If you’re searching for a treat that truly hits all the nostalgic high notes, Elvis Presley Cake is the answer! This retro dessert transforms an easy yellow cake into something spectacular, marrying the tropical tang of pineapple with the richness of a cloud-like cream cheese frosting. Every bite is moist, sweet, and packed with Southern charm. Whether you’re making it for a family celebration or just to brighten a weekend, this cake brings comfort, fun, and a little touch of rock-and-roll legend right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Elvis Presley Cake is that the ingredient list is straightforward, but each component adds its own flair—making the finished dessert so much more than the sum of its parts. From the bright zing of pineapple to the decadent blanket of frosting, each item is absolutely essential for flavor and texture.
- Yellow cake mix: The perfect easy base, giving you a fluffy, golden foundation with minimal fuss.
- Crushed pineapple with juice: Adds moisture and a sweet, tangy burst that soaks perfectly into the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pineapple layer just enough to highlight its natural flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the creamy frosting, lending richness and tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Teams up with the cream cheese to create an ultra-smooth, decadent topping.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting that light, melt-in-your-mouth texture without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens all the sweet flavors and brings everything together.
- Chopped pecans (optional): If you love a bit of crunch, these nuts provide a toasty, nutty finish—amazing when lightly toasted!
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven and mixing up the yellow cake according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. The cake should puff up and turn a lovely golden color—keep an eye out so it doesn’t overbake. The aroma alone will have your kitchen feeling warm and inviting.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Mixture
While your cake is baking, set up a small saucepan on the stove. Combine the crushed pineapple (juice and all) with the granulated sugar, and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. After it starts bubbling, lower the heat and let it simmer for five minutes. Stir it every now and then—the mixture thickens slightly and smells like sunshine.
Step 3: Infuse the Cake
As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, grab a fork or skewer and poke holes all over the top. Don’t be shy—you want lots of little spaces for the pineapple mixture to seep right in. Carefully pour the hot pineapple mixture across the surface, letting it sink into all those nooks and crannies. This is where the magic happens, turning an ordinary cake into the legendary Elvis Presley Cake.
Step 4: Let It Cool
Patience is key here! Allow the cake to cool completely before you even think about frosting it. This rest time gives the pineapple syrup a chance to really soak in, so every bite is juicy and flavorful. Plus, frosting a cool cake keeps everything neat and tidy.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake chills, make the decadent frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is ultra-smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract—a little at a time to keep things fluffy and lump-free. The result: a dreamy icing you’ll want to eat straight from the bowl!
Step 6: Frost and Top
Spread the creamy frosting over the cooled cake, taking care to go all the way to the edges. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if you like a nutty crunch (it’s absolutely divine with toasted pecans). Now, pop the cake into the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve.
How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake
Garnishes
For the ultimate finish, a handful of chopped pecans sprinkled on top adds not just texture but a lovely, earthy contrast to the sweetness. You can also adorn each piece with a maraschino cherry or even a tiny wedge of pineapple for a burst of color—think of it as a little wink to Elvis’s flamboyant style!
Side Dishes
Elvis Presley Cake is rich on its own, so pair it with something light: a bowl of fresh strawberries, a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt, or even a tall glass of iced tea works beautifully. The tartness and freshness of fruit balance all the sweet, creamy richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by cutting the cake into sweet, retro squares and serving on fun vintage plates. If you’re feeling playful, plate the cake with whipped cream and a banana slice to nod to The King’s famous love of all things banana. For parties, make it into individual parfaits with cake cubes, juicy pineapple, and billows of frosting in glass jars—guaranteed to charm any crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Elvis Presley Cake is how well it keeps; simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. The flavors get even better after a night’s rest! Just make sure it’s well-sealed to keep everything luscious and moist.
Freezing
If you somehow have leftovers (or want to prep ahead), you can absolutely freeze this cake. Cut it into squares and wrap each piece individually or seal the whole pan tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you need that sweet fix.
Reheating
No reheating needed for this dessert! Elvis Presley Cake is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. If you prefer it closer to room temperature, let your slice sit out for 15 minutes before digging in. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
FAQs
Can I use homemade yellow cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite scratch-made yellow cake recipe, it’ll work wonderfully as the base for Elvis Presley Cake. Just make sure you use a 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
What if I don’t like pecans or have a nut allergy?
No worries at all. The pecans are totally optional! You can leave them off entirely or swap in toasted coconut flakes for a different kind of crunch and interest.
Can I make Elvis Presley Cake a day ahead?
Yes, and it’s even recommended! Chill the finished cake overnight to let all the flavors meld and the pineapple to thoroughly soak in. You’ll find the texture and taste even more delicious the next day.
Is this cake overly sweet?
Elvis Presley Cake is sweet, but the tangy cream cheese frosting and pineapple layer balance the flavors nicely. If you prefer things a touch less sweet, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the pineapple mixture or use less powdered sugar in the frosting.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Definitely! Pour the cake batter into lined muffin tins, bake as for cupcakes, poke holes as soon as they’re out of the oven, and spoon the warm pineapple mixture over each. Frost and sprinkle with pecans for adorable, portable Elvis Presley Cake cupcakes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about a classic like Elvis Presley Cake—it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and always brings joy to the table. Give it a try and let your family experience a slice of sweet, retro happiness. After one bite, don’t be surprised if this cake becomes your new favorite too!
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Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elvis Presley Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a moist yellow cake infused with sweet pineapple and topped with a creamy frosting. This retro-inspired treat is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Pineapple Topping:
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the yellow cake mix box to prepare the cake batter. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
- Make the Pineapple Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed pineapple with sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cake: Once the cake is baked, poke holes on top and pour the hot pineapple mixture over it.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix until fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle with pecans if desired. Refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- This cake tastes best when chilled overnight for enhanced flavors.
- For a richer taste, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
