Why You’ll Love This Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as unforgettable as the King himself, you’ll love this Elvis Presley Cake recipe.
It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that’ll leave you wanting more. The combination of moist yellow cake, sweet crushed pineapple, and creamy icing creates a mouthwatering experience.
Plus, the option to add pecans or coconut takes it to the next level. I love how easy it’s to make, yet it feels special enough for any occasion.
Trust me, once you serve this cake, your friends and family will sing its praises just like they do for Elvis!
Ingredients of Elvis Presley Cake
When you’re ready to whip up an Elvis Presley Cake, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients that come together to create this delightful dessert. This cake isn’t just any ordinary treat—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and, of course, a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delectable dessert that even The King would approve of.
Ingredients for Elvis Presley Cake:
- 1 (18 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs (or as called for by your cake mix)
- 1/3 cup oil (or as called for by your cake mix)
- 1 1/3 cups water (or as called for by your cake mix)
- 1 (16 ounce) box powdered sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
- 1 (14 ounce) can crushed pineapple in syrup
- Chopped pecans, optional
- 12 ounces of semi-sweet coconut (optional)
Now, let’s talk about some fun details regarding these ingredients. For instance, the yellow cake mix is your base and provides that classic moist cake texture.
But don’t skip on the pineapple part—it’s what really makes this cake sing (not literally, of course). If you’re feeling adventurous, adding the coconut and pecans can give that extra crunch and a tropical flair.
And hey, if you’re not a fan of nuts or coconut, that’s totally fine! This cake is still a showstopper without them. Just remember, the more love and care you put into mixing and baking, the tastier your cake will be.
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake

When it comes to making Elvis Presley Cake, the process is almost as sweet as the final product. First things first, grab that 1 (18 ounce) box of yellow cake mix, and, following the instructions on the box, prepare it in a 9×13 pan. You’ll need to crack 3 eggs (or whatever your cake mix calls for), pour in 1/3 cup of oil, and mix in 1 1/3 cups of water. It’s like a fun workout for your arms, mixing it all together until you have a nice, smooth batter.
While that’s baking in the oven, the magic really starts to happen. In a small saucepan, open up that 14-ounce can of crushed pineapple (yes, syrup and all) and toss it in. Then, add a whole cup of sugar—because why not? Cook it over medium heat, stirring gently. This is where you want to channel your inner chef, ensuring the pineapple doesn’t turn into a burnt mess. Keep stirring until the mixture is warm and gooey, but not brown.
Meanwhile, in another saucepan, combine 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese with half a box of powdered sugar. Heat them together until it resembles a dreamy icing.
When the cake is done baking, take it out of the oven and, here’s the fun part, punch holes all over it with the handle of a wooden spoon. Seriously, it’s therapeutic. Then, pour that luscious warm pineapple mixture over the cake, letting it soak in. Finish it off by drizzling your cream cheese icing on top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped pecans or coconut on there—everyone loves a little crunch!
Elvis Presley Cake Substitutions & Variations
There are plenty of ways to mix things up with Elvis Presley Cake, allowing you to customize this delicious treat to fit your tastes.
For a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free cake mix. If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can swap it for another fruit like strawberries or peaches.
Want to add a little spice? A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor. You could even throw in some chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Finally, if you’re a coconut lover, adding more coconut or using coconut cream in the icing can create a tropical delight!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Elvis Presley Cake turns out perfectly, I’ve got some handy tips for you.
First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps with mixing. Don’t skip punching holes in the cake—this allows the pineapple mixture to soak in, creating that moist texture everyone loves.
If you’re a fan of coconut, feel free to add more for extra flavor.
Finally, let the cake cool completely before drizzling the icing; this prevents it from melting off.
Enjoy serving it chilled for the best taste, and don’t forget to share with your friends!