In the world of Southern desserts, few things capture the spirit of summer barbecues, potlucks, and family gatheringslike the Pig Pickin’ Cake. This cake is not just a dessert—it’s a celebration in a bowl, a slice of sunshine, and a piece of nostalgia all rolled into one. Its name comes from the Southern tradition of “pig pickin'”, a casual barbecue event where friends and family gather to enjoy slow-roasted pork and plenty of sweet treats.
The Pig Pickin’ Cake is light, fluffy, and impossibly moist, infused with tropical flavors, and topped with a whipped cream cheese frosting that is airy, creamy, and subtly tangy, making it the perfect complement to the warm, tender cake beneath. Add juicy pineapple, shredded coconut, and maybe even a touch of maraschino cherries, and you have a dessert that’s bright, flavorful, and irresistibly Southern.
This recipe will guide you step by step to recreate the magic in your own kitchen, even if you’ve never attempted a “layered poke-and-soak” cake before.
Servings & Time
- Servings: 12–16 slices
- Prep Time: 25–30 minutes
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling & Assembly: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 2 hours
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for tropical flavor)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
For the Poke & Soak Filling:
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (to thin frosting if needed)
For Garnish (Optional but Traditional):
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Maraschino cherries, halved
- Pineapple tidbits
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Optional: Lightly dust the pans with flour + cocoa (for extra non-stick) if using dark pans.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2½ cups flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Set aside.
This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake for a consistent rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup softened butter with 2 cups sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla and coconut extract (if using).
Tip: Beating well incorporates air into the batter, creating a lighter, fluffier cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour.
- Beat gently until just combined—do not overmix, or the cake can become dense.
- Fold in drained crushed pineapple with a spatula for moisture and tropical sweetness.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tip: Cooling completely prevents frosting from melting and sliding off.
Step 6: Poke & Soak
- Once the cakes are cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of each cake layer.
- In a small bowl, mix:
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes, keeping the cake moist and flavorful.
The “poke and soak” method is what gives Pig Pickin’ Cake its legendary tenderness and almost custard-like texture.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup butter until smooth.
- Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until creamy and fully blended.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- If the frosting is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
Tip: Beat frosting for a few extra minutes for a lighter, whipped texture.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of whipped cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly.
Step 9: Garnish
- Sprinkle the top with shredded coconut for texture and tropical flair.
- Add halved maraschino cherries and pineapple tidbits for color and extra flavor.
Optional: Toast the coconut lightly in a pan for extra flavor and crunch.
Step 10: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Slice into generous wedges and serve chilled or at room temperature.
This cake tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for potlucks and gatherings.
Tips for the Perfect Pig Pickin’ Cake
- Use fresh or canned pineapple: Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid a soggy cake.
- Whip the frosting well: Light, airy frosting gives the perfect cloud-like texture.
- Customize tropical flavors: Add a teaspoon of rum extract for a grown-up twist.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and assemble the frosting and garnish before serving.
- Alternative toppings: Crushed pineapple, toasted coconut, or chopped pecans for extra Southern flair.
Why It’s Legendary
- Impossible moistness: Thanks to the poke-and-soak method.
- Tropical nostalgia: Pineapple and coconut evoke sun-soaked Southern summers.
- Whipped cream cheese frosting: Light, fluffy, and slightly tangy, balancing the sweet cake perfectly.
- Crowd-pleaser: Easy to make for large groups, yet always disappears fast.
Nutritional Highlights (Approximate per Slice)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 6–7g
- Carbohydrates: 60–65g
- Fat: 20–22g
- Fiber: 1–2g
This is a rich dessert meant to be savored, perfect for celebrations, cookouts, or a special weekend treat.
The Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake is more than dessert—it’s Southern tradition on a plate, a sweet slice of sunshine that brings smiles, nostalgia, and a little tropical magic to any table.
