Here you’ll find a moist winning recipe for Pea Pickin’ cake. Whether this is your first time cooking this or you’re trying to re-imagine an old family favorite, you’ve come to the right place for this classic Southern recipe.

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Using easy to find ingredients at your local grocery store, you can make this moist refreshing pea pickin cake in under an hour.

It’s nostalgic and a crowd pleaser. 

Much like our chocolate chip cake.

My grandmother used to make Pea Pickin’ cake for my mom and aunts as they grew up. When we were thinking up awesome Southern Recipes, this one made the list!

Watch How to Make the Pea Pickin’ cake

But before we move on…

Pig Picking or Pea Picking?

Some people refer to this cake as a Pig Pickin’ Cake, which… I don’t know… is not how my grandmother referred to it… so there.

The cake is an old fashioned traditional Southern dessert often served at “pig pickin’s”, aka pig roasts, hence its pig pickin cake name. Today we still serve it at barbecues, picnics, or other any gatherings!

But other folks call it by its other name – the Pea Pickin’ cake. I have so many memories of my grandmother ACTUALLY shelling peas. So… I’m thinking she clocked so many hours sitting down in her chair with those peas, that she made up a cake to celebrate when she got done.

Either way, we have two names for one delicious cake.

Psst… my grandmother also loved pecan praline! Did yours?

What We Love About The Pea Pickin’ Cake

• It’s super moist!
• It’s easy to cook.
• Ingredients are easy to find.
• It’s inexpensive!
• It’s a Southern nostalgic favorite!

That was a lot of exclamations.

What’s In The Cake

At its base…. a pea pickin’ cake is a standard vanilla layer cake topped with some mandarin oranges that give it a citrus kick. It is light and airy and a great after-dinner dessert.

What’s In The Frosting

The frosting in the pea pickin cake contains the following.

• Whipped topping (cool whip is an option)
• Crushed pineapple
• Instant Vanilla pudding mix
• Mandarin oranges

So without further ado… here’s how to make the Pea Pickin’ Cake.

Here’s the basic process.

How Long Will The Pea Pickin Cake Keep?

Because this cake is so moist, it’ll taste best eaten within a couple of days. After making, store in the refrigerator covered so the moisture doesn’t escape and cause you to lose one of the best features of the pea pickin cake itself.

It can be frozen as well, but it’s best to use within 3 months. The icing will not be at its best when you thaw it out, so if you are wanting a cake you can make ahead, I’d suggest another type and leave this one for a day when you can cook it fresh, then eat it quickly.

It’ll go quickly once it’s up for serving, that’s for sure!

What Foods Go Well With A Pea Pickin’ Cake?

This cake is great for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. Particularly during the summer. Here are a few things that would pair well with a pea pickin’ cake for fun times together.

• Fried Chicken
• Potato Salad
• Barbecue Pork, Beef, or Chicken
• Baked Beans

Or…. anything else you feel like cooking!

Check out our full list of BBQ Menu Ideas and Easy Potluck Ideas for a great spread at your gathering!