Pea Picking Cake is a nostalgic Southern dessert beloved for its vibrant citrus flavor and luscious creamy topping. Popular in community cookbooks and church gatherings, this cake is made with a convenient cake mix base, sweet mandarin oranges, and a light pineapple-pudding whipped topping. It’s a sunshine-filled treat that’s as simple as it is delicious—perfect for potlucks, summer picnics, or just a cheerful dessert after dinner. The whimsical name has uncertain origins, but the flavor is unmistakably Southern comfort.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 15.25 oz Butter Cake Mix (Duncan HInes)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs (large )
- 11 oz mandarin oranges (1 can, undrained)
Topping:
- 3.4 oz vanilla pudding mix (small box)
- 20 oz crushed pineapple (1 can, undrained)
- 8 oz Cool Whip (or whipped topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and the entire can of mandarin oranges (including juice).
- Beat well using an electric mixer until smooth and oranges are broken up.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly into three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely on wire racks.
Step 3: Make the Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the dry pudding mix and crushed pineapple (with juice).
- Let sit for a few minutes to slightly thicken.
- Fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip).
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Spread the topping between the cooled cake layers and over the top and sides.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- Swap yellow cake mix for butter golden cake mix for richer flavor.
- Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical twist.
- Fold in drained mandarin segments into the frosting for added texture.
- Replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a less processed version.
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter or topping.
- Chill the cake overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- For a lighter dessert, use sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping.
- Bake in a 9×13 pan instead of layers for easier serving at potlucks.
- Add a splash of pineapple juice to the frosting if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition
Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 349mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 313IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 1mg
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