Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elvis Presley Cake is a rich, fruity, and indulgent dessert inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself. Made with a simple yellow cake base, it’s soaked in a sweet pineapple topping and layered with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Moist, tangy, and sweet, this cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a Southern-style dessert with big flavor.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

yellow cake mixcrushed pineapple (with juice)granulated sugarsalted buttermilkvanilla extractcream cheese (softened)unsalted butter (softened)confectioners’ sugar

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions and pour it into the prepared baking dish.

Bake as directed, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed pineapple (with juice) and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Pour the hot pineapple mixture evenly over the warm cake, letting it soak into the holes.

Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add vanilla extract and gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated and fluffy.

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12-15 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 25-30 minutesCooling and assembly time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a bit of crunch.

Stir shredded coconut into the pineapple topping for extra tropical flair.

Use a homemade yellow cake instead of a boxed mix for a from-scratch version.

Try adding banana slices between the cake and frosting for a nod to Elvis’s favorite flavor combo.

storage/reheating

Store Elvis Presley Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Best served chilled, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for a softer texture.Freezing is not recommended due to the cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

Why is it called Elvis Presley Cake?

It’s named after Elvis because it was reportedly one of his favorite desserts, combining flavors he loved like pineapple and rich frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better the next day as the flavors develop more. Just store it covered in the fridge.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone or a thick vanilla pudding, but cream cheese gives it the best texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure it’s finely crushed and you include the juice to maintain moisture.

What kind of cake mix works best?

A classic yellow cake mix is traditional, but white or pineapple-flavored mixes also work well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, due to the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended.

Is this cake overly sweet?

It’s sweet, but the tangy pineapple and cream cheese frosting balance it out nicely.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut back slightly on the granulated and powdered sugar if desired, but texture may change.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat gives the creamiest and richest result.

Conclusion

Elvis Presley Cake is a crowd-pleasing, nostalgic dessert with tropical vibes and Southern charm. It’s moist, fruity, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s fit for a king.