🍰 Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake – The Southern Dessert That Steals the Show!

 


Looking for a dessert that’s as rich, moist, and unforgettable as your favorite Southern memories? Meet the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake — a decadent, crowd-pleasing layer cake loaded with chocolate, coconut, pecans, and a dreamy cream cheese frosting.

This beloved Southern staple is a must-have at picnics, church suppers, family reunions, and backyard barbecues — especially in states like Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. It’s the kind of cake that disappears fast, no matter how big the pan you bring it in.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make the ultimate Pig Pickin’ Cake from scratch , plus share expert tips, variations, and even how to monetize this content if you run a blog or YouTube channel.

Let’s dive into this classic!

What Is Pig Pickin’ Cake?

Pig Pickin’ Cake is a Southern layer cake known for its dense, moist texture and rich flavor profile. It typically features:

  • A fudgy chocolate cake base
  • A middle layer of sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut
  • Toasted pecans sprinkled between layers
  • Cream cheese frosting generously spread on top
  • The name comes from its popularity at pig pickin’ parties , where whole hogs are slow-cooked and pulled apart for sandwiches. But let’s be real — this cake often gets more attention than the barbecue!

    It’s:

    • Rich and indulgent
    • Packed with texture
    • Perfect for potlucks and gatherings
    • Easy to customize
    • Always a hit with kids and adults
    • Whether you're new to Southern desserts or just craving something nostalgic, Pig Pickin’ Cake deserves a spot on your baking list.

      Ingredients You'll Need

      For the Chocolate Cake:

      • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
      • 2 cups granulated sugar
      • 2 large eggs
      • 1 tsp vanilla extract
      • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
      • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
      • 1 tsp baking soda
      • ½ tsp salt
      • 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + lemon juice)
      • For the Coconut Layer:

        • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
        • 2 cups flaked coconut
        • 1 tsp vanilla extract

        For the Frosting:

        • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
        • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
        • 4 cups powdered sugar
        • 1 tsp vanilla extract
        • Pinch of salt
        • Optional Toppings:

          • Toasted pecans or walnuts
          • Extra coconut flakes
          • Mini marshmallows
          • Chocolate shavings
        • 💡 Tip: For a shortcut version, use boxed chocolate cake mix and premade frosting.


          🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

        • Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

          1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
          2. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
          3. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
          4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
          5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
          6. Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round pans or one 9x13-inch pan .
          7. Bake for 30–35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

          Step 2: Make the Coconut Mixture

          1. In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, coconut, and vanilla.
          2. Spread evenly over the first cooled cake layer.

          Step 3: Frost Between Layers

          1. Place second cake layer on top of the coconut mixture.
          2. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting between each cake layer.

          Step 4: Frost the Top & Sides

          1. Frost the entire cake with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.
          2. Sprinkle toasted pecans or extra coconut on top.

          Step 5: Chill & Serve

          1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours before serving.
          2. Slice into squares or wedges and enjoy every rich, creamy bite!

          💡 Tip: For best results, make this a day ahead — the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.


          💡 Expert Tips for Best Results

          • Use room temperature dairy for smoother frosting and better blending.
          • Don’t skip the toasting step for coconut and nuts — it adds depth and crunch.
          • Let cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
          • Store in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting.
          • Freeze slices individually for easy grab-and-go treats later.

          • 🔄 Creative Variations to Try

            Want to switch things up? Here are some fun twists:

          Cake Base
          Carrot cake or red velvet instead of chocolate
          Coconut
          Crushed pineapple or raisins for a fruity twist
          Nuts
          Almonds, macadamia, or skip entirely for nut-free
          Frosting
          Whipped ganache, mascarpone, or vegan cream cheese frosting
          Add-ins
          Mini marshmallows, caramel drizzle, or crushed Oreos

          Try a Tropical Pig Pickin’ Cake by adding crushed pineapple and using rum extract in the frosting



    • 🍽 How to Serve Pig Pickin’ Cake

      This rich, layered cake pairs beautifully with:

      • Iced tea or coffee
      • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
      • Fresh berries or banana slices
      • At holiday dinners, summer cookouts, or school bake sales
      • As part of a Southern dessert buffet

      Perfect for family gatherings , church potlucks , or weekend indulgence !


      🧊 How to Store & Reheat

      Proper storage keeps your Pig Pickin’ Cake tasting fresh and rich:

      • Refrigerator : Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days .
      • Freezer : Wrap tightly or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months .
      • Reheating : Microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, gooey bite.

      Great for making ahead , gift-giving , or holiday baking !


      📈 Monetization Hacks for Bloggers & Content Creators

      If you run a food blog, YouTube channel, or social media account, this type of content is perfect for monetization . Here’s how to maximize its earning potential:

      1. AdSense Optimization

      • Use clear headings and subheadings for better readability.
      • Insert ads between sections or after the first 300 words.
      • Use high-performing ad units like in-article banners or responsive display ads .
      • 2. Affiliate Marketing

        • Recommend kitchen tools like stand mixers , cake pans , or frosting kits .
        • Link to ingredient brands or specialty products (e.g., organic coconut, premium cream cheese).
        • Earn commissions via Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate.

        3. Email List Building

        • Offer a free printable recipe card or themed eBook behind an email opt-in.
        • Create a “Southern Desserts Collection” or “Classic Layer Cakes Guide” as lead magnets.

        4. YouTube & Social Media Strategy

        • Film a short-form video showing the step-by-step process (ideal for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts).
        • Use keywords like “Pig Pickin’ Cake,” “Southern coconut cake,” and “layered cream cheese cake” in your titles and descriptions.
        • Include affiliate links in your description box or pinned comment.

        5. Sponsored Content Opportunities

        • Pitch this recipe to food brands or kitchenware companies as a sponsored post or collaboration.
        • Showcase branded ingredients or appliances in your photos/videos.

        📊 SEO Tips for Maximum Reach

        To help your post rank higher in search engines, optimize for these keywords:

        • "Pig Pickin' Cake recipe"
        • "Southern coconut cake"
        • "Cream cheese coconut cake"
        • "Layered chocolate coconut cake"
        • "Easy Pig Pickin' Cake"
        • "Best Southern dessert recipes"

        Use them naturally throughout your content, especially in:

        • Headings
        • Image alt text
        • Meta descriptions
        • Video titles and tags

        ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

        Q: Can I use store-bought cake mix?
        A: Absolutely! Save time by using a devil’s food or chocolate cake mix and premade frosting.

        Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
        A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour blend or certified GF cake mix.

        Q: How do I keep the cake from drying out?
        A: Don’t overbake and always store in the fridge to maintain moisture.

        Q: Can I freeze Pig Pickin’ Cake?
        A: Yep! Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.

        Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of frosting?
        A: Yes, for a lighter version — just spread on top before chilling.


        🧾 Final Thoughts

        Pig Pickin’ Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a Southern tradition wrapped in layers of chocolate, coconut, and cream cheese bliss. Whether you're bringing it to a picnic, making it for your family, or just treating yourself to a slice of nostalgia, this cake delivers every time.

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