The Ultimate Elvis Presley Cake: A Moist Pineapple Pecan Delight with Cream Cheese Frosting
Embark on a culinary journey to the King of Rock and Roll’s favorite dessert with this incredible Elvis Presley Cake recipe! Starting with a convenient yellow cake mix and transforming it into a masterpiece, this cake features luscious pineapple, rich homemade cream cheese frosting, and crunchy pecans. It’s renowned for its unbelievably moist texture, vibrant fruity flavor, and remarkable ease of preparation, making it a showstopper for any occasion.
Why This Elvis Presley Cake Recipe Works So Well
This particular Elvis Presley Cake recipe is a true winner, combining convenience with gourmet taste. The magic begins with a simple yellow cake mix, which we “doctor up” with generous pineapple chunks to achieve an unparalleled level of moisture and tropical sweetness. This forms the perfect canvas for an irresistibly rich, homemade cream cheese frosting, and the final touch of chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth that perfectly balances the sweetness.
It’s no wonder this cake was reportedly one of Elvis Presley’s absolute favorites. Legend has it that the King would often ask his beloved Grandma to bake this very cake for him every time he visited, and for good reason! This isn’t just any pineapple cake; it’s a moist, tender, and flavor-packed dessert that genuinely tastes homemade, despite its humble origins. It shares similarities with a classic pineapple poke cake due to the way the warm pineapple mixture is absorbed, making every bite burst with juicy goodness. The combination of easy preparation and decadent flavor truly makes this Elvis Presley Cake recipe a timeless classic that will have everyone asking for a second slice.
Key Ingredients for Your Elvis Presley Cake
Crafting this delicious Elvis Presley Cake requires a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of these components creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that makes this cake so special. You can find all precise measurements, ingredient details, and comprehensive instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to perfecting this Elvis Presley Cake. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for substitutions:
CAKE BASE – To keep things wonderfully simple, this recipe utilizes one box of classic yellow cake mix. Don’t forget to gather the additional ingredients typically listed on the back of the box, such as water, oil, and eggs, as these are crucial for the foundational cake structure. If you’re an experienced baker or simply prefer to bake from scratch, feel free to prepare your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe as the base. The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility, allowing you to choose your preferred starting point for the cake itself.
PINEAPPLE – A 20 oz can of crushed pineapple, with its juice included, is absolutely essential for this recipe. This isn’t just for flavor; the natural juices from the crushed pineapple are what give this cake its signature incredibly soft and moist texture. The small crushed pieces also distribute evenly throughout the cake and soak beautifully into the poke holes. We use the juice to create a warm, sweet syrup that deeply infuses the cake, making every bite incredibly tender and fruity. While other forms of pineapple might work in a pinch, crushed pineapple provides the best consistency and moisture absorption.
FROSTING – In my humble opinion, the homemade cream cheese frosting is what truly elevates this Elvis Presley Cake to dessert royalty. Made with just a few core ingredients – powdered sugar for sweetness, cream cheese for tang, vanilla extract for warmth, and butter for richness – it whips up into a fluffy, creamy, and undeniably luscious topping. Its slight tanginess provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet pineapple and yellow cake, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. If time is of the essence, a high-quality store-bought cream cheese frosting can certainly be used, or you could even opt for a classic vanilla buttercream if that’s what you prefer. For best results with homemade frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
PEÇANLAR (Pecans) – The final flourish of chopped pecans is more than just a garnish; it adds a vital element of texture and a wonderfully earthy, buttery flavor that complements the sweet and tangy notes of the cake. The slight crunch of the pecans provides a delightful contrast to the soft cake and creamy frosting. While pecans are traditional for this Elvis Presley Cake, if you have a nut allergy or prefer another nut, walnuts could be a suitable substitute. For an extra boost of flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until fragrant before sprinkling them on top.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Elvis Presley Cake
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious Elvis Presley Cake. For your convenience, you can easily Jump to Recipe to access the printable version of this recipe, complete with exact measurements and condensed instructions, found at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare and Bake the Cake Base: Begin by assembling and baking the yellow cake according to the package directions. Make sure to use a 9×13 baking dish, properly greased and floured (or lined with parchment paper) to prevent sticking. Allow the cake to bake until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked. This initial step lays the groundwork for our incredibly moist cake.
