Description
The Elvis Presley Cake is a legendary Southern dessert that perfectly captures indulgence, comfort, and rich flavor—just like the King himself. Known for its ultra-moist texture and irresistible combination of pineapple, cream cheese frosting, and crunchy pecans, this cake has become a favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk, as needed
For the Topping
- 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, optional
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple, well drained, optional
- Caramel sauce, optional
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier serving.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple with its juice, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas.
Add cinnamon if desired.
Beat until the ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
Do not overmix once the batter is combined.
Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan.
Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
Tap the pan gently against the counter to remove any large air pockets.
Place the cake in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Because ovens vary, begin checking the cake toward the end of the recommended baking time.
Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Allow it to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.
Do not frost the cake while it is hot because the frosting can melt and become runny.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
Add the vanilla extract.
Continue beating until the frosting becomes fluffy and smooth.
If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time.
If it is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface.
Use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish or make decorative swirls.
Slice the bananas shortly before serving so they remain fresh.
Chop the pecans into small pieces.
If using coconut, lightly toast it in a dry skillet or oven for deeper flavor.
Arrange sliced bananas over the frosting.
Sprinkle chopped pecans and shredded coconut over the top.
You can also add a small amount of well-drained crushed pineapple.
For an extra indulgent finish, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top.
Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
Chilling allows the frosting to firm up and gives the flavors time to blend.
For an especially flavorful dessert, chill the cake several hours or overnight.
Notes
Use ripe bananas for the strongest banana flavor. Bananas with plenty of brown spots are ideal because they are naturally sweeter and softer.
If the bananas are extremely ripe and watery, avoid adding excessive mashed banana because too much moisture can change the cake’s texture.
Make sure the crushed pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
The pineapple should generally remain undrained in the cake batter because the juice contributes moisture. However, pineapple used as a topping should be drained thoroughly so it does not make the frosting watery.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Because the frosting contains cream cheese and the cake is topped with fresh bananas, keep the finished dessert refrigerated.
For the best appearance, add fresh banana slices close to serving time because bananas naturally darken after being cut.
Toasted pecans provide a deeper, richer flavor than raw pecans. Allow them to cool completely before adding them to the frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sodium: 280mg
- Protein: 4g