Elvis Presley Cake

Oh, this one’s special. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve made this Elvis Presley Cake and had someone ask, “What is IN this?!” It’s one of those wildly nostalgic, impossibly moist cakes that tastes like love and Southern charm baked into every bite.

Thank you for being here—really. Sharing these retro treasures makes my heart sing (pun absolutely intended). This one’s all about comfort, sweet memories, and the kind of old-school dessert that makes people close their eyes when they take the first bite. Elvis Presley Cake is sweet, rich, a little surprising, and absolutely unforgettable—just like the King himself.

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What Is Elvis Presley Cake?

At its heart, this is a jazzed-up pineapple sheet cake—moist yellow cake topped with a thick, luscious crushed pineapple glaze, and finished with a creamy vanilla-pecan frosting that soaks into the cake. The result? A fork-tender, ultra-flavorful dessert that tastes like banana pudding, hummingbird cake, and pineapple upside-down cake had a party.

Named after the King of Rock ‘n Roll, it’s rumored to have been one of Elvis’s favorite desserts—hence the name. True or not, one bite and you’ll believe it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make with the help of a boxed cake mix
• Unbelievably moist thanks to the pineapple glaze
• Old-fashioned charm that feels like it came from your grandma’s kitchen
• Easy to transport—perfect for potlucks, church suppers, or family reunions
• Crowd favorite—people go wild for this one

What Does Elvis Presley Cake Taste Like?

It’s soft, sweet, and ultra-moist with a tropical fruity zing from the crushed pineapple. The cake itself is buttery and tender, but the real magic is in the glaze—it soaks into the sponge and gives it a soft, custardy richness. Then there’s the frosting: sweet, creamy, and studded with pecans for a little crunch.

This cake is anything but boring!! It’s like sunshine in dessert form.

Benefits of Elvis Presley Cake

• Great make-ahead dessert—even better after chilling
• Minimal prep time (start with a boxed mix!)
• No decorating skills needed—it’s all about flavor, not frills
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Can be made in a single pan for easy cleanup

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic:

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (do not drain)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 to 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted, if desired)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13” baking dish
• Hand or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Saucepan (for glaze)
• Wire rack (optional, for cooling)

Optional Additions & Substitutions

• Coconut flakes – mix into the frosting for an extra Southern flair
• Walnuts instead of pecans, or skip the nuts entirely
• Pineapple tidbits – for a chunkier texture in the glaze
• Banana slices – lay them under the frosting for an Elvis-approved touch
• Whipped topping instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter finish

How to Make Elvis Presley Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13” baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, milk, and oil. Beat for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bake

Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Don’t overbake—it should be soft and springy.

Step 4: Prepare Pineapple Glaze

While the cake is baking, combine the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice and all) with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 5: Poke & Pour

Once the cake comes out of the oven, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top. Immediately pour the hot pineapple glaze evenly over the warm cake. Let it soak in as it cools.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until thick and spreadable. Stir in chopped pecans.

Step 7: Frost & Chill

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread frosting over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (trust me—it’s worth the wait!).

What to Serve with Elvis Presley Cake

This cake is a showstopper all on its own, but if you’re going full Southern spread:

• Iced sweet tea or cold milk
• Fresh fruit salad to balance the richness
• Bourbon whipped cream for the grown-ups
• More retro desserts like banana pudding or jello salad

Tips for the Best Cake

• Don’t drain the pineapple—the juice is key to that ultra-moist texture
• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
• Chill before serving—this cake gets better as it sits
• Toast your pecans for extra flavor and crunch
• Double the frosting if you like it THICK (no judgment here)

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Add frosting after thawing.
• Make-ahead: You can make the entire cake a day in advance—the flavor actually improves overnight!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Was this really Elvis’s favorite cake?

Legend has it, yes! He loved anything with banana and pineapple, and this cake hits all the marks. While it may not be officially verified, it sure tastes fit for a king.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Absolutely. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–22 minutes. Glaze and frost just like the full cake.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! White, butter, or even pineapple cake mix works beautifully here.

Can I skip the frosting?

Sure! The pineapple glaze alone makes this cake rich and moist. But the cream cheese frosting takes it to another level.

In Conclusion

Elvis Presley Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm Southern hug. It’s sweet, sentimental, and loaded with old-fashioned charm. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a little edible comfort, this cake is always a hit. Simple ingredients, unforgettable flavor, and pure joy in every slice.

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