Easy Elvis Presley Sheet Cake for Your Next Celebration

I have a treat that combines all the flavours of Elvis Presley’s favourite desserts, in case you have ever wondered what the King’s favourite dessert was. 

The perfect blend of tropical pineapple, rich, buttery goodness, and creamy frosting makes up Elvis Presley Sheet Cake, a recipe that perfectly embodies the man himself.

Elvis Presley Sheet Cake Recipe

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 330 calories

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix if you prefer)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, with juice (be sure to use canned pineapple in its own juice)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• Combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and a cup of pineapple with juice in a large bowl. Mix well until smooth.
• Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 2: Bake the cake

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the frosting

• While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and butter in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and the half-cup of crushed pineapple (drain the pineapple to avoid extra moisture in the frosting).
• Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with more chopped pecans if you desire.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

• Slice your Elvis Presley Sheet Cake into squares and serve! This delicious cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coffee.

Tips and Variations

• Variations
  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the frosting for an Elvis-inspired twist!
  • It works just as well if you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds.
• Storage
  • This cake keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
• Freezing
  • You can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Before freezing, tightly wrap it in plastic and foil at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or any celebration. It pairs beautifully with:

• A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• A hot cup of coffee or iced tea for a casual afternoon treat.
• A dollop of whipped cream or additional pineapple for extra flavour.

What’s the difference between a sheet cake and a regular cake?

A sheet cake is typically larger, baked in a rectangular or square pan, and often served in squares or rectangles. It’s a go-to for large gatherings because it’s easy to cut and serve. Regular cakes, on the other hand, are usually round or layered and may require more delicate handling.

What was Elvis Presley’s favorite dessert?

Elvis was famously fond of peanut butter, bananas, and bacon, but when it came to cake, he loved the classic Southern pineapple upside-down cake and variations of moist, sweet cakes like the one in this recipe.

How do you keep a sheet cake from rising in the middle?

If your sheet cake rises in the middle, it could be too much batter or a hot oven. Try reducing the baking time by a few minutes or spreading the batter evenly across the pan. You can also use a cake strip (a damp cloth wrapped around the cake pan) to ensure more even baking.

What happens if you put too much butter in a cake?

While butter adds flavor and moisture, too much can make the cake greasy and heavy. Stick to the recommended amount for the best texture and flavor balance.

FAQ

Video Tutorial

Conclusion

I hope you try this recipe for an Elvis Presley sheet cake! It’s a wonderfully simple yet indulgent dessert that will please a crowd. The combination of moist cake, sweet pineapple, and creamy frosting is bliss. Let me know how your cake turns out, and feel free to ask any questions in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures!