Elvis Presley Sheet Cake – A Sweet Tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

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Elvis Presley Sheet Cake – A Sweet Tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, wasn’t just famous for his iconic music and electrifying performances—he was also known for his love of indulgent Southern food. One of the desserts often associated with him is the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake, a rich and flavorful treat featuring a moist yellow cake infused with pineapple, a luscious creamy frosting, and a sweet coconut and pecan topping. This cake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, and celebrations.

Let’s dive into the full recipe, including its history, preparation, and why Elvis fans love it!

History of the Elvis Presley Cake

Elvis Presley was known for his hearty appetite, and he had a special fondness for classic Southern comfort foods. While the most famous dish associated with him is the peanut butter and banana sandwich, another legendary favorite is the Elvis Presley Cake.

This cake is said to have been one of Elvis’s favorites, made for him by his friends and family. It’s a pineapple-infused sheet cake with a rich cream cheese frosting—a combination that perfectly blends the sweet and tangy flavors of the South. Whether or not he ate this exact version regularly, it has become a beloved recipe among fans of both Elvis and good old-fashioned Southern baking.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 box (3-ounce) vanilla pudding mix (not sugar-free)
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 can (16 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

For the Frosting:

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, oil, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. While the cake is baking, prepare the pineapple mixture.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Topping

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the undrained crushed pineapple and 1 cup sugar.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens (about 5 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Add Pineapple to the Cake

  1. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or wooden skewer.
  2. Pour the warm pineapple mixture evenly over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
  3. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

  1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Step 7: Add the Final Toppings

  1. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and shredded coconut evenly over the frosting.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

  1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
  2. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Why Elvis Fans Love This Cake

Elvis fans appreciate this cake not just because of its legendary namesake but because it truly embodies Southern decadence. The moist yellow cake, the sweet pineapple topping, and the rich cream cheese frosting make every bite a delight.

Some say this cake represents Elvis’s love for indulgence, while others simply enjoy it as a delicious Southern dessert. Either way, it’s a cake that brings joy to anyone who takes a bite!

Tips for the Perfect Elvis Presley Cake

✔ Use fresh ingredients – Make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are fresh for the best texture.
✔ Chill before serving – This allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
✔ Experiment with toppings – Some people love adding banana slices to pay tribute to Elvis’s favorite fruit.

Conclusion

The Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a tribute to a music legend and a taste of Southern comfort in every bite. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just love a good homemade cake, this recipe is a must-try!

Try it for your next gathering, and watch how fast it disappears. Long live the King—and long live this delicious cake!

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