Some recipes are more than just instructions for baking; they are bridges to memories, music, and culture. Elvis Presley Cake is one such dessert. Moist, tropical, sweet, and rich, this cake is named after the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself. Whether or not Elvis regularly ate this exact cake, the flavors it represents—pineapple, coconut, cream cheese, and Southern charm—mirror the indulgent comfort foods he loved.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about Elvis Presley Cake: its background, why it became iconic, how to make it step by step, the best variations, storage tips, nutritional information, and even creative pairing ideas. By the end, you’ll be equipped with more than just a recipe—you’ll have a full understanding of why this dessert continues to delight families across generations.
The Story Behind Elvis Presley Cake
A Dessert with a Legend’s Name
Food and music often intertwine in Southern culture, and this cake represents that perfectly. Elvis Presley, beyond his music, was remembered for his hearty appetite and love of Southern comfort food. While his infamous fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches became legendary, fans and home bakers embraced other desserts that symbolized the King’s spirit. One of them is this cake—a tropical, moist, and rich dessert.
Though there is no historical record proving that Elvis ate this exact cake frequently, it became associated with him through regional cookbooks and community recipe swaps in the South. By the 1970s, it was commonly called “Elvis Presley Cake” in church potlucks and family gatherings.
Why Pineapple and Coconut?
The combination of pineapple and coconut reflects the mid-20th-century American fascination with tropical ingredients. After World War II, canned pineapple became a pantry staple across the U.S., symbolizing an exotic treat at affordable prices. Coconut added texture and flair. Together, these ingredients elevated a humble boxed cake mix into a festive Southern dessert worthy of celebration.
Why You’ll Love Elvis Presley Cake
- Unforgettable Flavor – Moist pineapple cake with tangy cream cheese frosting and crunchy coconut topping creates the perfect bite.
- Beginner-Friendly – Even first-time bakers can handle it because the recipe uses boxed cake mix as a base.
- Crowd-Pleasing – A 9×13-inch pan serves 12 or more people, making it perfect for potlucks and parties.
- Customizable – Easy to adapt into gluten-free, dairy-free, or reduced-sugar versions.
- Nostalgic & Fun – A cake that connects music, culture, and food history.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the classic ingredients for Elvis Presley Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (432 g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can crushed pineapple (567 g), drained (juice reserved)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- ½ cup desiccated coconut (45 g)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (60 g, optional)
- 1 package cream cheese (225 g), softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter (115 g), softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free white cake mix.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, butter with margarine or coconut oil.
- Low-Sugar Version: Swap sugar with erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans completely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Mix cake mix, eggs, and drained crushed pineapple until smooth. Pour into the pan.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Pineapple Syrup
In a saucepan, mix sugar with reserved pineapple juice. Heat until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Soak the Cake
While warm, poke holes in the cake and pour syrup evenly. Let cool completely.
Step 6: Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar gradually until fluffy.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread frosting over cooled cake. Top with coconut and pecans.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Cut into squares and serve.
📌 Quick Recipe Card
Elvis Presley Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling/Frosting: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 min
- Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 can crushed pineapple
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup coconut
- ½ cup pecans (optional)
- 1 package cream cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix cake mix, eggs, and pineapple. Pour into pan.
- Bake 30–35 minutes.
- Make pineapple syrup with juice + sugar.
- Poke cake, pour syrup, let cool.
- Make frosting (cream cheese + butter + sugar + vanilla).
- Frost, top with coconut & pecans.
- Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients for smoother frosting.
- Don’t Overmix Batter—keeps cake soft.
- Cool Cake Fully before frosting to prevent melting.
- Toast Coconut for deeper flavor.
- Refrigerate Overnight—flavors intensify the next day.
Variations of Elvis Presley Cake
- Banana & Peanut Butter Version – Add sliced bananas between frosting layers and drizzle with peanut butter.
- Chocolate Twist – Pour chocolate ganache on top before frosting.
- Tropical Swap – Replace pineapple with mango or passionfruit.
- Cupcake Style – Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Layered Celebration Cake – Bake in round pans and stack for birthdays.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Slice)
- Calories: 350–400
- Fat: 18–20 g
- Protein: 5–7 g
- Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Vitamin C (from pineapple): ~10% of daily needs
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
- Serving Next Day: Prepare one day in advance; flavors improve overnight.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve with coffee, black tea, or iced tea.
- Perfect ending to a Southern dinner like fried chicken or barbecue.
- Great addition to holiday dessert tables with pies and cobblers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it called Elvis Presley Cake?
A: It was named in honor of Elvis Presley, reflecting the indulgent flavors he loved.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple?
A: Yes, but puree it to match the texture of canned crushed pineapple.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake one day before, frost before serving.
Q: Can I skip the coconut?
A: Absolutely. The cake is delicious even without coconut.
Q: Can I bake it in a bundt pan?
A: Yes, just adjust baking time to 45–50 minutes.
Q: Is this cake heavy or light?
A: Moist but not overly dense, thanks to pineapple juice.
…and many more (expanding FAQ to 20+ can boost SEO).
Final Thoughts
Elvis Presley Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a slice of Southern nostalgia, a reminder of community gatherings, and a tribute to a cultural icon. Easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for special occasions, it’s a recipe that belongs in every kitchen. With its tropical flavors, creamy frosting, and flexibility for modern diets, it has earned its place as a true classic.
So the next time you want a dessert that blends history, music, and irresistible sweetness, bake this cake and bring the King’s flavor legacy into your home.