Elvis Presley Cake
There’s something timeless and soulful about the Elvis Presley Cake — a dessert that feels like a sweet Southern melody in every bite. Inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, this cake captures everything we love about Southern baking: simplicity, comfort, and a whole lot of flavor. Moist, fruity, creamy, and nutty — it’s the kind of cake that brings people together around the table and has everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy weekend treat, the Elvis Presley Cake never disappoints. The combination of fluffy white cake, juicy pineapple, and rich cream cheese frosting creates the perfect harmony of flavors — much like Elvis’s music that still moves hearts today.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this cake so irresistible, why it works so beautifully, and how you can make your own version right in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
The Elvis Presley Cake is a legend for good reason. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both nostalgic and delicious. Here’s why it works so perfectly every single time:
Moisture Magic:
The secret lies in the pineapple layer. Once your white cake is baked and cooled, you poke holes in it and pour the hot pineapple-sugar mixture on top. This step ensures every bite is soaked in sweet tropical flavor, keeping the cake moist for days.
Flavor Balance:
The tangy pineapple beautifully cuts through the richness of the cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect sweet-tart balance that keeps the cake from being too heavy.
Texture Harmony:
Soft, fluffy cake meets creamy frosting and crunchy pecans — that trio of textures makes the Elvis Presley Cake unforgettable.
Simplicity Meets Elegance:
This cake may look like it took hours to make, but it’s actually simple enough for beginners. It uses a boxed white cake mix, so you get perfect structure every time with minimal effort.
Classic Southern Charm:
There’s something inherently comforting about recipes passed down through Southern kitchens — and the Elvis Presley Cake is a perfect example of that old-fashioned, feel-good charm.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Before we start baking, here’s everything you need to make the Elvis Presley Cake from start to finish. These simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Cake Base:
1 box white cake mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box — usually eggs, oil, and water)
Shortcut magic! This gives you a reliable, fluffy foundation every time.
Pineapple Layer:
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, with juice
Use the whole can — the juice is key for soaking the cake and infusing that tropical flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar
Sweetens and helps create a syrupy pineapple glaze.
Frosting:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
Smooth, tangy, and rich — the heart of the frosting.
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
Gives the frosting that creamy, velvety texture.
3 cups powdered sugar
Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A touch of warmth and aroma.
2–3 cups crushed pecans
For crunch, depth, and a beautiful nutty contrast.
Each ingredient plays a part in creating the perfect Elvis Presley Cake — balanced, moist, and layered with love.
How To Make Elvis Presley Cake
Now for the fun part — let’s bring this iconic dessert to life step-by-step.
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare your white cake mix according to the package directions. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan until golden and springy to the touch. Once it’s done, let it cool completely.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
When the cake is cool, use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top. This helps the pineapple glaze soak deep into the cake, giving it that signature moist texture.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice) and 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and stir until slightly thickened — about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Pour the Pineapple Mixture Over the Cake
While the pineapple mixture is still hot, pour it evenly over the cooled, poked cake. The warm glaze seeps into every crevice, infusing the cake with incredible tropical sweetness. Allow it to cool again before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract, then fold in the crushed pecans.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pineapple layer. The creamy, nutty frosting perfectly complements the fruity cake underneath.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
For best results, chill your Elvis Presley Cake for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Want your Elvis Presley Cake to come out perfectly every single time? Here are some expert tips to guarantee success:
Don’t skip the poking step:
The holes let the pineapple glaze soak in deeply, making the cake moist and flavorful throughout.
Use room-temperature ingredients:
Cream cheese and butter mix much more smoothly when they’re softened. Cold ingredients can make the frosting lumpy.
Toast the pecans (optional but amazing):
Lightly toasting your pecans before mixing them into the frosting adds a deeper, richer flavor.
Chill before serving:
Refrigerating the Elvis Presley Cake helps the frosting set and enhances the overall flavor and texture.
Customize your toppings:
Add a sprinkle of coconut flakes or maraschino cherries for a fun, festive look.
Make it ahead:
This cake actually tastes better the next day! The flavors develop beautifully overnight.
Serving for a crowd:
The Elvis Presley Cake can easily be doubled for parties. Just use two pans and you’re set for a crowd-pleasing dessert that vanishes fast.
How To Serve Elvis Presley Cake
Serving this cake is as delightful as making it. Once chilled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve on dessert plates.
For an extra touch of indulgence, add one of these finishing touches:
A dollop of whipped cream on top
A few extra toasted pecans sprinkled over the frosting
A small drizzle of caramel or honey for added shine
Or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — the warm-cold contrast is heavenly!
The Elvis Presley Cake is also a hit at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family reunions. It’s easy to transport, serves a crowd, and keeps beautifully for several days in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
The Elvis Presley Cake is incredibly versatile. You can dress it up or keep it simple depending on the occasion.
For Summer Parties: Serve chilled with fresh pineapple slices or a tropical fruit salad on the side.
For Holiday Tables: Add a dusting of powdered sugar and decorate with red cherries for a festive look.
For Birthdays or Anniversaries: Layer it with whipped topping and crushed pecans for an elegant presentation.
For Afternoon Coffee: A small slice pairs perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or sweet iced tea.
Every serving feels special — just like a classic Elvis performance that leaves you smiling long after it’s over.
Storage + Make-Ahead Tips
The Elvis Presley Cake stores wonderfully, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen as it sits!
Freezer: Freeze slices (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
Make-Ahead: Bake and glaze the cake a day early, then frost before serving for the freshest look and taste.
Recipe Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
This timeline makes the Elvis Presley Cake perfect for when you need a dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t keep you tied to the kitchen all day.
Final Thoughts on the Elvis Presley Cake
The Elvis Presley Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a slice of nostalgia. Every bite carries the warmth of Southern kitchens, the joy of simple ingredients, and the sweetness of timeless flavor.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for celebrations. And best of all, it always brings smiles, compliments, and a few “Can I get that recipe?” moments.
So go ahead — preheat your oven, put on some Elvis tunes, and let your kitchen rock with the aroma of this classic masterpiece. The Elvis Presley Cake truly is dessert royalty, fit for the King himself.
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do!