If you love moist, fruity, and decadent desserts, the Elvis Presley Cake is ready to rock your taste buds. This pineapple poke cake—topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting and toasted pecans—is rumored to have been one of Elvis’s favorite treats. With tropical flair and Southern charm, it’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or any time you want something sweet and nostalgic. And the best part? You don’t need baking experience to pull it off. Just follow a few simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert fit for royalty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Elvis Presley Cake will be your new go-to for so many reasons:

Moist & Flavorful: Thanks to pineapple and brown sugar, every bite is juicy and rich.
Beginner-Friendly: It starts with a cake mix and simple ingredients you already have.
Tropical Vibes: Crushed pineapple and a hint of rum add sweet depth.
Creamy, Nutty Finish: That cream cheese frosting with pecans is downright addictive.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or your own sweet craving, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

The Story Behind Elvis Presley Cake

How did the Elvis Presley Cake come to be? Let’s break down a few fun facts about its roots:

It was inspired by Elvis’s love for tropical and Southern flavors—especially pineapple and pecans.
The recipe evolved into a poke cake over time, letting the pineapple syrup infuse every bite.
Fans say versions of this cake were served at Graceland during Elvis’s home dinners.
Some believe the pineapple theme hints at his deep fondness for Hawaiian culture and cuisine.

Key Ingredients in Elvis Presley Cake

Yellow Cake Mix: The base that bakes up fluffy, buttery, and golden.
Crushed Pineapple & Brown Sugar: Simmered to make a syrupy topping that seeps into every bite.
Cream Cheese & Butter: Whipped together for a luscious, rich frosting.
Confectioners’ Sugar & Vanilla: Sweeten and flavor the creamy topping.
Chopped Pecans: Add the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

Optional: A splash of rum brings subtle warmth and depth—just like the King himself.

How to Make Elvis Presley Cake

Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Make the Cake: In a bowl, beat together cake mix, water, canola oil, and eggs. Pour into your baking dish and bake as directed on the box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Poke the Cake: Let the cake cool slightly, then use a skewer to poke holes all over the top—this lets the pineapple soak in later.
Simmer the Pineapple: In a saucepan, combine crushed pineapple (with juice) and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and stir constantly until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Stir in rum, if using.
Soak the Cake: Spoon the hot pineapple mixture evenly over the cake, letting the juices seep into the holes. Cool completely.
Make the Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then mix in confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time. Whip until light and fluffy.
Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting generously over the cooled pineapple layer.
Add Pecans & Chill: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Elvis Presley Cake Tips and Twists

Tips for Success

Poke deep holes so the pineapple seeps in evenly.
Don’t overcook the pineapple—it should stay juicy, not jammy.
Chill the frosting before spreading for cleaner application.
Let the cake rest overnight for maximum flavor.
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth frosting.

Easy Variations

Banana Boost: Add mashed banana to the batter for a double nod to Elvis.
Coconut Crust: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top with the pecans.
Bourbon Swap: Use bourbon instead of rum for a deeper Southern vibe.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Not needed—this cake is best served chilled or at room temp.
Make-Ahead: Bake the cake and prep the pineapple topping a day early. Frost just before serving or store frosted overnight for easier planning.

Serving Suggestions for Elvis Presley Cake

Here’s how to elevate your Elvis Presley Cake experience:

With Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess complements the tangy pineapple.
Beside a Hot Coffee or Sweet Tea: A classic Southern pairing.
Topped with Extra Pecans or Toasted Coconut: For added crunch and flair.
On a Vintage Cake Stand: Add nostalgic charm to the presentation.
Served in Squares at Potlucks: It’s portable and guaranteed to vanish fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake without rum?
Absolutely. The cake is still delicious without alcohol.

Can I toast the pecans?
Yes! Toasting brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or a buttercream frosting, but the classic flavor may change.

Can this be frozen?
Freeze the unfrosted cake and add the topping and frosting fresh after thawing.

Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s rich and sweet, but the pineapple’s tang and cream cheese balance it out.

Enjoy Your Elvis Presley Cake

This Elvis Presley Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic, flavor-packed celebration of music, Southern tradition, and comfort food. With its fruity base, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecans, it hits all the right notes. Whether you’re throwing a retro party or just want a simple treat that feels a little extra special, this cake is your ticket to dessert stardom. So, cue up some Elvis tunes and enjoy a slice of rock ‘n’ roll history.

Explore More Recipes You’ll Love

Love this sweet Southern classic? Here are a few more recipes that bring big flavor with minimal effort:

For a tropical dessert twist, try our Pineapple Coconut Cheesecake Bars.
Craving creamy indulgence? Our No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is a hit at any table.
If you love brunch sweets, our Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes will make your mornings magical.
Go savory and sweet with Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits on the side.
For something bite-sized and festive, don’t miss our Best Carrot Cake Cookies.

Elvis Presley Cake with Pineapple & Cream Cheese Frosting

This Elvis Presley Cake is a moist pineapple poke cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans. It’s beginner-friendly and bursting with tropical Southern flavor. A perfect make-ahead dessert that tastes even better chilled!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword easy cream cheese frosting, elvis presley cake, pineapple poke cake, retro cake recipe, Southern Dessert

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings 12 servings

Calories 420kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

Cake Base:

1 package 13.25 oz yellow cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
3 large eggs room temperature

Pineapple Topping:

1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple (with juice)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon rum optional

Frosting:

1 block 8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Prepare cake mix with water, oil, and eggs. Pour into pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Use a skewer to poke holes all over the warm cake.
In a saucepan, combine pineapple and brown sugar. Simmer 2 minutes until sugar dissolves. Stir in rum if using.
Spoon hot pineapple mixture over cake, spreading evenly. Let cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar.
Spread frosting over cooled cake. Sprinkle pecans on top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Notes

ip: Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth frosting.
Variation: For a twist, add mashed banana to the batter for even more Elvis flair. This Elvis Presley Cake is perfect for make-ahead events and potlucks.

Nutrition
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 22g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Serving Size: 1 slice