- Simmer the Pineapple Topping: While your cake is baking or still warm, prepare the luscious pineapple topping. In a small saucepot, combine the entire 20 oz can of crushed pineapple (including all its juice) and the granulated sugar. Place the pot over medium heat on your stovetop. Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture consistently until the sugar completely dissolves. Bring it to a gentle boil and continue to boil for exactly 4 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to slightly thicken, creating a flavorful syrup that will deeply penetrate your cake. Once done, remove it from the heat and set aside.
- Whip the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. It’s crucial for both ingredients to be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting. Use a hand mixer (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) to whip them together until they are light, creamy, and thoroughly combined. This initial whipping introduces air, contributing to a fluffy frosting texture.
- Create the Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting: To the creamed butter and cream cheese mixture, gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Start mixing on a low speed to incorporate the powdered sugar without creating a cloud, then increase the speed to high. Continue mixing for approximately 3 minutes until the frosting becomes incredibly light, airy, fluffy, and perfectly creamy. You’ll notice the frosting visibly lighten in color as it’s whipped, indicating a proper consistency.
- Infuse the Cake with Pineapple: Once the cake has finished baking, and while it is still warm (but not piping hot), carefully poke many holes across the entire top surface. A wooden dowel, the handle of a wooden spoon, or even the blunt end of a chopstick works perfectly for this. Aim for evenly spaced holes that go about halfway down the cake. Slowly and carefully pour the warm pineapple mixture over the poked cake, allowing it time to absorb into the holes. Don’t worry if some crushed pineapple chunks remain on top; they’ll add lovely texture. This “poke cake” technique is crucial for infusing maximum moisture and flavor into every slice. Now, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding with the frosting. This step is vital to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Frost the Cooled Cake: After the cake has fully cooled (this is non-negotiable for perfectly set frosting!), retrieve your prepared cream cheese frosting. Use a pastry knife, offset spatula, or the back of a spoon to spread the frosting generously and evenly across the entire top surface of the pineapple-covered cake. Aim for a thick, luxurious layer that covers all the visible pineapple.
- Add the Pecan Topping: To complete your masterpiece, generously sprinkle the chopped pecans over the freshly frosted cake. Gently press them into the frosting if desired, ensuring they adhere well. The pecans not only add an appealing visual element but also contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy notes of the pineapple and cream cheese. Your Elvis Presley Cake is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Elvis Presley Cake
To maintain its freshness and delightful moisture, store your Elvis Presley Cake in an airtight container. Because it contains cream cheese frosting, it must be kept in the refrigerator. When properly stored, the cake will remain delicious for 2-3 days. However, please note that the longer it sits, especially with the pineapple mixture, the mushier the cake can become over time. For the best taste and texture, we highly recommend enjoying it within the first day or two of baking. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to soften slightly for easier slicing and a more enjoyable texture.
Absolutely! This Elvis Presley Cake recipe adapts beautifully into delightful cupcakes. Simply follow the directions for preparing the yellow cake batter as you would for a full cake, but instead, pour the batter into a cupcake tin lined with paper liners. Adjust the baking time according to your cupcake pan’s instructions, typically around 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once the cupcakes are baked and still warm, you can still gently poke holes into the tops with a skewer or toothpick and spoon the warm pineapple mixture over them. Allow them to cool completely. For frosting, you can pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake using a pastry bag and a decorative tip, or simply use an icing spatula to lather it on. This creates individual portions that are perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ensuring your cream cheese and butter are at proper room temperature is paramount for achieving a smooth, lump-free, and incredibly fluffy cream cheese frosting. Cold ingredients will resist blending, leading to a lumpy texture and a frosting that’s difficult to spread. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a light texture, while softened cream cheese blends seamlessly without curdling. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final consistency and appearance of your frosting.
