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.
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
- 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)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups flaked coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round pans or one 9x13-inch pan .
- Bake for 30–35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Mixture
- In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, coconut, and vanilla.
- Spread evenly over the first cooled cake layer.
Step 3: Frost Between Layers
- Place second cake layer on top of the coconut mixture.
- Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting between each cake layer.
Step 4: Frost the Top & Sides
- Frost the entire cake with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans or extra coconut on top.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours before serving.
- 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:
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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pitch this recipe to food brands or kitchenware companies as a sponsored post or collaboration.
- Showcase branded ingredients or appliances in your photos/videos.
- "Pig Pickin' Cake recipe"
- "Southern coconut cake"
- "Cream cheese coconut cake"
- "Layered chocolate coconut cake"
- "Easy Pig Pickin' Cake"
- "Best Southern dessert recipes"
- Headings
- Image alt text
- Meta descriptions
- Video titles and tags
2. Affiliate Marketing
3. Email List Building
4. YouTube & Social Media Strategy
5. Sponsored Content Opportunities
📊 SEO Tips for Maximum Reach
To help your post rank higher in search engines, optimize for these keywords:
Use them naturally throughout your content, especially in:
❓ 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.
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:
For the Coconut Layer:
For the Frosting:
Optional Toppings: