I’m so thrilled you’re here—thank you for stopping by! If there’s one dessert that truly sings, it’s this Elvis Presley Cake. Inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, this cake is everything you want in a Southern classic: moist, tropical, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. I promise—it’s love at first forkful. 🎤🍍
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🧾 Overview of the Recipe
This cake starts with a boxed mix (because we love easy wins!) and gets completely transformed by a warm crushed pineapple topping and rich cream cheese frosting. Add chopped pecans, and you’ve got yourself a dessert fit for royalty.
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
Moist and tangy pineapple flavor that soaks into every crumb
Creamy, rich frosting that balances the sweetness
Crunch from pecans for texture and Southern flair
Crowd-pleasing and great for potlucks, holidays, and birthdays
Nostalgic and comforting—a true classic with a story
🎂 What It Tastes Like
It’s soft, sweet, and tropically bright thanks to crushed pineapple. The frosting is lush and silky, made with cream cheese and real butter. Add that nutty pecan crunch and a slightly sticky pineapple glaze, and it’s no wonder this cake has fans across generations. It’s moist, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—just like Elvis liked it.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box Duncan Hines Signature Pineapple Supreme Cake Mix
(or substitute white or yellow cake mix)Ingredients as listed on box (usually water, oil, and eggs)
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in 100% juice (do not drain)
1 cup granulated sugar
For the Frosting:
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Medium saucepan
Hand or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Spatula or spoon
Fork (for poking the cake)
Cooling rack
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using the ingredients listed on the box. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed, about 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Glaze
While the cake bakes, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice) and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Poke & Soak
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes, then use a fork to poke holes all over the top. Slowly pour the warm pineapple mixture over the cake, letting it soak in. Don’t rush—it’s part of the magic!
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until thick and creamy.
Step 5: Frost & Finish
Once the cake has cooled completely (you can chill it for 30 minutes to speed this up), spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Let some pineapple peek through for that rustic charm. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously over the frosting.
Slice, serve, and enjoy your trip down memory lane!
🍽 What to Serve With It
A glass of cold milk or sweet tea
Fresh berries for contrast
Coffee or espresso for an after-dinner dessert
Scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream (for the true Southern experience!)
💡 Tips for Success
Don’t drain the pineapple! The juice helps soak the cake and infuses it with tropical flavor.
Let it soak—give that pineapple time to really work its way into the cake.
Chill before frosting to help everything set perfectly.
Toast the pecans for extra depth and nuttiness.
🧊 Storage Instructions
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature
Freeze slices individually (without frosting) for up to 2 months; frost after thawing
ℹ️ General Info
Elvis Presley Cake is a staple at church suppers, family reunions, and Sunday dinners. Though it’s made with simple pantry staples, it delivers serious Southern comfort and charm. Some say it was The King’s favorite dessert—either way, it’s sure to be a hit at your table.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple tends to be drier—stick with canned in juice for best results.
Not a fan of pecans?
No problem—leave them off or swap with walnuts or toasted coconut.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Definitely! Just adjust the baking time and reduce the glaze so they don’t get too soggy.
❤️ Conclusion
This Elvis Presley Cake is the kind of recipe that sticks with you. It’s easy, comforting, and filled with texture and flavor—from the fruity pineapple glaze to that cloud-like frosting and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself, it’s a showstopper every time.
🎶 More Southern Classics You’ll Love
Classic Hummingbird Cake
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
No-Bake Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie
✨ I’d love to see your version! Snap a photo, share a review, or tag me—let’s spread the joy of this sweet, Southern favorite together.
📊 Nutritional Estimate (per slice, based on 15 servings)
Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~420 kcal |
Fat | ~20 g |
Carbs | ~55 g |
Sugar | ~38 g |
Protein | ~4 g |
Thanks again for baking with me today! May your kitchen always be filled with good music, sweet memories, and a whole lot of cake. 🎵🍰💛


Elvis Presley Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box Duncan Hines Pineapple Supreme Cake Mix (or white/yellow cake mix)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 can crushed pineapple in 100% juice (do not drain)
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan and bake as directed or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, combine crushed pineapple (with juice) and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat.
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Slowly pour the warm pineapple mixture over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over the cooled, pineapple-soaked cake. It’s okay if some pineapple peeks through.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans generously over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
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