If you’re a fan of Southern desserts with a rich, nostalgic flair, then the Elvis Presley Cake is a must-try. This moist pineapple and pecan cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting has been delighting taste buds for decades, often linked to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll himself. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, church potluck, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake delivers the perfect mix of tangy, nutty, and creamy flavors. Learn more about other Southern treats by checking out Garden Vegetable Pie – The Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful Homemade Dish. In this guide, we’ll explore the story behind Elvis Presley Cake, walk through a step-by-step recipe, share pro baking tips, and even dive into variations and storage hacks so you can master this iconic dessert at home.
Jump to:
- The Story Behind Elvis Presley Cake
- Similar Southern Desserts
- Key Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Recipe
- Variations and Creative Twists
- Baking Tips
- Serving & Presentation
- Storing & Freezing
- FAQs
The Story Behind Elvis Presley Cake
The Origins of Elvis Presley Cake
The origins of Elvis Presley Cake are rooted in Southern hospitality and mid-20th-century baking trends. While some believe it was inspired by a cake served at one of Elvis’s favorite restaurants in Memphis, others suggest it was created by home bakers as a tribute to his love of rich, flavorful desserts. The cake itself isn’t just a nod to his name—it reflects the indulgent spirit of the 1960s and the type of sweet, comforting flavors that were popular during Elvis’s rise to fame.
Why the Cake is Linked to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll
The connection between this cake and Elvis Presley often centers around the singer’s well-known fondness for certain Southern flavors—pineapple for its sweetness, pecans for their rich crunch, and cream cheese for its velvety texture. While there’s no official record that Elvis personally requested this exact dessert, its combination of ingredients mirrors his famously hearty tastes. Over time, the cake became a nostalgic homage, celebrated at fan gatherings, themed dinners, and retro-inspired parties. Don’t miss our Homemade Pear Butter Recipe – The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Fall Flavor for another sweet Southern classic.
Key Ingredients in Elvis Presley Cake
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
A true Elvis Presley Cake is all about the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and nutty flavors. The star of the show is crushed pineapple, which gives the cake its moist texture and tropical sweetness. Paired with chopped pecans, you get that classic Southern crunch that balances the fruitiness. The cream cheese frosting is the rich, velvety topping that ties everything together. You’ll also need basic cake ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Using real butter instead of margarine can make a big difference in flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Purpose in Cake | Pro Tip for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Pineapple | Moisture & tropical sweetness | Use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup |
| Chopped Pecans | Crunch & nutty depth | Toast lightly before adding |
| Cream Cheese | Smooth, tangy frosting base | Use full-fat for best flavor |
| Granulated Sugar | Sweetness & structure | Measure precisely to avoid overpowering taste |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances all flavors | Use pure extract over artificial |
Choosing the Best Pineapple, Pecans, and Cream Cheese
For pineapple, fresh is rarely practical, so canned crushed pineapple is the go-to. Always drain it lightly to avoid a soggy cake. When selecting pecans, opt for fresh, unsalted nuts to keep the flavor pure—stale nuts can make the cake taste off. As for cream cheese, stick to block-style varieties rather than whipped or spreadable types, as these have less water and yield a thicker, more stable frosting. Looking for inspiration? Try our Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe – The Sweet Twist You’ll Fall in Love With for another fruit-forward dessert idea.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Elvis Presley Cake
Preparing the Cake Batter from Scratch
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Combine dry ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
- Add the wet ingredients – Stir in two beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple (juice included) until fully combined.
- Incorporate the pecans – Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Bake the cake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
| Step | Action | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven | Ensures even baking |
| 2 | Mix dry ingredients | Prevents clumping in batter |
| 3 | Add wet ingredients | Keep mixing gentle to avoid overworking the batter |
| 4 | Fold in pecans | Even distribution prevents sinking to the bottom |
| 5 | Bake | Check at 35 min to avoid overbaking |
Making the Sweet Pineapple Topping and Frosting
- Cook the topping – In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of crushed pineapple (with juice), ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the frosting – Beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup (1 stick) of softened butter, and 3 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake – Spread the cooled pineapple topping evenly over the cake, then layer the cream cheese frosting on top. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Pro Tip: For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle extra toasted pecans over the frosted cake for a beautiful and crunchy garnish.
