This decadent sheet cake is inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley, who famously loved rich, indulgent flavors. This moist and flavorful cake combines tropical notes from crushed pineapple, creamy vanilla pudding, and a buttery yellow cake mix for a dessert that’s truly fit for royalty. Perfect for parties or potlucks, this easy-to-make cake is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (standard size, about 15–16 oz)
- 1 box vanilla pudding (3-ounce box, not sugar-free)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can crushed pineapple (16 ounces, undrained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Optional Topping Ideas:
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, oil, and milk. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the undrained crushed pineapple and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly—the batter will be slightly thinner than traditional cake batter due to the moisture from the pineapple.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, slice into squares and serve as-is, or add optional toppings like whipped cream, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or maraschino cherries for an extra-special touch.
Tips for Success
- Pineapple Juice: Don’t drain the crushed pineapple! The juice adds moisture and sweetness to the cake, making it incredibly soft and flavorful.
- Mix-Ins: For a tropical twist, fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut or chopped nuts before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a celebration of bold, sweet flavors and effortless preparation. The combination of crushed pineapple, creamy pudding, and rich cake mix creates a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, birthday party, or just craving something indulgent, this cake is sure to satisfy. Dive into this tropical treat and enjoy every bite—it’s fit for the King!
