsweetened applesauce and egg whites lighten the cake. A sugar-free instant vanilla pudding and reduced-fat Cool Whip make the frosting creamy without excess richness.
The finished cake is light, fruity, and refreshing — ideal for warm-weather meals or any time you want a dessert that isn’t overly heavy.
What Is Pig Pickin Cake?
Pig Pickin Cake is a popular Southern dessert often found at barbecues and potlucks. The name comes from the Southern term “pig pickin,” a social event centered around a roasted hog. The cake itself is airy and refreshing, typically made from a yellow or white cake flavored with orange and pineapple, then topped with a light whipped frosting and fruit.
How To Make Light Pig Pickin Cake
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Make the cake batter. In a large bowl, use a hand-held electric mixer on low speed to beat the yellow cake mix with a can of mandarin oranges (undrained), 4 large egg whites, and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. Optionally add 1/2 teaspoon orange extract for extra citrus flavor. Mix for about 2 minutes on low until smooth.
- Bake the cake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting. In a bowl, stir together a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple (undrained) and a 1-ounce box of sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix. Fold in an 8-ounce container of reduced-fat Cool Whip until combined and creamy.
- Assemble and garnish. Spread the pineapple-Cool Whip frosting over the cooled cake. Garnish with maraschino cherries and additional mandarin orange slices as desired.
Chilling the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving helps the flavors meld and gives the frosting a firm, refreshing texture.
Storage
Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For best texture and freshness, consume within that timeframe.
Light Pig Pickin Cake offers a fruity, creamy finish that’s ideal for summer gatherings or when you want a dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy.
More Light Desserts
- Skinny Funfetti Cake
- Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
- Skinny Peach Cobbler
Light Pig Pickin Cake
Light Pig Pickin Cake is a cool and creamy Southern dessert featuring mandarin oranges, pineapple, and Cool Whip. It’s quick to make and ideal for gatherings.
Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 (regular-size) box yellow cake mix
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges undrained
- 4 large egg whites
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ teaspoon orange extract optional
Frosting
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple undrained
- 1 (1-ounce) box sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8-ounce) container reduced-fat Cool Whip
Garnish
- maraschino cherries
- mandarin orange slices
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer on low to combine the cake mix, mandarin oranges with their juice, egg whites, and applesauce. Mix about 2 minutes until blended. Add orange extract if using.
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
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For the frosting, stir the crushed pineapple and vanilla pudding mix together, then fold in the reduced-fat Cool Whip until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
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Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set.
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Garnish with maraschino cherries and additional mandarin orange slices before serving.
Recipe Notes
If you plan to decorate the top with extra mandarin orange slices, you may want an additional can of mandarins so you have enough for both the batter and garnish.