Elvis Presley wasn’t just a music icon — he was also a cultural phenomenon whose influence reached far beyond rock ‘n’ roll. From fashion to food, everything the King touched became larger than life. And when it comes to dessert, one sweet treat has earned a legendary reputation thanks to its association with him: the Elvis Presley cake.
This Southern-style cake is rich, moist, and loaded with nostalgic flavor. With its buttery yellow base, tangy crushed pineapple topping, and creamy layer of smooth frosting, it’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet down-to-earth — much like Elvis himself. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the charm of retro recipes, learning how to make Elvis Presley cake is a delicious journey into Americana.
In this article, you’ll get a full step-by-step recipe, learn about the history behind this famous cake, explore creative variations, and even discover how to pair it with other desserts or drinks. Plus, we’ll link you to a few more recipes you’ll love, including Strawberry Cheesecake Bars and Condensed Milk Cookies.
Let’s get baking — Elvis style.
What Is Elvis Presley Cake?
Elvis Presley cake is a pineapple poke cake topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It typically starts with a yellow cake — made from scratch or a boxed mix — that’s baked and then infused with a warm pineapple and sugar mixture. Once the cake cools, it’s topped with a thick layer of frosting made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Some say it’s similar in spirit to the coconut cake Elvis reportedly loved. Others claim it became popular after being served at his funeral in 1977. Either way, the cake has stood the test of time and remains a beloved Southern classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this cake, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Most are pantry staples, which means you might already have everything you need on hand.
For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or homemade yellow cake recipe)
- Eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
The Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pecans
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Sliced bananas for a twist
Kitchen Tools:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Saucepan for pineapple topping
- Spatula or offset knife for spreading frosting
Want to try something similarly sweet and creamy? These Condensed Milk Cookies are a perfect companion treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Elvis Presley cake is easy — even for beginner bakers. The process involves three main steps: baking the cake, preparing the pineapple topping, and finishing it off with frosting.
- Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the yellow cake batter following the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven but don’t turn it off just yet. Let the cake rest for 5–10 minutes — you want it warm, not hot, when adding the pineapple mixture. - Add the Pineapple Topping
While the cake is still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. This step is essential for letting the topping soak deep into the cake.
In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice) and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly — about 5–7 minutes.
Carefully pour the warm pineapple topping over the cake, spreading it evenly. The fruity syrup will seep into the holes, infusing every bite with tropical flavor. - Frost the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Once the cake is completely cool, use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the top. For a final touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted coconut over the frosting.
Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the poking: The holes let the pineapple soak into the cake. A skewer or meat fork works great.
- Use juice, not syrup: Crushed pineapple in juice keeps the topping bright and tangy, while syrup makes it overly sweet.
- Chill overnight: Refrigerating the cake overnight enhances both flavor and texture.
- Want more flavor? Add a pinch of cinnamon to the pineapple topping for warmth or fold chopped walnuts into the frosting for texture.
Fun Variations
Want to put your own spin on the classic? Here are a few delicious ways to remix Elvis Presley cake:
- Banana & Peanut Butter Version: Add sliced bananas between the pineapple and frosting layers, and swirl peanut butter into the frosting.
- Cupcake Twist: Use the same batter and topping method in a muffin tin. Top each cupcake with a dollop of frosting and a pecan half.
- Tropical Flavor Bomb: Add shredded coconut to the batter or topping for an island-inspired flair.
If you enjoy creative retro desserts, these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are another great addition to your baking list.
Suggested Pairings
This cake is sweet and rich, so pair it with light, refreshing sides like fresh fruit or unsweetened iced tea. For special occasions, serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a banana milkshake — a favorite of Elvis himself.
Looking for more Southern-inspired desserts? Check out the Classic Cakes section on SouthernLiving.com for recipes that pair beautifully with this one.
FAQs About Elvis Presley Cake
It’s a yellow sheet cake topped with crushed pineapple syrup and a cream cheese frosting. Optional toppings include pecans or coconut.
The cake is believed to have been served at Elvis’s funeral and quickly gained popularity. Its Southern flavor profile made it a hit among fans.
Yes — coconut cake was said to be his favorite, which explains the tropical flavors in this version.
Elvis famously loved fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches, but he also enjoyed meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and a variety of Southern comfort foods. For more, visit the Graceland official site.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a tribute to Southern charm, rich flavors, and musical legacy. Whether you’re hosting a themed party, baking for family, or simply want to try something new, this cake delivers on all fronts. The contrast between the buttery cake, sweet-tangy pineapple, and creamy frosting makes every bite unforgettable.
Plus, it’s so simple that even beginner bakers can pull it off beautifully. With a few pantry staples and a little love, you’ll be serving up a slice of history in no time.
So crank up some Elvis tunes, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake like the King. Thank ya, thank ya very much — and happy baking!