Name: Elvis Presley Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (18 oz) (Can substitute with homemade yellow cake batter.); 3 large eggs (Flax eggs can be used for a vegan version.); 1/3 cup oil (Vegetable oil recommended; coconut oil or applesauce can be alternatives.); 1 1/3 cups water (Use room temperature water for better mixing.); 1 box powdered sugar (16 oz) (Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch.); 1 cup sugar (Can reduce for less sweetness.); 1 package cream cheese (8 oz) (Must be at room temperature; can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese.); 1 can crushed pineapple in syrup (14 oz) (Drain if using canned; fresh or frozen will also work.); 1 cup chopped pecans (Can substitute with sunflower seeds if there are nut allergies.); 12 oz semi-sweet coconut (Can skip or replace with chocolate chips if desired.)

This absolutely delightful Elvis Presley Cake comes together in about 35 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknight dinners that your family will love! It’s a two-layer, sweet treat that brings together simple ingredients in an easy, straightforward method. And the best part? You can switch up the toppings to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” dessert to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends!

Ingredient Breakdown

1 box (18 oz) yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 1/3 cups water
1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar
1 cup sugar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
1 can (14 oz) crushed pineapple in syrup
Chopped pecans (optional)
12 oz semi-sweet coconut

How to Make Elvis Presley Cake

Preheat and Prepare

First things first! Preheat your oven according to the yellow cake mix package instructions. Then, get your trusty 9×13 dish ready, grease it, line it with parchment, or don’t, depending on how much you love washing dishes (hello, minimal cleanup!).

Make the Cake

In a mixing bowl, combine your yellow cake mix, the 3 eggs, 1/3 cup of oil, and 1 1/3 cups of water. Whisk it all together until the batter is smooth and looks perfect uhh. I mean, until there are no lumps! Pour it into your prepared pan and pop that beauty into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You want it golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean! Trust me; the smell will be unbelievably inviting!

Prep the Pineapple Topping

While the cake is baking, this is when the magic happens! Grab a small saucepan and combine the crushed pineapple (with syrup) and 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. Stir it gently, avoiding the browning but letting it combine beautifully. This should take about 5-7 minutes, you need it to warm and thicken a touch. You’ll know it’s done when it starts to bubble a bit.

Cream Cheese Icing Time

Next, in another saucepan (yup, double pans, it’s worth it!), melt the cream cheese with ½ box of powdered sugar. Stir it constantly until it’s super smooth, like icing, baby. We want it creamy, and if it’s not thick enough, you can add more powdered sugar until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Assemble

Once your cake is baked (and cooled for about 5-10 minutes), poke holes all over using the handle of a wooden spoon. The holes are essential for letting the warm pineapple mixture soak into the cake like a sponge, so satisfying, I could do this all day! Pour that warm pineapple mix over the cake and watch it get all gooey and delicious. Seriously, this step is a game-changer.

Now drizzle that cream cheese icing all over, making sure it seeps into those holes, too. It’s like a warm hug of sweetness! To finish this decadently, sprinkle some chopped pecans and semi-sweet coconut on top if you’re feeling fancy (and why not?).

Cool & Serve

Let it cool completely before you cut into it. I know, I know, this is the hardest part! But trust me, it’ll be worth it. Slice up a piece, and I guarantee it’s gonna be an absolute hit, whether it’s for a family dinner or potluck with friends. This cake is pure comfort food that will have everyone asking, “What’s your secret?”

Why I Love This Recipe

This Elvis Presley Cake is my go-to recipe when I want something quick yet so incredibly delicious! It’s great for those days when you’re exhausted but still want to impress. Just hearing the name brings fun memories of celebrating with family. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, you’ll be surprised at how quickly it disappears! Oh! And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, proving that something simple can still be the star of the show!

If you loved this Elvis Presley Cake, be sure to check out my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, my Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, or my Chantilly Cake Recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This cake comes together in under 35 minutes! What’s not to love about that? You get a delicious dessert without spending all evening in the kitchen, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Crowd-Pleaser

Loaded with tons of flavor from the pineapple and that luscious cream cheese icing, the whole family will adore this cake! Kids and adults alike will be fighting for the last piece. You’re gonna feel like a rock star!

Customizable

Feel free to switch up the toppings! Don’t have pecans or coconut? Swap in chocolate chips or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra sweet twist!

Comfort Food

There’s just something about the combination of fluffy yellow cake and creamy pineapple icing that screams comfort food. It’s like a warm, sweet embrace with every slice!

Make-Ahead Friendly

This beauty can sit in the fridge for a couple of days. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together! Just make sure to cover it tightly so it stays nice and moist.

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve This Elvis Presley Cake

Serve this delightful cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream on top for a bit of extra indulgence. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Storage

This cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a sweet treat throughout the week.

Reheating Instructions

If you want to warm it up a bit (which is obviously incredible), just pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, don’t overdo it, though; you don’t want a dry cake!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! This cake is freezer-friendly! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Phew! That was a journey, wasn’t it? And all for an Elvis Presley Cake that’ll become a beloved recipe in your household! Do yourself a favor and whip it up soon because, trust me, if you try to wait, you’ll only be yearning for that sweet, creamy goodness. Happy baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!