Description
Elvis Presley Cake is a legendary Southern dessert that’s every bit as rich and unforgettable as its namesake. This ultra-moist pineapple cake is soaked with a sweet pineapple filling, then topped with a thick layer of luscious cream cheese frosting and finished with crunchy toasted pecans. Every bite is bursting with tropical pineapple flavor balanced by tangy cream cheese and buttery nuts.
Ingredients
🍰 For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
OR Homemade Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
🍍 For the Pineapple Filling
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🥜 Optional Toppings
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- Caramel sauce
- Toasted coconut
- Pineapple chunks
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the cake according to the package directions (or use the homemade batter).
Bake in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Filling
While the cake bakes, combine in a saucepan:
- Crushed pineapple (with juice)
- Granulated sugar
Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Soak the Cake
While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer.
Slowly spoon the warm pineapple mixture over the entire cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
Cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually mix in:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Beat until light and creamy.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 6: Decorate
Top with:
- Toasted chopped pecans
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
- Toasted coconut
- Pineapple chunks
Step 7: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 8: Serve
Slice into squares and serve chilled or slightly cool.
Notes
- Use undrained crushed pineapple for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Let the pineapple mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the warm cake.
- Cool the cake completely before adding the frosting.
- Toast the pecans for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers because of the cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 43g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 4g