Elvis Presley Cake: The Moist Pineapple Cake That Deserves a Standing Ovation
What Is Elvis Presley Cake?
The Elvis Presley Cake is a beloved Southern dessert known for its tropical sweetness and creamy frosting. It’s made with crushed pineapple, boxed cake mix, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting loaded with pecans. It’s believed to be one of Elvis’s favorites—and once you taste it, you’ll see why.
Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake hits the right note every time.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Baking Time | 35 minutes |
| Cooling & Frosting | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | ~1h 20 mins |
| Servings | 12 slices |
| Calories/Slice | ~410 kcal |
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) pineapple cake mix (or white/yellow mix)
- Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in 100% juice (do not drain)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free for halal)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cake ingredients as per the box instructions.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and 1 cup sugar.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in powdered sugar.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 4: Frost and Serve
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
- Optional: Garnish with extra pecans or shredded coconut.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes for easier slicing.
Tips and Variations
- No pineapple cake mix? Use white or yellow—pineapple will still shine through.
- Want more tropical vibes? Add a bit of shredded coconut to the frosting.
- Nut allergy? Skip the pecans completely.
Storage Tips
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- It tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.
FAQ – Elvis Presley Cake
Can I make this cake halal?
Yes! Use alcohol-free vanilla extract and check that your cake mix and cream cheese are halal-certified (no gelatin or animal enzymes).
Can I freeze Elvis Presley Cake?
Absolutely. Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight.
Can I make it without nuts?
Definitely. Just leave out the pecans if you have allergies or want a smoother texture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the cake mix for a gluten-free version and ensure the other ingredients are certified GF.
What if I don’t have pineapple cake mix?
Use yellow or white cake mix—the crushed pineapple will give it all the flavor you need.
Final Thoughts
This Elvis Presley Cake is a celebration of texture, flavor, and Southern comfort. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet night, it’s the kind of dessert that never misses a beat.
Simple to make. Impossible to forget.
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Elvis Presley Cake: The Moist Pineapple Cake That Deserves a Standing Ovation
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Halal
Description
Moist, fruity, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting — this Elvis Presley Cake is a nostalgic Southern dessert you’ll fall head over heels for! Made with crushed pineapple, a soft cake base, and a rich pecan-studded frosting, it’s the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a birthday party, or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, this easy pineapple cake recipe promises to steal the spotlight.
Quick to prepare with a box of cake mix but full of homemade flavor, it’s a timeless crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again
Ingredients
-
1 box (15.25 oz) pineapple cake mix
(or substitute yellow or white cake mix if preferred) -
Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
-
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in 100% juice (do not drain)
-
1 cup granulated white sugar
For the Frosting:
-
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (preferably alcohol-free for halal)
-
3 cups powdered sugar
-
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a large bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box (usually by adding eggs, oil, and water).
-
Stir in the crushed pineapple (with its juice) and 1 cup of sugar until fully combined.
-
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
-
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
-
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
-
Mix in the vanilla extract.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
-
Fold in the chopped pecans.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
-
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
-
Garnish with extra chopped pecans if desired.
-
Chill the cake for about 15–30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
Notes
-
Pineapple Substitution: If you don’t have pineapple cake mix, a simple white or yellow cake mix works perfectly. The crushed pineapple adds all the tropical flavor you need.
-
Make It Nut-Free: Allergic to nuts or prefer a smoother texture? You can skip the chopped pecans in the frosting — the cake will still be deliciously creamy and sweet.
-
Better the Next Day: This cake actually tastes even better after resting overnight! The frosting soaks into the cake, making every bite even more moist and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
