If you have a soft spot for nostalgic flavors wrapped in a moist, dreamy dessert, then the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This cake is a brilliant twist on a classic yellow cake, infused with sweet pineapple and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans for that perfect balance of creamy and crispy. Each bite feels like a warm hug from the past, packed with tropical brightness and Southern charm that stays with you long after the last crumb disappears.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this cake is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in bringing the luscious texture and layered flavors that make this recipe unforgettable. From the foundational yellow cake mix to the juicy pineapple and rich cream cheese frosting, everything combines to create a truly harmonized dessert experience.
- Yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water): The base that delivers that classic, tender crumb every good cake needs.
- Crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds juicy sweetness and moisture, ensuring the cake stays delightfully soft.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pineapple mixture perfectly without overpowering.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides tangy richness that makes the frosting irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds to creaminess and smooth texture in the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting just the right amount of sweetness and a silky finish.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the deep, familiar flavors with a warm aromatic touch.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Offers a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting.
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Yellow Cake
Start by preparing your yellow cake mix according to the package directions using eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This forms the soft, tender foundation that makes the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe so approachable and scrumptious.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze
While the cake is baking, combine the crushed pineapple (including the juice) and the granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat it over medium, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir regularly and allow the mixture to thicken slightly over 5 to 7 minutes. This luscious glaze infuses the cake with tropical sweetness and ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Infuse the Cake with Pineapple
Once your cake comes out of the oven, immediately poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer. This step is key to allowing the pineapple glaze to seep deeply into the cake, preventing dryness and adding an irresistible moistness unique to the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Pour the Pineapple Glaze
Slowly pour the warm pineapple mixture evenly over the hot cake, making sure it spreads across the entire top. The heat and holes you made earlier work together to absorb the glaze into the cake layers, locking in a wonderful tangy sweetness.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools to room temperature, whip together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat until you have a smooth, fluffy frosting that is rich but light, ready to crown your pineapple-infused masterpiece.
Step 6: Frost and Add Pecans
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake for that satisfying creamy layer on top. If you’re a fan of texture, sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosting. These nuts add a perfectly nutty crunch that complements the softness of the cake and richness of the frosting.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let all the flavors marry beautifully and the frosting set just right. Pro tip: for the best experience, prepare your Elvis Presley Cake Recipe a day in advance and let it chill overnight.
How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a few fresh pineapple tidbits elevates the cake’s presentation and adds a pop of freshness or crunch, making every slice look as enticing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake shines alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which balances the sweet tanginess perfectly. For drinks, consider serving with a hot cup of coffee or a tropical iced tea to complement the cake’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests at your next gathering? Serve the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe in neat slices on colorful plates, or portion it into individual dessert bowls topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a whole pecan on top. These small touches turn familiar comfort food into a special occasion treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the Elvis Presley Cake well and store it in the refrigerator. It stays moist and flavorful for several days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert that only gets better as the pineapple glazes soak further into the cake.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to maintain freshness up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and refresh the frosting before serving for best results.
Reheating
Since this is a moist pineapple cake with cream cheese frosting, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, let slices come to room temperature naturally rather than microwaving, which can alter texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I make the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe from scratch without a cake mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for convenience using a yellow cake mix, a homemade yellow cake batter will work just as well. The key is having that light, fluffy base to soak up the pineapple glaze.
Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake before pouring the pineapple mixture?
Yes, the holes allow the pineapple juice to seep into the cake, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful rather than just sitting on top as a glaze.
Can I substitute pecans with another nut or omit them altogether?
Feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even toasted coconut flakes if you prefer, or skip nuts entirely if you’re allergic or want a smoother frosted finish—the cake still tastes incredible!
How long can I keep the cake in the refrigerator?
When covered properly, the cake stays fresh for up to 4 to 5 days, maintaining its moist texture and rich flavor nicely.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat, only standard baking ingredients and dairy products.
Final Thoughts
Making the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe is like rediscovering a classic gem with every bite—a dessert that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a nostalgic treat, or just to spoil yourself, this cake brings warmth, joy, and a bit of retro flair to your table. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elvis Presley Cake is a nostalgic American dessert featuring a moist yellow cake infused with a sweet pineapple glaze and topped with a creamy, fluffy cream cheese frosting. The addition of chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch, making this retro dessert a perfect treat for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
Pineapple Topping
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, including eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
- Make Pineapple Glaze: While the cake is baking, combine the crushed pineapple with juice and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture slightly thickens.
- Apply Pineapple Mixture: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately use a fork or skewer to poke holes evenly all over the top of the hot cake. Pour the warm pineapple glaze evenly over the cake, spreading it to cover completely. Let the cake cool to room temperature, allowing the glaze to soak in.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface.
- Add Pecans and Chill: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the frosted cake, if desired. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the cake a day ahead and chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator; it stays moist and flavorful for several days.
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a nice texture contrast to the creamy frosting.
