If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic Southern flavors, the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. This cake captures the playful spirit and rich indulgence associated with the King himself—inspired by his legendary love of bananas, peanut butter, and pecans, the recipe combines a moist pineapple-infused white cake with a dreamy cream cheese frosting studded with pecans. It’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and a little bit of rock ’n’ roll magic on a plate, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or treating yourself to a moment of pure bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping it straightforward yet flavorful, the ingredients for this cake bring together simple pantry staples that each have an important role in achieving the cake’s moistness, sweetness, and crunch. With a careful balance of fruit, nuts, and creamy components, these essentials craft a dessert that’s anything but ordinary.
- 1 box white cake mix: The base of our cake, providing a tender crumb and light flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
- 8 oz can crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds moistness and a tropical tang; don’t drain it or you’ll lose that juicy burst.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and boosts caramelization for richer flavor.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for pineapple mixture): Enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness and aroma.
- 8 oz package cream cheese, softened: Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that complements the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Adds richness and helps the frosting set just right.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its smooth, sweet finish.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth and rounds out the frosting flavors.
- 3 cups crushed pecans: The crunchy, nutty star topping that pays homage to Elvis’s love of Southern-style desserts.
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Mixture
Start by combining the crushed pineapple, including its juice, with the sugar and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl. This mixture injects a unique tenderness and moistness into the cake, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, follow the instructions on the white cake mix box but substitute the water called for with the pineapple mixture you just prepared—this creative swap is what makes the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe distinctive. Combining pineapple juice instead of plain water imparts delightful pineapple flavor and moist texture to the cake batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake according to the package’s instructions for white cake, usually around 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just moist crumbs attached.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools completely, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable—this luscious frosting is the perfect foil for the tropical cake base.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Pecans
Once the cake is completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Finally, sprinkle the crushed pecans evenly over the frosting, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that Elvis would definitely approve of.
How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation, consider adding a few fresh banana slices or a light drizzle of honey on top before serving. These garnishes align with the flavors of the cake and give that extra touch that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
This cake is a showstopper on its own, but if you want to build a dessert spread, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of strong coffee or sweet iced tea also complements the cake beautifully, balancing sweet and creamy with a touch of bitterness or refreshment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, slice the cake into neat squares and arrange them on a vintage tiered tray for a nostalgic touch. To impress at a party, you could also turn leftovers into parfait layers with fresh fruit and whipped cream—Elvis Presley Cake Recipe cherished in a whole new way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted and topped with pecans, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the frosting fresh and the pecans crunchy for up to 4 days, although it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
If you want to save this cake for later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain its moist texture and creamy frosting.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warm, let individual slices sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften the frosting without losing that fantastic texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple works, but be sure to crush it finely and include some of the juice. Using fresh gives a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple with juice adds consistent moisture and sweetness that the original recipe relies on.
Is this cake very sweet?
This Elvis Presley Cake Recipe strikes a nice balance—it’s sweet but not overpowering because the tangy cream cheese frosting and nutty pecans add cut-through richness that keeps every bite interesting.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or even toasted almonds can work well if pecans aren’t your thing or if you have allergies. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor before topping the cake.
How long does it take to make this cake?
From start to finish, expect about an hour, including baking and cooling time. This makes the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe a fun project even on a busy day when you want something impressive but not complicated.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the box white cake mix with a gluten-free version, you can adapt this Elvis Presley Cake Recipe while keeping the luscious flavors intact. Just be sure to follow the gluten-free cake mix instructions closely.
Final Thoughts
Making the Elvis Presley Cake Recipe is like inviting a little slice of joyful nostalgia into your kitchen—it’s moist, sweet, and nutty, with just the right balance of tropical flair and Southern charm. Whether it’s for a special occasion or an everyday treat, this cake has a way of making moments feel extra memorable. I hope you bake it soon and enjoy every delectable bite as much as I do!
Print
Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Elvis Presley Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s favorite flavors. This unique cake combines a white cake mix enhanced with crushed pineapple and vanilla, topped with rich cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans. Perfect for gatherings, it serves 12 and delivers a harmonious blend of sweetness and texture that makes it a standout treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 8 oz can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups crushed pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, crushed pineapple with juice, granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased or lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat, then mix in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until fully blended and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula or knife.
- Add the Pecans: Sprinkle the 3 cups of crushed pecans evenly on top of the frosting, covering the entire surface to create a crunchy and nutty topping.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the cake into 12 portions and serve. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute crushed pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar to 2 ½ cups.
- This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- For an extra moist cake, do not drain the pineapple; use with the juice as stated.
