Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe

Sing-Along Sweetness: Elvis Presley Cake Recipe for Fans

Indulging in an elvis presley cake brings pure Southern dessert magic right to your plate.

Creamy peanut butter layers mingle with banana-infused goodness for a decadent treat.

Sweet memories of graceland’s iconic musician dance through each delectable slice.

Moist cake textures promise a delightful culinary adventure that honors the king of rock and roll.

Soft bananas and rich cream cheese frosting create an irresistible combination.

Passionate bakers know this recipe captures the essence of comfort and nostalgia.

Whip up this legendary dessert and let every bite sing with delicious rock and roll spirit.

Rockin’ Sweetness: Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)

How to Bake Elvis Presley Cake
  • Celebrate Rock 'n' Roll Nostalgia: Dive into a delightful dessert that pays homage to the legendary Elvis Presley, making every slice a musical journey through culinary history.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and parties, this cake guarantees smiles and requests for seconds with its irresistible combination of flavors.
  • Transform Simple Ingredients: Magically turn basic pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, without requiring advanced baking skills.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Create an impressive dessert with minimal effort, using convenient boxed cake mix and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master with confidence.

Ingredients for Elvis Presley Jailhouse Rock Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • White Cake Mix: A classic base that provides a light and fluffy foundation for this delightful dessert.
For the Cake Soaking Mixture:
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture and a tropical sweetness that penetrates the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the pineapple's sweetness and helps create a rich syrup.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pineapple.
For the Frosting and Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy base for the frosting that balances the cake's sweetness.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese frosting.
  • Pecans: Offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that adds depth to the cake.

How to Bake Elvis Presley Cake

How to Bake Elvis Presley Cake

Step 1: Bake White Cake

Whip up a white cake using the package instructions in your favorite baking pan. Once the cake is golden and fragrant, let it cool completely.

Grab a wooden spoon handle and poke delightful holes all across the cake surface.

Step 2: Create Pineapple Drizzle

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.

Carefully pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep deeply into the holes.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, blend:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Crushed pecans

Beat until smooth and luxurious.

Generously spread the frosting across the pineapple-infused cake.

Step 4: Add Pecan Crunch

Sprinkle additional crushed pecans over the top of the frosted cake, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Refrigerate the cake overnight or for at least 6 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to dance and mingle, transforming the cake into a truly magical dessert.

Pro Tips for Perfect Elvis Presley Cake

  • Poke holes generously while the cake is still warm to help pineapple mixture absorb better into every layer.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.
  • Toast pecans briefly before crushing to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake's taste profile.
  • Ensure cake is completely cooled before adding pineapple mixture to prevent soggy texture and maintain structural integrity.
  • Refrigerate cake covered to keep fresh for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.

Variations on Jailhouse Rock Cake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use vegan butter, and substitute eggs with applesauce or commercial egg replacer.
  • Tropical Remix: Replace pecans with toasted coconut flakes and add a layer of sliced bananas between the pineapple layer and frosting for an extra Elvis-inspired touch.
  • Nutty Alternative: Swap pecans with chopped almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor profile and texture variation.

Pairing Suggestions for Elvis Presley Cake

  • Pair Sweet Southern Comfort: A chilled glass of sweet tea perfectly complements the cake's tropical pineapple and rich cream cheese flavors, echoing classic Southern dessert traditions.
  • Boost Nutty Beverage Match: A warm cup of hazelnut coffee balances the pecan's crunch and highlights the cake's creamy texture, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
  • Creamy Cocktail Companion: A smooth banana daiquiri mirrors the cake's Elvis-inspired roots, blending tropical pineapple notes with a playful alcoholic twist that enhances the dessert's sweetness.
  • Dessert Wine Delight: A glass of Moscato d'Asti offers light, sweet bubbles that cut through the cake's richness while complementing its fruity and nutty undertones.

Storage Advice for Elvis Presley Cake

  • Store the Elvis Presley Cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and flavor.
  • Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual cake slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw individual slices at room temperature for 30 minutes.

FAQs

  • Why is it called Elvis Presley Cake?

The cake was inspired by Elvis Presley’s love for decadent desserts, combining flavors he enjoyed like pineapple and pecans, creating a rich, indulgent treat that pays homage to the King of Rock and Roll.

  • What makes the texture of this cake unique?

The holes poked in the cake allow the pineapple mixture to soak deeply, creating a super moist and incredibly soft cake that melts in your mouth with each bite.

  • Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Stick with canned crushed pineapple with juice for the best results, as it provides the right consistency and moisture needed for the recipe to work perfectly.

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Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet Southern charm meets rock ‘n’ roll in this Elvis Presley Cake, a delightful dessert that sings with banana, pineapple, and cream cheese frosting. Faithful fans and dessert enthusiasts will savor each nostalgic bite of this legendary Memphis-inspired treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • 3 cups crushed pecans

Sugar and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Dairy:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for pineapple mixture)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Prepare the white cake according to package instructions in a suitable baking dish. Allow the cake to cool completely, then methodically puncture the entire surface with a wooden spoon handle to create absorption channels.
  2. Craft a pineapple infusion by combining crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring intermittently. Carefully cascade the hot pineapple liquid across the cake’s surface, ensuring thorough penetration into the pre-created holes.
  3. Whip the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in a generous portion of crushed pecans, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Lavishly spread the pecan-studded cream cheese frosting across the pineapple-saturated cake, creating an even, luxurious layer that completely covers the surface.
  5. Generously dust the remaining crushed pecans over the frosted cake, creating a textural and visual garnish.
  6. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to harmonize and intensify, transforming the dessert into a truly memorable culinary experience.

Notes

  • Choose a high-quality white cake mix for a more delicate and fluffy texture that absorbs the pineapple mixture perfectly.
  • Ensure wooden spoon holes are evenly distributed across the cake to allow maximum pineapple syrup absorption, creating a moist and flavorful dessert.
  • Toast pecans before crushing to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake’s frosting and topping.
  • Opt for full-fat cream cheese and butter for a richer, more indulgent frosting that complements the sweet pineapple base.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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