Yes, and we highly recommend it! Toasting pecans before sprinkling them on top dramatically enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of depth to the cake. To toast, simply spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn them, as nuts can toast quickly. Let them cool completely before adding them to the cake.
Serving Suggestions for Your Elvis Presley Cake
The Elvis Presley Cake is a versatile and refreshing dessert that shines in many settings. Its fruity notes, primarily from the pineapple, make it an exceptional choice for serving during the warmer summer months. Imagine a slice of this cool, moist cake on a hot afternoon! However, don’t limit it to summer; the rich cream cheese and nutty pecans also make it a wonderful and comforting dessert for the holidays, bringing a unique tropical twist to traditional festive tables. This cake is perfectly suited for potlucks, birthday celebrations, retirement parties, family gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy “just because.” Serve it chilled directly from the refrigerator, or allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes for a slightly softer frosting. For an extra special touch, you can serve individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a small sprig of fresh mint. Remember, you can also bake this recipe into convenient cupcakes, making it an ideal option for serving a crowd or for grab-and-go treats.
More Delightful Cake Recipes to Explore
If you loved this Elvis Presley Cake, we have plenty of other fantastic cake recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From classic fruit cakes to rich chocolate delights, there’s something for every cake lover:
- Pistachio Cake
- Pineapple Cake
- Strawberry Cake
- Easy Banana Cake
- Raspberry Poke Cake
- Chocolate Poke Cake
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Elvis Presley Cake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix 1 box, plus ingredients on the back of box (water, oil, eggs)
- 20 oz crushed pineapple with the juice, undrained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans chopped (lightly toasted for extra flavor, optional)
Essential Equipment
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13×9 baking dish
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Hand mixer (or stand mixer)
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Small Saucepot
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Wooden dowel or wooden spoon handle (for poking holes)
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Pastry knife or offset spatula (for spreading frosting)
Before You Begin & Important Notes
- When using a boxed yellow cake mix, remember you will also need the additional ingredients specified on the back of the cake mix box, typically including water, eggs, and oil, to prepare the cake batter.
- For best results with the cream cheese frosting, ensure both your cream cheese and unsalted butter are at true room temperature. This makes for a smoother, lump-free, and fluffier frosting texture.
- To store your finished Elvis Presley Cake, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its delicious flavor and moisture for 2-3 days. While still enjoyable, the texture may become slightly mushier the longer it sits, so we recommend savoring it within the first day or two.
- If you prefer an even richer, nuttier flavor for your pecans, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant before sprinkling them on the cake. Let them cool completely after toasting.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven and prepare the yellow cake batter according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan, then bake as directed on the box. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan.
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While the cake is still warm, prepare the pineapple topping. In a small saucepot, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice) and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
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To make the cream cheese frosting, in a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the room temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to high and beat for about 3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and creamy, and has visibly lightened in color.
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While the cake is still warm, poke numerous holes into the top surface using a wooden dowel, the handle of a wooden spoon, or a skewer. Slowly pour the warm pineapple mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Any crushed pineapple pieces that remain on top are perfectly fine. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before applying the frosting.
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Once the cake is fully cooled, use a pastry knife or offset spatula to spread the homemade cream cheese frosting thickly and evenly across the entire top of the pineapple-covered cake.
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Finish by generously sprinkling the chopped pecans over the frosted cake. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are meticulously tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop to ensure accuracy. It’s important to acknowledge that some ovens, particularly older models, can cook and bake inconsistently. We highly recommend using an inexpensive oven thermometer to verify that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you utilize a toaster oven or countertop oven, please be aware that their heat distribution might differ from a conventional full-sized oven, potentially requiring adjustments to your cooking and baking times. For recipes prepared with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other specialized appliances, a link to the specific appliances we use is typically provided within each respective recipe. In the case of baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that substituting with volumetric cup measurements may yield different results, and we cannot guarantee success with alternative methods.