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Here’s a detailed, unique article for Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake, with a step-by-step guide for making it:

Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake: A Southern Delight for Any Celebration

If you’ve ever attended a Southern barbecue or a family reunion in the South, you’ve likely encountered the famous Pig Pickin’ Cake. This delightful dessert isn’t just a cake—it’s an experience. Bursting with flavor, moisture, and a creamy frosting, it’s perfect for warm weather gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and the unique way it combines cake, pudding, and a whipped topping. Let’s dive into the method to make this Southern classic from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box of yellow cake mix (or homemade yellow cake batter if preferred)
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water

For the Filling:

1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

For the Topping:

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Maraschino cherries or fresh berries for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Tip: Cooling the cake completely is crucial because the filling will soak into the cake slightly, giving it that moist, decadent texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until it thickens.
Let it set in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes to ensure it’s firm enough to layer over the cake.

Step 3: Layer the Cake and Pudding

Once the cake is completely cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke small holes all over the surface. This allows the pudding to seep in and flavor every bite.
Pour the prepared vanilla pudding over the cake, spreading evenly with a spatula.