Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)
Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a delicious dessert that pays tribute to the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Combining tropical pineapple and rich cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect indulgence for anyone who loves fruity, creamy cakes. This cake is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat for your family.
With layers of moist, pineapple-infused white cake, topped with creamy frosting and crushed pecans, every bite of this cake is a little piece of heaven. It’s easy to make, using a simple white cake mix and just a few other ingredients to bring it to life.
Let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box of white cake mix (or make your own homemade white cake batter)
1 (8 oz) can of crushed pineapple (with juice)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the pineapple mixture)
For the Frosting:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting)
For the Topping:
3 cups crushed pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, and lightly dust with flour to ensure that your cake won’t stick to the pan.
Mix the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the instructions on the package, usually by adding water, eggs, and oil. However, we’re going to add a twist to the traditional recipe. Add the crushed pineapple (with juice) directly into the batter. This will make the cake incredibly moist and add a slight tropical flavor. Mix in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter as well.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the creamy frosting.
Cream the cream cheese and butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy. This may take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture, one cup at a time. Continue beating the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the frosting, mixing it in well. At this point, your frosting should be creamy, smooth, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to assemble it.
Frost the cake: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. Make sure to cover the top of the cake evenly, allowing the creamy frosting to coat every inch.
Garnish with crushed pecans: Once the frosting is applied, sprinkle 3 cups of crushed pecans evenly over the top of the cake. The pecans add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy frosting.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Now that your Elvis Presley Cake is fully assembled, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This cake is best when chilled in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving. The frosting will firm up slightly, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. It’s rich, sweet, and creamy with a nutty finish that everyone will love.
Serving tip: You can serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat, or enjoy it on its own with a glass of cold milk. It’s perfect for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or as a fun tribute to the King himself.
Tips for Success
Homemade cake mix: If you want to go the extra mile, you can make a homemade white cake batter instead of using a box mix. This will give your cake a more personalized touch and take the flavor to another level.
Pineapple variations: If you like your cake even more tropical, feel free to mix in some shredded coconut or diced bananas into the batter for a true Elvis-inspired twist.
Chill before serving: The frosting will firm up in the fridge, making it easier to cut clean slices. Plus, the cake will taste even better after a few hours of chilling.
Pecan substitution: If you don’t like pecans or if you’re allergic, you can use other nuts such as walnuts or almonds, or even skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
Variations to Try
Peach Presley Cake: Instead of using pineapple, you can use crushed peaches for a different fruity flavor. The combination of peaches and cream cheese frosting is a decadent twist.
Chocolate Elvis Cake: Add some cocoa powder to the cake mix to turn this into a chocolate Elvis cake. You can still use the pineapple and cream cheese frosting, creating a unique contrast of chocolate and fruit.
Banana Elvis Cake: Elvis loved his bananas, so why not throw in some mashed ripe bananas into the cake mix for an extra moist, banana-flavored base? This would be a nod to his favorite flavors.
Caramel Elvis Cake: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the frosting before adding the crushed pecans for an indulgent caramel twist.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) is a wonderfully sweet, tropical, and indulgent dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. The combination of pineapple, cream cheese frosting, and crushed pecans creates a cake that is not only delicious but also rich and satisfying.
Whether you’re celebrating Elvis’s legacy or just craving a decadent dessert, this cake will not disappoint. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. You can enjoy this cake as a fun tribute to one of music’s greatest legends or simply as a sweet treat to brighten up any occasion.
Enjoy a slice (or two) of this decadent cake and feel the spirit of The King in every bite! 🎸🎤👑