Elvis Presley Sheet Cake

This post is dedicated to Su, one of my readers from Australia. Several years back, Su and her mother, who is a huge Elvis fan, came to the US to visit Graceland. I had the pleasure of meeting up with them during their visit, and we all had a grand day together!

This cake is said to have been a favorite of Elvis’s, made regularly by his cook. Apparently, his favorite ingredient was the crushed pineapple. The cake is made from a vanilla pudding and yellow cake mix, and you actually poke holes in the cake to let the sweet and juicy pineapple and sugar mixture soak right in. The cherry on top is a cream cheese and pecan icing. In the end, you have a deliciously sweet and moist cake that will probably become your favorite as well!

This is what we call an Ice Box Cake. Many from the greatest generation still refer to their refrigerators as iceboxes. Ice Box Cake recipes and pies are good any time of the year because they keep so much longer than regular cakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Its sweet, moist cake base, infused with pineapple, is perfectly complemented by the creamy, nutty frosting. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• 9×13 baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Fork

Ingredients

CAKE:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 box vanilla pudding (3-ounce box, not sugar-free)
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can crushed pineapple (16 ounces, undrained)
• 1 cup sugar

FROSTING:

• 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces, softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
• 3 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• (Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

Instructions

1. Place cake mix, pudding, eggs, oil, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for one minute. Scrape down sides and beat again for about two minutes, or until smooth.
2. Pour batter into a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. While the cake is baking, place pineapple and sugar into a medium saucepan on the stovetop. Bring just to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
4. Once the cake is done, remove the dish from the oven and poke holes all over the top with a fork. While the cake is still hot, pour the hot pineapple mixture over the top and spread to cover. Let cool.
5. For frosting, place the butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add confectioner’s sugar gradually, scraping down sides as needed, while beating. Stir in pecans, if desired.
6. Drop dollops of the icing onto the top of the cooled cake. Slowly spread the dollops together to cover the cake, being careful not to disturb the pineapple topping. Sprinkle the finished cake with additional pecans, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother frosting.
• Poking holes in the cake allows the pineapple mixture to soak in more effectively, enhancing flavor and moisture.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For a twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the frosting for extra flavor.
• Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm spice note.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 450, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 70g, Fat: 18g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? It’s best to use canned crushed pineapple as the juice is essential for the cake’s moisture and sweetness.
• How should I store this cake? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a delightful treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its combination of sweet pineapple and creamy frosting is a match made in heaven. I hope you give this recipe a try and share your experience with me. Enjoy this slice of nostalgia and let me know how it turns out!