Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake Recipe
There’s something irresistibly joyful about a slice of Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake. This Southern classic is impossibly moist, stunningly easy, and bursts with flavors that hit all the right nostalgic notes. Imagine sweet, buttery yellow cake, drenched with juicy pineapple syrup, and blanketed in the fluffiest cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tried—no wonder the King himself was a fan. It’s the kind of dessert that flies right out of the pan at family gatherings or potlucks. Whether you’re already a poke cake enthusiast or just hunting for a new wow-factor treat, Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake brings sunshine and smiles to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such a show-stopping dessert comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a few little extras. Each ingredient in Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake plays its part, without fuss—bringing tender texture, tropical tang, and the classic creamy finish. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you start.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Your shortcut to a soft, fluffy base that’s just waiting to soak up that sweet pineapple syrup.
- Eggs, Oil, and Water: These simple additions bring the boxed cake mix to life with moisture and a light crumb.
- Canned Crushed Pineapple (with juice): Adds juicy sweetness and a punch of tropical flavor—don’t drain it, the juice is gold here!
- Granulated Sugar: Melts into the pineapple, creating a delicious syrup for poking and pouring.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Lends irresistible tang and silkiness to the frosting—let it come to room temperature for best results.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and subtly rich.
- Powdered Sugar: Whips up fluffy, cloud-like sweetness in your cream cheese frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings out all the warm, bakery-fresh aromas and flavors.
- Chopped Pecans (optional): For a bit of nutty crunch and Southern flair—totally your call!
How to Make Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing the yellow cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish, following the instructions on your cake mix box. This simple base is the foundation of Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake—moist, fluffy, and perfectly golden. While it bakes, get your pineapple topping ready so everything is hot and ready at the same time.
Step 2: Poke and Soak
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, grab a fork or a skewer and poke holes all over the surface. Don’t be shy—these little tunnels will help the sweet, tangy pineapple mixture seep right down into every bite. Creating those pockets guarantees that classic “poke cake” experience in every forkful.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Syrup
Set a saucepan over medium heat and pour in your undrained can of crushed pineapple along with the granulated sugar. Let it bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s glossy and syrupy. The scent is downright tropical! Carefully ladle the hot mixture evenly across the warm cake, coaxing it to soak in as the cake cools.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While that pineapple goodness is working its magic, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix everything until the frosting is light, fluffy, and swoon-worthy. This sweet, tangy layer is the real showstopper!
Step 5: Frost, Sprinkle, and Chill
Once your cake is completely cooled (patience pays off here), blanket the whole top with your cream cheese frosting. If you’re using them, sprinkle on the chopped pecans for a lovely finish. Now comes the hardest part—chill the cake for at least an hour to let all that flavor marry together. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
How to Serve Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake
Garnishes
Elevate your Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake with an extra flourish or two! A classic sprinkle of chopped pecans offers crunch and sophistication, while a little shredded coconut on top makes for a playful, tropical vibe. For extra flair, try a few maraschino cherries—so retro and so fun.
Side Dishes
This cake’s vibrant pineapple flavor pairs beautifully with lighter sides. A simple bowl of fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad will balance the cake’s sweetness. For a festive Southern spin, serve Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a big pitcher of sweet tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to squares on a serving tray! Cut the cake into cubes and layer with extra frosting in small jars for easy picnic parfaits, or use cookie cutters to punch out fun shapes for kids’ birthday parties. It’s equally delightful for potlucks or plated elegantly for a dinner party—Elvis would approve of the versatility.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve devoured your first slices, cover any remaining Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to develop—it’ll stay fresh and moist for up to four days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake! Just cut cooled, frosted pieces and individually wrap them, or freeze the whole cake well-wrapped for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture, and it’ll taste almost as good as the day you made it.
Reheating
This cake is usually served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no real need to reheat it. If you do prefer it a little warm, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds per slice) works, but be mindful not to melt that dreamy cream cheese frosting. Enjoy the cake chilled for the most refreshing treat!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can—but be sure to finely dice the pineapple and include any juices for moisture. Canned crushed pineapple is easier and gives the cake that traditional texture, but fresh will add a lovely brightness if you don’t mind the extra prep.
Can I make Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this cake is at its best after it has chilled in the fridge for at least a few hours—ideally overnight. The pineapple syrup seeps in and the flavors mingle, giving you a truly irresistible dessert.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten free?
Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and follow the package instructions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free—so everyone at your table can enjoy a slice (or two).
How can I make a lighter version of this cake?
For a lighter take, use reduced-fat cream cheese, light butter, and skip the pecans. You can also try a lower-sugar cake mix or use a sugar substitute in the frosting and pineapple syrup.
What makes this cake “Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake”?
It’s said that this particular combination of moist cake, pineapple, and cream cheese frosting was a favorite of Elvis Presley. Over time, it became a Southern potluck staple and earned the King’s name—distinct for its ultra-moist crumb, irresistible tropical touch, and celebratory flair.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for an easy Southern dessert that truly delivers, I can’t recommend Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake enough. It’s charmingly simple, guaranteed crowd-pleasing, and just downright fun to make and eat. Try it for your next gathering and watch it disappear—trust me, even the King would come back for seconds!
Print
Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Elvis Presley Pineapple Cake, a moist and fruity dessert topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that pays homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s favorite flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients on box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the yellow cake in a 9×13-inch dish, poke holes, then pour warm pineapple mixture over the top.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar and vanilla, then spread over cooled cake.
- Chill: Sprinkle with pecans if desired, then chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- This cake’s flavor improves with time, so consider making it a day ahead.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and omit the nuts.
- Named after Elvis Presley, who reportedly loved this dessert!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
