If you love retro desserts, you’re in for a treat with this irresistibly moist and fruity Elvis Presley Cake. Packed with bright crushed pineapple, velvety cream cheese frosting, and a hint of nostalgia in every bite, this Southern classic is said to be one of the King’s all-time favorites. It’s a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy—guaranteed to turn any gathering into a legendary occasion. Let’s bake up a little rock-and-roll magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Elvis Presley Cake is in its simplicity. With just a handful of readily available ingredients, you get incredible flavor and texture. Each element, from the juicy pineapple to the creamy frosting, plays an essential role you simply can’t skip!
- Yellow cake mix: The ultimate time-saver, delivering a tender crumb and golden color with minimal effort.
- Crushed pineapple with juice (1 cup for cake): Sweet, tangy, and super moist, pineapple is the key to this cake’s signature texture.
- Vegetable oil: Helps keep the cake extra soft and moist for days.
- Large eggs: Bring structure and richness to your batter.
- Water: Ensures the cake mix blends smoothly and bakes perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (for topping): Adds a burst of sweetness and helps create that juicy, irresistible layer.
- Crushed pineapple with juice (20-ounce can for topping): This extra hit of pineapple brings the wow factor and soaks the cake in real fruit flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: Forms the base of the dreamy, tangy frosting that melts right into the cake.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Blends with cream cheese for a rich, fluffy spread.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and fluffs up the frosting into smooth perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting with warm, classic flavor.
- Chopped pecans (optional): For a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy topping.
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake
Step 1: Mix Your Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup of crushed pineapple (with its juice), vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Stir by hand or with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth and everything is evenly incorporated—the pineapple should be well distributed for maximum flavor in every slice!
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when the top looks golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Try not to open the oven door too early so you don’t risk deflating your lovely cake!
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Topping
While the cake bakes, get started on the luscious pineapple topping. In a medium saucepan, mix together 1 cup sugar and your 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple (including all the juice). Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then let it simmer and thicken for 3 to 4 minutes. This step intensifies the fruitiness and guarantees a moist, flavorful cake.
Step 4: Soak the Cake
Once your cake is hot out of the oven, poke holes all over the top using a fork or a skewer. This will let the pineapple topping seep down into every bite. Carefully pour the hot pineapple mixture over the entire surface of the cake, spreading it out to the edges for even coverage. Let the cake cool completely to allow all those juicy flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until totally smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to mix until your frosting is creamy, light, and deliciously spreadable. This luxurious frosting is what makes the Elvis Presley Cake truly over-the-top.
Step 6: Frost and Finish
Once the cake is completely cooled, slather the cream cheese frosting over the pineapple layer, reaching all the way to the edges. Sprinkle generously with chopped pecans if you like a bit of crunch and an extra Southern touch. For best results, let the whole cake chill in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing—it really lets the flavors sing!
How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts right over the frosted Elvis Presley Cake. You could also add a few pineapple tidbits or a maraschino cherry on each piece for added color and a truly retro flair. The contrast of creamy frosting with crisp nuts and bright fruit is simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair a slice of Elvis Presley Cake with a cup of strong coffee, cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for true indulgence. If you’re serving at a barbecue or potluck, set it alongside a fresh fruit salad or lemony iced tea for a balanced and crowd-pleasing dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Elvis Presley Cake into neat squares and serving it on a vintage cake stand to channel the 1950s diner vibe. For parties, portion into cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go treat, or garnish each slice individually with a mint sprig and extra drizzle of pineapple syrup for a little extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually get deeper and more delicious as the days go by!
Freezing
To freeze Elvis Presley Cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without nuts, if possible) tightly in plastic and then foil. Place in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying; the pineapple and cream cheese hold up wonderfully to freezing.
Reheating
While this cake is usually enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you like your Elvis Presley Cake a bit warm, microwave a slice for just 10–15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting will melt away. Just enough warmth releases those dreamy pineapple aromas!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple can be used, but canned pineapple with its juice is what gives this cake its classic flavor and extra moisture. If you’re using fresh, make sure to chop it finely and include any juice for the best texture.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt in a pinch, though the taste will be slightly different. Cream cheese really brings the classic tang to this cake, so don’t skip it if you can help it!
Is it possible to make Elvis Presley Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix for the regular one. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt this legendary treat for all your guests.
Should the nuts go inside the cake or just on top?
The nuts are intended as a topping, which adds great crunch and visual appeal. If you love nuts, feel free to sprinkle some into your frosting as well, but keeping them on top ensures a nice contrast in texture without overpowering the moist cake beneath.
How far ahead can I make Elvis Presley Cake?
This is a perfect make-ahead dessert! You can prepare the cake a day or even two days in advance; in fact, the flavors only get better as they meld. Just wait to garnish with nuts or additional fruit until right before serving for best texture and presentation.
Final Thoughts
Baking an Elvis Presley Cake is like sharing a little piece of sweet history—and good taste—with everyone at your table. There’s a reason this creamy, pineapple-kissed classic never goes out of style, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent nostalgia of a classic dessert with this Elvis Presley Cake recipe. Moist pineapple-infused cake topped with a sweet pineapple glaze and creamy cream cheese frosting, finished with a sprinkle of pecans for the perfect crunch.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
For the topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice
For the frosting:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix cake ingredients until combined. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Make the pineapple topping: Combine sugar and crushed pineapple in a saucepan. Boil and stir until thickened.
- Add topping to the cake: Poke holes in the cake, pour warm pineapple mixture over it, and let it cool.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add sugar and vanilla. Frost the cooled cake and top with pecans.
Notes
- Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving for best results.
- The flavors meld and improve the next day.
- Great for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you’re in the mood for a rich, fruity treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
