The Ultimate Elvis Presley Cake: A Pineapple Dream with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step into a world of pure delight with the legendary Elvis Presley Cake. This exceptional dessert begins with a simple box cake mix, transformed into a moist, flavor-packed masterpiece through an incredible homemade pineapple glaze. It’s then crowned with the most luscious, rich cream cheese frosting, making every bite a taste of pure bliss. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the King of Rock and Roll or simply searching for an unforgettable dessert, this recipe promises to deliver a show-stopping performance for your taste buds.
Unraveling the Legend: What is Elvis Presley Cake?
You might be familiar with Elvis Presley’s rumored love for peanut butter and banana sandwiches. However, this cake offers a delightful departure from those iconic flavors, focusing instead on the vibrant sweetness of pineapple and the creamy decadence of cream cheese. While the exact origin of its name remains shrouded in mystery, it’s widely believed that Elvis also had a fondness for pineapple desserts. This cake, with its intensely moist pineapple-infused base and a generous layer of velvety cream cheese frosting, perfectly embodies that rumored preference, making it a fitting tribute to the King’s sweet tooth.
This recipe takes convenience to the next level by utilizing a yellow cake mix as its foundation, yet the final result tastes anything but “boxed.” The secret lies in a homemade pineapple glaze that soaks into the warm cake, imparting an incredible fruity moisture. This foundational layer is then complemented by a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, often enhanced with chopped pecans, adding a delightful crunch and a distinctly Southern charm. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pineapple Cake Recipe
This Elvis Presley Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a household favorite:
- Incredibly Moist: The unique pineapple glaze saturates the cake, ensuring an unparalleled level of moisture that will leave you craving more.
- Effortlessly Delicious: Starting with a boxed cake mix streamlines the baking process, making this gourmet-tasting cake achievable for even novice bakers.
- Flavor Harmony: The bright, tropical notes of pineapple perfectly complement the rich, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a balanced and addictive flavor profile.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family gatherings to festive celebrations, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser and makes an impressive presentation.
- Southern Comfort: With the optional addition of pecans, this cake offers a touch of classic Southern hospitality and charm, reminiscent of traditional regional desserts.
Essential Tips for Baking the Perfect Elvis Presley Cake
Achieving cake perfection is simple with these expert tips:
- Elevate the Pineapple Flavor: While a yellow cake mix works wonderfully, for an even deeper tropical essence, consider using a pineapple-flavored cake mix. This subtle switch will intensify the fruit notes throughout the cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: The most crucial tip for a silky-smooth cream cheese frosting is ensuring your cream cheese and butter are at proper room temperature. If they’re too cold, your frosting will be lumpy and difficult to spread. Allow them to sit on the counter for at least an hour before you begin, or use a quick softening method if you’re short on time.
- Pecans or Walnuts? Your Choice: Chopped pecans add a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the cream cheese frosting, a staple in many Southern desserts. They enhance the overall profile of the cake, offering a lovely contrast to the soft cake and smooth frosting. However, if pecans aren’t your preference, walnuts make an excellent substitute, or you can omit nuts entirely for a plain yet equally delicious frosting.
- Considerations for a Layer Cake: This recipe is typically prepared as a sheet cake, baked in a 9×13-inch pan. Once the pineapple glaze is poured over the hot cake, it becomes incredibly moist and delicate. This high moisture content can make the cake fragile and challenging to stack for a traditional layer cake. While you could attempt it, be aware that it might not hold its shape as well as a denser cake. If you do experiment with layers, handle them with extreme care once glazed.
- Crushed Pineapple in 100% Juice: Always opt for crushed pineapple packed in 100% juice, not heavy syrup. Pineapple in syrup is significantly sweeter and thicker, which can alter the consistency and sweetness of your glaze. The natural juice provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture without overwhelming the cake with sugar.
- Chilling is Crucial: While it’s tempting to dive right in, allowing the cake to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator after frosting is vital. This not only sets the frosting beautifully but also allows the flavors of the cake, glaze, and frosting to meld together, creating a more harmonious and delicious final product.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Royal Treat
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this magnificent dessert. You’ll need:
- One box of yellow cake mix (or pineapple cake mix for enhanced flavor)
- Eggs, oil, and water (as specified on your cake mix package)
- One 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in 100% juice (undrained)
- Granulated sugar
- An 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Half a cup of salted butter (one stick), softened to room temperature
- Powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar)
- Half a cup of chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Elvis Presley Cake
Follow these detailed instructions to create a cake fit for a king:
Prepare the Cake Base: Begin by preparing your yellow cake mix according to the package directions. You’ll typically need eggs, oil, and water. Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter evenly into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake the cake as per the instructions on the box.
