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Elvis Presley Cake

Category: Sweet Treats and Baked Goods

This easy dessert transforms a yellow cake mix with a warm pineapple glaze poured over top and finished with homemade cream cheese frosting. Simple to make but tastes completely from scratch.

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Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:06:27 GMT
A slice of yellow cake topped with white frosting, sprinkled with powdered sugar and adorned with pecan pieces, served on a white plate. Pin
A slice of yellow cake topped with white frosting, sprinkled with powdered sugar and adorned with pecan pieces, served on a white plate. | zestplate.com

You won't believe how amazing this cake is! I found this recipe years ago while reading about Elvis's favorite desserts, and it's become my go-to party cake. The yellow cake gets soaked in sweet pineapple, then topped with the creamiest frosting ever. It's so good, you'll be singing its praises!

What Makes This Cake So Special

My whole family goes crazy for this cake! That pineapple glaze soaks right into the warm cake making every bite super moist and flavorful. Add the cream cheese frosting and some crunchy pecans, and you've got something really special. Best part? It's actually really simple to make.

Your Shopping List

  • Cake Mix: Grab a yellow one - any brand works great.
  • Pineapple: Get the crushed kind in juice, not syrup.
  • Sweet Stuff: Regular sugar for the glaze, powdered for frosting.
  • Cream Cheese: Full-fat makes the best frosting.
  • Good Butter: I use salted for extra flavor.
  • Pecans: Optional, but so good!

Let's Make Some Magic

Start With The Cake
Follow the box directions for a 9x13 cake. While it's baking, your kitchen will smell amazing!
The Glaze Magic
Mix your pineapple and sugar in a pan and let it simmer until bubbly. This stuff is like liquid gold!
The Fun Part
As soon as that cake comes out, poke holes all over it (I use a fork) and pour on that warm pineapple glaze. Watch it soak right in!
Frosting Time
Beat your softened cream cheese and butter until it's super fluffy, then mix in the powdered sugar. Fold in those chopped pecans if you're using them.
Finishing Touch
Once the cake's cooled, spread on that frosting nice and thick. Pop it in the fridge for a couple hours - trust me, it gets even better!

My Best Tips

Make sure you use pineapple in juice, not syrup - otherwise it'll be way too sweet. Get your cream cheese nice and soft before making the frosting, or you'll end up with lumps. And don't skip the chilling time - it really helps all those flavors come together.

A slice of moist cake topped with creamy frosting and chopped pecans, served on a white plate.
A slice of moist cake topped with creamy frosting and chopped pecans, served on a white plate. | zestplate.com

Keep It Fresh

This cake needs to live in your fridge - it'll stay good for about 5 days. The cold actually makes it taste even better, and keeps that frosting perfect. I like cutting it into squares and storing them in an airtight container.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I use pineapple cake mix for extra tropical flavor. Walnuts work great if you don't have pecans, or leave out the nuts completely - it's still amazing! My sister adds coconut to the frosting and says it tastes like vacation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why poke holes in the cake?

Holes allow the warm pineapple glaze to soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

→ Can I skip the chilling step?

Don't skip chilling - it allows flavors to meld and makes the cake easier to slice cleanly.

→ Why use room temperature ingredients for frosting?

Room temperature cream cheese and butter blend smoothly without lumps for perfect frosting texture.

→ Can I use canned pineapple in syrup?

Use pineapple in juice, not syrup, as syrup will make the cake too sweet.

→ Are pecans required?

Pecans are optional - the cake is delicious with or without them.

Elvis Presley Cake

A delicious cake featuring yellow cake mix soaked in pineapple glaze and topped with cream cheese frosting and pecans.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Total Duration
40 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Output: 12 Servings (1)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 box yellow cake mix.
02 Ingredients called for on cake box.
03 20 oz crushed pineapple in juice.
04 1 cup sugar.
05 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
06 1/2 cup salted butter, softened.
07 3 cups powdered sugar.
08 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional).

Directions

Step 01

Prepare and bake yellow cake mix according to package directions in 9x13 pan.

Step 02

Combine crushed pineapple and sugar in saucepan, bringing to boil until sugar dissolves.

Step 03

Poke holes in hot cake with fork throughout surface.

Step 04

Pour warm pineapple mixture over cake, spreading evenly.

Step 05

Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.

Step 06

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth for about 2 minutes.

Step 07

Gradually add powdered sugar to make frosting, beating until creamy.

Step 08

Mix chopped pecans into frosting if using.

Step 09

Spread frosting over cooled cake in even layer.

Step 10

Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  1. Starts with cake mix.
  2. Must chill before serving.
  3. Can omit nuts.
  4. Keeps well refrigerated.

Required Equipment

  • 9x13 baking pan.
  • Saucepan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Fork.

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, butter).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (cake mix).
  • Tree nuts (optional pecans).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 439
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Protein: 4 g