Variations and Creative Twists on Elvis Presley Cake
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Inspired Versions
If you want to give your Elvis Presley Cake a decadent twist, try incorporating chocolate and peanut butter—two flavors famously loved by Elvis. To make a peanut butter variation, mix ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the cream cheese frosting for a nutty, salty contrast to the sweet pineapple topping. For a chocolate version, substitute ½ cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter. You can even swirl a little peanut butter into the frosting for a “peanut butter cup” effect that pairs beautifully with the cake’s tropical notes.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternatives
With a few simple swaps, Elvis Presley Cake can be enjoyed by more people without losing its signature flavor. For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Always check that your baking powder and other mix-ins are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese (such as almond or coconut-based) and dairy-free butter. Coconut cream can also be whipped with powdered sugar for a light, tropical-inspired frosting that works well with the pineapple topping.
Pro Tip: When making allergy-friendly versions, bake a test batch first—gluten-free flours can absorb more liquid, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Elvis Presley Cake
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though Elvis Presley Cake is considered a beginner-friendly dessert, small missteps can impact the texture and flavor. One common mistake is overmixing the batter—this can lead to a dense, tough cake instead of a soft, moist crumb. Another error is skipping the step of toasting pecans before adding them; this extra step intensifies their flavor and keeps them crunchy. Bakers also sometimes use pineapple in syrup instead of juice, which can make the cake overly sweet and heavy. Lastly, frosting the cake before it’s fully cooled can cause the cream cheese topping to melt and slide off.
Pro Tip Table for Success
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overmixing batter | Creates a dense cake | Mix just until ingredients are combined |
| Using pineapple in syrup | Overly sweet and heavy texture | Always use pineapple packed in juice |
| Skipping toasted pecans | Less flavor and crunch | Toast in a dry skillet or oven before folding into the batter |
| Frosting a warm cake | Causes frosting to melt | Cool completely before applying frosting |
Baking Times and Temperature Adjustments
Baking times for Elvis Presley Cake can vary slightly depending on your oven. The standard is 35–40 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but for convection ovens, reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) to avoid overbrowning. If you’re baking in a glass pan instead of metal, expect the cake to take a few minutes longer to cook through. For high-altitude baking, add an extra tablespoon of flour and slightly increase baking time to account for reduced air pressure.
Pro Tip: Always check doneness with a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Looking for inspiration? Try Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies – Easy, Cozy, and Irresistible as a sweet dessert pairing for your savory pie night—it’s the perfect balance of flavors in one meal.
Print
Elvis Presley Cake – The Sweet Southern Dessert with a Rock ’n’ Roll Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A moist Southern pineapple and pecan cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, inspired by the indulgent flavors linked to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice (for topping)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking soda.
- Stir in eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple (with juice) until fully combined.
- Fold in toasted pecans evenly.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice), 1/2 cup sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened, 5–7 minutes. Let cool.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread cooled pineapple topping over the cake.
- Frost with cream cheese mixture.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use pineapple packed in juice and toast pecans before adding. Always cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Keywords: elvis presley cake, pineapple pecan cake, cream cheese frosting, southern dessert
Serving and Presentation Ideas
How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake for Special Occasions
Elvis Presley Cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a showstopper when presented well. For birthdays or themed parties, cut the cake into neat squares and place each piece on a vintage-style dessert plate. Add a garnish of fresh pineapple wedges and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for visual appeal. You can also pipe extra cream cheese frosting around the edges for a bakery-style touch. For larger gatherings, serve the cake straight from the pan to keep it casual and family-friendly, but dress it up with a decorative cake server or tray.
Party Tip: If you’re hosting an Elvis-themed night, display the cake alongside memorabilia or vinyl records for a fun, nostalgic vibe.
Pairing with Drinks and Other Desserts
The rich, tangy flavors of this cake pair beautifully with coffee, sweet iced tea, or even a creamy vanilla milkshake. For a Southern dessert table, pair it with lighter sweets like lemon bars or coconut macaroons to balance the richness. For an indulgent twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream on the side.
| Pairing Drink/Dessert | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Sweet Iced Tea | Complements the Southern heritage of the cake |
| Vanilla Milkshake | Creamy texture echoes the frosting’s richness |
| Lemon Bars | Tartness balances the cake’s sweet pineapple notes |
| Butter Pecan Ice Cream | Nutty flavor ties in with the cake’s pecan crunch |
Storing and Freezing Elvis Presley Cake
Best Practices for Keeping the Cake Fresh
Because Elvis Presley Cake contains cream cheese frosting, it’s best stored in the refrigerator. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors. When stored properly, the cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes so the frosting softens and the flavors shine.