Craft the Pineapple Glaze: While your cake is baking, prepare the delightful pineapple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the entire 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple (including its juice) with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer and Dissolve: Bring the pineapple and sugar mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Continue to stir for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened. This constant stirring prevents the sugar from burning and ensures a smooth glaze. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to keep warm while the cake finishes baking.
Infuse the Cake with Glaze: As soon as the cake is finished baking and is still hot from the oven, use a fork to poke holes evenly across the entire top surface. These holes will act as channels for the pineapple glaze to fully penetrate the cake. The warmth of the cake helps it absorb the glaze more effectively, making it incredibly moist.
Pour and Spread the Glaze: Carefully pour the warm pineapple mixture over the hot, poked cake. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently spread the pineapple glaze, ensuring it evenly covers the entire surface of the cake and seeps into all the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding to the frosting stage. This cooling process is essential for the cake to fully absorb the glaze and for the frosting to adhere properly.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Once the cake is completely cooled, it’s time to prepare the delectable cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened salted butter. Using an electric mixer (either hand-held or stand mixer), beat on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature here is key to avoiding lumps.
Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture, one cup at a time, beating after each addition. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. If using a stand mixer, remember to occasionally stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Fold in Pecans (Optional): If you’re including pecans, gently stir in the chopped pecans into the prepared cream cheese frosting. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that complements the sweet and tangy frosting.
Frost the Cake: Using a spatula, drop dollops of frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Then, gently spread the frosting across the entire surface of the cake until it’s smoothly and evenly coated. Take your time to create a beautiful, even layer.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the frosted cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. This crucial step allows the frosting to set and, more importantly, gives all the magnificent flavors time to fully meld together, resulting in a richer, more cohesive dessert experience. Do not skip this step!
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Once chilled, slice your Elvis Presley Cake and serve it with a glass of cold milk or a fresh cup of coffee. The combination of the moist cake, tangy pineapple, and creamy frosting is simply irresistible. This cake is especially delightful after a hearty meal, offering a light yet satisfying end to your dining experience.
To store your Elvis Presley Cake, ensure it is always covered tightly, either with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Keep the cake refrigerated. When stored properly, this delicious dessert will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy slices of this royal treat throughout the week.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and comforting textures of this Elvis Presley Cake, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic recipes that promise equally delightful culinary experiences:
- Pineapple Crumb Cake
- Homemade Italian Cream Cake
- Pineapple Bread Pudding
- Pineapple Fluff
- Pineapple Casserole
- Pineapple Poke Cake
- Pig Pickin Cake
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Originally published: November 2013
Updated photos & republished: August 2020
Elvis Presley Cake Recipe Card
Elvis Presley Cake
This Elvis Presley Cake starts with a boxed cake mix and is topped with an amazing pineapple glaze and the most delicious homemade frosting!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 | Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- (Ingredients needed to make cake: eggs, oil, and water)
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple in juice (not heavy syrup)
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Prepare 1 box yellow cake mix with (ingredients needed to make cake; eggs, oil and water) and bake according to package directions for a 9×13-inch baking pan.
While cake is baking, stir together 20 ounce can crushed pineapple in juice and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and wait for cake to finish baking.
Once the cake is finished baking, while still hot, poke holes all over the top with a fork.
Pour the warm pineapple mixture over the cake. Spread out the pineapple mixture so it evenly covers the cake.
Allow the cake to cool completely. Once cake is cooled, it’s time to start the frosting.
In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature and 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature using an electric or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Gradually add in 3 cups powdered sugar (a little at a time) beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Remember, if using a stand mixer, to occasionally scrape down the sides.
Finally, stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
Drop the frosting by dollops onto the cake. Smooth and spread it to coat.
Cover and refrigerate the cake until fully chilled before serving (2 hours). This gives time for the flavors to come together so don’t skip this step.
Video
Notes
The cake will keep for up to 5 days when stored, covered, in the fridge.
Course: Dessert | Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 316mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 65g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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