Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) – A Southern Classic You’ll Fall in Love With
The Elvis Presley Cake, also lovingly known as the Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a rich, sweet, and outrageously indulgent dessert that will have you “All Shook Up” after just one bite. Named after the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, this cake is as iconic as Elvis’ blue suede shoes. Bursting with sweet pineapple, creamy frosting, and a generous crunch of pecans, it’s a Southern classic that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re throwing a party, preparing a potluck dish, or simply baking for the family, this retro cake recipe delivers a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in every forkful.
Why You’ll Love Elvis Presley Cake
- ✅ Easy to make with a boxed cake mix shortcut
- ✅ Moist, flavorful, and loaded with pineapple and cream cheese
- ✅ Make-ahead friendly – gets better as it chills
- ✅ A guaranteed hit at gatherings, holidays, and birthdays
- ✅ Rich, nostalgic flavor that never disappoints
Ingredients – The King’s Favorite Dessert Combination
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Cake Base | 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as per box instructions) |
| Pineapple Topping | 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice) 1 cup granulated sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | 8 oz cream cheese, softened ½ cup butter, softened 3 cups powdered sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract |
| Topping | 3 cups crushed pecans (toasted optional) |
🎸 Optional additions: A sprinkle of cinnamon in the frosting, toasted coconut, or maraschino cherries for flair.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Elvis Presley Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions (usually involves eggs, oil, and water).
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
👑 This white cake is the perfect blank canvas to absorb the flavors of the pineapple topping.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Topping
- While the cake is baking, combine crushed pineapple (with juice), granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the topping thickens slightly.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a fork or skewer.
- Pour the warm pineapple topping evenly over the hot cake.
🍍 Let the topping soak in — it makes the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is thick, creamy, and spreadable.
🧁 For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and butter.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
- Allow the cake and pineapple topping to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
- Sprinkle the entire surface with crushed pecans.
- For added depth of flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
🌰 The sweet and creamy frosting pairs beautifully with the nutty crunch on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving—it tastes even better cold!
- Serve in squares with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Add a cherry on top to echo the cake’s retro charm.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
🧊 This cake is excellent for make-ahead desserts — the flavors intensify as it sits.
Elvis Presley Cake Variations
| Variation | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Banana Presley Cake | Add mashed bananas to the cake batter |
| Tropical Twist | Mix shredded coconut into the pineapple topping |
| Chocolate Peanut Butter | Use chocolate cake mix and peanut butter frosting |
| Cherry-Pineapple Version | Add chopped maraschino cherries to the topping |
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving – 1 of 12)
- Calories: ~480
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
Nutrition may vary depending on specific brands and optional ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Jailhouse Rock Cake
- 🥄 Don’t skip poking holes — this helps the pineapple topping absorb beautifully into the cake.
- ❄️ Chill before frosting for a smoother spread and less mess.
- 🌟 For an even richer frosting, use full-fat cream cheese only.
- 🔥 Toast the pecans for maximum aroma and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Elvis Presley Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. The moist white cake, bright pineapple layer, luscious cream cheese frosting, and crunchy pecans come together in perfect harmony — just like one of Elvis’s greatest hits. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and creates memories, whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just because you need a little sweetness in your day.
Bake this once, and it’s guaranteed to become a regular encore performance in your kitchen.