Elvis Presley Cake (Classic Pineapple Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting)

Introduction

Elvis Presley Cake is a legendary Southern dessert that has stood the test of time. Sweet, moist, and irresistibly indulgent, this iconic cake is known for its rich combination of fluffy yellow cake, crushed pineapple, creamy filling, toasted pecans, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Often called Elvis Cake or Pineapple Poke Cake, it is famously associated with the King of Rock and Roll himself and remains a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, church suppers, and holiday tables.

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What Is Elvis Presley Cake?

Elvis Presley Cake is a Southern-style poke cake made by baking a yellow cake, poking holes throughout, and pouring a warm pineapple mixture over the top so it soaks deep into the cake. Once cooled, the cake is finished with a thick cream cheese frosting and usually topped with chopped pecans or walnuts.

The result is a dessert that is incredibly moist, sweet but balanced, and layered with nostalgic flavors that feel both comforting and celebratory.

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Why Is It Called Elvis Presley Cake?

While there is no official record that Elvis Presley personally created the cake, the recipe is widely believed to reflect flavors he loved—rich, sweet, indulgent, and unapologetically comforting. Much like his famous love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, this cake represents classic Southern decadence.

Over time, the name “Elvis Presley Cake” became synonymous with this pineapple poke cake, and it has since become a beloved recipe passed down through generations.

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Why This Cake Is So Popular

• Extremely moist and flavorful
• Simple ingredients and easy preparation
• Feeds a crowd
• Perfect make-ahead dessert
• Nostalgic Southern comfort food

It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly once served.

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Key Components and Their Role

Yellow Cake Base

Provides a soft, neutral foundation that absorbs the pineapple topping beautifully.

Pineapple Filling

Adds sweetness, acidity, and moisture that define the cake’s signature texture.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Balances the sweetness with tangy richness.

Nuts (Optional)

Pecans or walnuts add crunch and depth of flavor.

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Choosing the Best Ingredients

Cake Mix vs Homemade Cake

• Boxed yellow cake mix offers convenience and consistent results
• Homemade yellow cake provides a richer, more traditional flavor

Pineapple

Use crushed pineapple in juice, not syrup, for the best balance of sweetness and moisture.

Cream Cheese

Full-fat cream cheese delivers the creamiest frosting and best structure.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Skewer or fork (for poking holes)

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Elvis Presley Cake Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 12–15)

Cake

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)

Pineapple Topping

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping (Optional)

• ½–1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare and bake the yellow cake in a greased 9×13-inch pan according to package directions. Allow it to cool slightly.

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Step 2: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes evenly across the warm cake, reaching about halfway down.

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Step 3: Prepare Pineapple Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed pineapple and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves.

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Step 4: Pour Over Cake

Carefully pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely.

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Step 5: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.

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Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

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Tips for the Best Elvis Presley Cake

• Pour pineapple mixture while cake is warm
• Let cake cool fully before frosting
• Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter
• Chill before serving for cleaner slices

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pineapple in syrup
• Frosting the cake while warm
• Not poking enough holes
• Overmixing frosting

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Variations and Creative Twists

Elvis Cake with Coconut

Add shredded coconut to the frosting or topping.

Banana Elvis Cake

Layer sliced bananas over the pineapple before frosting.

Peanut Butter Elvis Cake

Swirl peanut butter into the frosting for a nod to Elvis’s favorite flavors.

Homemade Cake Version

Use a scratch-made yellow or butter cake.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature
• Pair with coffee or iced tea
• Perfect for potlucks and holidays

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make-Ahead

This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cake or fully assembled cake for up to 2 months.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Protein: 5 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elvis Presley Cake the same as pineapple poke cake?

Yes, Elvis Presley Cake is a popular variation of pineapple poke cake.

Can I make this without nuts?

Absolutely—nuts are completely optional.

Why is my cake soggy?

Too many holes or excess liquid can cause oversaturation.

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Why Elvis Presley Cake Remains a Classic

This cake endures because it’s easy, indulgent, nostalgic, and consistently delicious. It delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and never fails to impress a crowd.

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Final Thoughts

Elvis Presley Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a piece of Southern baking history. With its ultra-moist texture, sweet pineapple filling, and creamy frosting, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Once you make it, you’ll understand why this iconic cake continues to be loved generation after generation.

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