Pro Tip: If you plan to store it in the baking pan, line the bottom with parchment paper before baking—this makes it easier to lift out slices later.
Freezer-Friendly Tips for Long-Term Storage
Elvis Presley Cake freezes well, making it perfect for preparing ahead of events. To freeze, slice the cake into portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe zip bag or container. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to thaw only the pieces you need. The cake will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To thaw, move the wrapped cake slices to the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the frosting oily and change the cake’s texture.
Freezing Tip Table
| Step | Purpose | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Slice before freezing | Portion control & convenience | Easier to thaw only what you need |
| Wrap tightly | Prevents freezer burn | Use two layers: plastic wrap + freezer-safe container |
| Thaw slowly | Preserves texture | Refrigerate overnight for best results |
Similar Southern Desserts You’ll Love
Million Dollar Cake and Its Connection to Elvis Cake
The Million Dollar Cake is another beloved Southern dessert that shares similarities with Elvis Presley Cake. Like Elvis’s cake, it’s moist, fruit-filled, and topped with a creamy frosting. The key difference is that Million Dollar Cake often uses mandarin oranges and whipped topping in place of pineapple and cream cheese, creating a lighter, fluffier texture. Some bakers even merge the two recipes—combining pineapple, cream cheese, and whipped topping—for a decadent hybrid that feels like a true “million-dollar” bite. Both cakes deliver that nostalgic charm and are perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
Other Pineapple and Cream Cheese Desserts
If you’re a fan of the tangy-sweet pairing found in Elvis Presley Cake, you’ll find plenty of other Southern desserts to love. Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie offers a chilled, no-bake option that’s perfect for summer, while Pineapple Pecan Bars deliver a chewy, handheld version of the flavor combo. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is another classic that swaps cream cheese for a caramelized brown sugar glaze, adding a warm, sticky sweetness to the fruit.
Dessert Inspiration Table
| Dessert Name | Key Ingredients | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Million Dollar Cake | Mandarin oranges, whipped topping | Light, creamy, and potluck-ready |
| Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie | Pineapple, cream cheese, graham crust | No-bake and summer-friendly |
| Pineapple Pecan Bars | Pineapple, pecans, vanilla | Chewy, portable, and perfect for snacks |
| Pineapple Upside-Down Cake | Pineapple, brown sugar, cherries | Retro classic with caramelized topping |
Elvis Presley Cake FAQs
What is an Elvis Presley cake?
An Elvis Presley Cake is a moist pineapple and pecan cake topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s a Southern dessert that’s often linked to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll due to its indulgent flavors and retro charm.
Why is it called Elvis cake?
The cake is believed to be named in honor of Elvis Presley because it features flavors he was known to enjoy—sweet pineapple, crunchy pecans, and creamy frosting. While there’s no official record of Elvis eating this exact dessert, its style fits his Southern food preferences perfectly.
Did Elvis Presley have a favorite cake?
Elvis was famously fond of rich, hearty Southern treats. His documented favorite cake was reportedly a pineapple and coconut cake baked by his childhood friend. This likely helped inspire the pineapple-forward flavor of the Elvis Presley Cake we know today.
What is a million dollar cake?
A Million Dollar Cake is a layered dessert made with mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and cream cheese. It’s light, creamy, and fruit-filled—similar in spirit to Elvis Presley Cake but with a fluffier, less dense texture.
Looking for inspiration? Try Homemade Pear Butter Recipe – The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Fall Flavor as a sweet, fruity spread to serve alongside crusty bread for a complete, rustic meal experience.
Conclusion
The Elvis Presley Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a bite of Southern nostalgia wrapped in pineapple sweetness, pecan crunch, and creamy frosting. Whether you bake the traditional version or experiment with chocolate, peanut butter, or gluten-free swaps, this cake will always be a crowd-pleaser. Its easy preparation, make-ahead convenience, and rich flavor make it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or themed parties. If you loved learning about this recipe.
Don’t miss our Garden Vegetable Pie – The Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful Homemade Dish for another Southern classic worth trying.
For daily recipes you can follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
