If you’re ready to embark on a delicious, nostalgic journey through dessert, the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe is just what you need. This cake perfectly captures the rich, indulgent spirit of the King of Rock and Roll himself, combining moist yellow cake with a luscious pineapple glaze and a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting studded with crunchy pecans. It’s moist, flavorful, and delivers that Southern charm Elvis might have loved at a family gathering or a late-night treat after a show. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe promises a slice of sweetness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe is straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the boxed yellow cake mix that offers a tender crumb, to the tangy pineapple that adds moisture and brightness, every component contributes something special.
- Yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, and water: These form the easy-to-make base, giving the cake its soft, fluffy texture.
- 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice: Adds natural sweetness and moisture without being overly heavy.
- Sugar: Balances the pineapple’s tartness and enhances overall sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings a rich, tangy creaminess to the frosting that’s irresistible.
- Salted butter, softened: Ensures the frosting is smooth and adds a subtle salty depth that elevates the flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spreadable consistency.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, rounding out the texture.
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing your yellow cake mix exactly as the box instructions direct, using the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake it until golden and springy to the touch. This forms the soft, classic base that will soak up all the delicious pineapple goodness you add next.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Topping
While the cake is baking, mix together the crushed pineapple (with its juice) and sugar in a small saucepan. Slowly bring this to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar completely. This sweet and tangy pineapple syrup is what takes the cake to the next level, infusing it with moist tropical flavor.
Step 3: Infuse the Cake
Right after you remove the cake from the oven, use a fork to poke holes all over its surface. Pour the warm pineapple syrup evenly across the top, making sure every inch gets some love. As the cake cools, it soaks up the luscious pineapple, creating a moist, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
Once the cake is completely cool, it’s time for the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition until the frosting reaches a creamy consistency that’s easy to spread yet firm enough to hold its shape. Stir in the optional pecans to add a little crunch and make every bite interesting.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Dollop the frosting over the cake, then gently smooth it out with a spatula, covering every inch. This frosting layer seals in all the juicy pineapple flavor, while adding a rich, velvety finish that is absolutely addictive.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least two hours. This chilling step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up for clean slicing and a perfect mouthfeel.
How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it classic with a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans or add a few thin pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for a pop of color and extra sweetness. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can add an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a simple fruit salad with berries and mint to brighten up the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving individual portions in pretty dessert glasses layered with cake pieces and frosting, topped with pineapple chunks and pecans. Alternatively, cut the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters to wow guests at parties or transform it into delightful cupcake-sized treats by baking it in muffin tins.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted and chilled, store leftover Elvis Presley Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for savoring leftovers without sacrifice.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake before frosting by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. If you prefer to freeze already frosted cake, keep it covered well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn, and thaw slowly to maintain texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended as it can affect the texture of the frosting. If desired, a few minutes at room temperature will bring out the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
What makes the Elvis Presley Cake special?
The combination of moist yellow cake soaked with sweet pineapple syrup and topped with rich cream cheese frosting mixed with pecans creates a unique blend of flavors and textures that gives this cake its nostalgic Southern charm.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
While fresh pineapple can be used, canned crushed pineapple in juice offers consistent moisture and sweetness that’s perfect for soaking into the cake evenly. If using fresh, make sure to drain excess juice so the cake doesn’t become soggy.
Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake?
Absolutely! Poking holes allows the warm pineapple syrup to seep deep into the cake, keeping it moist and infusing it with that signature tropical flavor that makes the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe so memorable.
Can I omit the pecans if I have nut allergies?
Yes, you can easily skip the pecans or replace them with a nut-free alternative like toasted coconut flakes or even leave them out entirely. The frosting will still be creamy and delicious.
How long before serving should I make this cake?
For the best flavor and texture, prepare the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe at least a few hours in advance or even the day before. This gives the flavors time to meld and makes serving easier when guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
The Elvis Presley Cake Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings a lovely mix of textures and flavors to your dessert table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough to impress at celebrations. Don’t hesitate to bake this classic—once you do, it might just become your new favorite indulgence to share with friends and family.
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Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Elvis Presley Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a classic yellow cake soaked in a warm pineapple and sugar mixture, topped with a rich cream cheese and butter frosting mixed with toasted pecans. The combination of tropical fruit and creamy frosting makes it a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (with required eggs, oil, and water as per package instructions)
Pineapple Syrup
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice (not heavy syrup)
- 1 cup sugar
Frosting
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Mix the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions using the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed.
- Make Pineapple Syrup: While the cake bakes, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice) and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Boil Syrup: Bring the pineapple and sugar mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cake for Syrup: When the cake finishes baking and is still hot, poke holes evenly across the top using a fork.
- Soak Cake: Pour the warm pineapple mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Spread the mixture to cover the entire surface.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool completely before proceeding to frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating continuously until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans to the frosting gently.
- Frost Cake: Drop dollops of the frosting onto the cooled cake and spread evenly to cover completely.
- Chill: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and to set the frosting before serving.
Notes
- Using crushed pineapple in juice (not heavy syrup) keeps the cake from becoming overly sweet and soggy.
- Softening the cream cheese and butter to room temperature ensures a smooth frosting without lumps.
- Chilling the cake after frosting is essential for the best texture and flavor melding.
- The pecans in the frosting add a nice crunch but can be omitted if desired or for nut allergies.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
