Name: Elvis Presley Cake (Pineapple Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting)
Ingredients: 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix; Ingredients listed on cake mix box (eggs, oil, water); 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained; 1 cup granulated sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3–4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base

1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix
Ingredients listed on cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)

Pineapple Filling

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions. Prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish as directed. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes evenly across the entire cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart and going nearly to the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Pineapple Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed pineapple and granulated sugar. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot. Pour the hot pineapple mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosting if using. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Pour pineapple mixture while cake is warm for best absorption.
Let cake cool fully before frosting to avoid melting.
Refrigeration helps flavors meld and improves texture.

Cake becomes more moist after resting several hours.