Elvis Presley Cake

This cake reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house in Tennessee. She would always have a version of this waiting in her refrigerator, claiming Elvis himself would have loved her special recipe. The pineapple was always her secret ingredient for keeping cakes moist, a trick I’ve used in countless recipes since.

How To Store Elvis Presley Cake

Due to the cream cheese frosting, this cake must be refrigerated. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I find that a cake keeper works perfectly, but if you don’t have one, toothpicks inserted into the cake with plastic wrap stretched over them will prevent the frosting from sticking. The cake actually improves after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop and meld together.

Easy Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments to this recipe, there are several options. For a less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar in the pineapple mixture to 3/4 cup. Walnuts can replace pecans for a slightly different flavor profile. In a pinch, you can substitute canned mandarin oranges for the pineapple, though the flavor will be quite different. For a fun twist, use a white cake mix instead of yellow, or try a butter cake mix for an even richer base.

Why Is It Called Elvis Presley Cake?

This iconic dessert gets its name from being similar to a cake that Elvis Presley reportedly enjoyed. While there are different stories about its origin, most agree that versions of this cake with pineapple and rich frosting were favorites of The King. Some stories suggest it was prepared by his personal chef, while others claim it was a staple at Graceland gatherings. Regardless of the exact history, this sweet, indulgent dessert certainly fits Elvis’s famous sweet tooth and love for rich, Southern desserts.

For special occasions, I sometimes add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the frosting and garnish the top with toasted coconut flakes. The tropical flavors complement the pineapple beautifully, creating an even more memorable dessert experience.