Irresistible Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe

Southern bakers have long cherished this decadent Elvis Presley cake that brings sweet memories to life.

The creamy, dreamy dessert captures the essence of comfort and indulgence.

Pineapple, cream cheese, and banana blend together in a heavenly combination that sings with flavor.

Rich layers of moist cake promise a delightful culinary experience that honors the king of Rock and roll.

Smooth cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to every single bite.

Whipping up this nostalgic treat connects you to a delicious piece of culinary history.

Grab your apron and prepare to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for an encore.

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) That Rocks Any Occasion

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• Master Layered Comfort: Create restaurant-quality lasagna at home with simple layering techniques that guarantee a perfectly balanced bite every single time.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for vegetarian lovers and family meals.
• One-Dish Wonder: Prepare a complete meal in a single baking dish that combines protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness without complicated cooking steps.

Ingredients Behind Elvis Presley Cake

• White Cake Mix: A classic base that provides the foundation for this sweet dessert.
• Cake Pan: The vessel that shapes and bakes the cake.

• Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture and tropical sweetness to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness of the pineapple mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle depth of flavor to the pineapple topping.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, classic flavor to the frosting.

• Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake, enhancing its overall taste profile.

How to Make Elvis Presley Cake

Step 1: Create Cake Base

Whip up a white cake using the package instructions in your preferred baking dish. After baking, let the cake cool completely.

Using a wooden spoon handle, poke numerous holes throughout the cake surface.

Step 2: Prepare Pineapple Infusion

• Crushed pineapple
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring occasionally.

Pour the hot pineapple mixture directly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed pecans

Mix until the frosting reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Spread this delectable layer across the pineapple-soaked cake.

Step 4: Add Pecan Crunch

Sprinkle the remaining crushed pecans over the frosted cake, creating a delightful nutty topping.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavor

Refrigerate the cake overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to harmonize and intensify, resulting in a truly memorable dessert.

Tips to Get Elvis Presley Cake Just Right

• Use the handle end of a wooden spoon to create evenly spaced holes across the cake for maximum pineapple absorption.
• Lightly drain excess pineapple juice to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy while maintaining moisture.
• Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Refrigerating overnight intensifies the cake's flavors and helps the frosting set beautifully.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake's profile.

Variations on Elvis Presley Cake to Try

• Banana Lover's Delight: Replace crushed pineapple with mashed ripe bananas for a classic Elvis-inspired flavor profile. Use banana extract instead of vanilla for enhanced banana taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all ingredients like cream cheese and pecans are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.
• Vegan Transformation: Use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free butter alternative, and egg-free white cake mix. Replace pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Low-Sugar Version: Utilize sugar-free cake mix and replace granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce sugar content in frosting by using a sugar substitute and low-fat cream cheese.

What Goes Well with Elvis Presley Cake

• Pair with Bold Bourbon: Serve a smooth, caramel-rich bourbon like Woodford Reserve to complement the cake's sweet pineapple and nutty pecan notes, creating a luxurious Southern-style dessert experience.
• Complement with Creamy Coffee: Enjoy a velvety vanilla latte or robust espresso, which will balance the cake's sweetness and enhance the rich cream cheese frosting's depth.
• Match with Tropical Cocktail: Sip a pineapple mojito or rum punch to echo the cake's fruity undertones and add a playful, tropical twist that honors Elvis's vibrant personality.
• Enhance with Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, creating a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, sweet cake and providing a delightful textural experience.

Best Ways to Store Elvis Presley Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

• Why is this called an Elvis Presley Cake?

The cake was reportedly a favorite of Elvis Presley, who loved rich, sweet desserts with his signature Southern flair.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Canned crushed pineapple works best because it’s already soft and provides consistent moisture for the cake.

• What type of cake mix should I use?

A standard white cake mix works perfectly for this recipe, ensuring a light and fluffy base for the pineapple and pecan topping.

• Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them to the frosting?

While not required, toasting pecans can enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake’s overall taste.

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets rock ‘n’ roll in this Elvis Presley Cake, a delightful dessert that pays homage to the king of rock. Creamy, banana-studded layers drenched in pineapple sauce and crowned with luxurious cream cheese frosting will make you swoon like a true fan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Components:

• 1 White Cake Mix
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Crushed Pineapple
• 1 cup (200 grams) Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Frosting Components:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) Cream Cheese
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) Butter
• 3 cups (360 grams) Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Garnish Components:

• 3 cups (336 grams) Crushed Pecans

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Instructions

1. Craft the base layer by preparing a white cake mix according to package instructions in your preferred baking vessel. After removing from oven, allow cake to cool completely.
2. Using a wooden spoon handle, create strategic perforations across the entire cake surface to enhance moisture absorption.
3. Combine crushed pineapple, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
4. Carefully cascade the hot pineapple mixture over the cake, ensuring liquid penetrates the punctured holes thoroughly.
5. Whip softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese blend. Fold in two cups of finely chopped pecans, creating a rich, textured frosting.
7. Generously spread the pecan-studded frosting across the pineapple-infused cake surface, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Elegantly dust the remaining crushed pecans over the frosted cake, creating a rustic, inviting appearance.
9. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.

Notes

• Create deep, evenly spaced holes to maximize pineapple absorption and ensure every bite is moist and flavorful.
• Pour the hot pineapple mixture slowly and carefully, allowing it to seep deeply into the cake’s crevices for maximum flavor penetration.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Refrigerating overnight enhances the cake’s flavor profile, allowing the pineapple and cream cheese to blend beautifully.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg