Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elvis Presley Cake, often affectionately called “Jailhouse Rock Cake,” is a Southern classic that reflects the indulgent taste of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This luscious dessert combines a moist yellow cake with a sweet pineapple topping, all crowned with a rich cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of crunchy pecans. The result is a cake that’s fruity, creamy, nutty, and utterly irresistible. Unlike heavy chocolate cakes, this one is lightened by the tangy pineapple layer, making it a refreshing yet decadent treat. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or holiday tables, this cake is easy to prepare but looks and tastes like something truly special. Its nostalgic charm and iconic name make it a conversation starter, while its flavor keeps guests coming back for seconds. If you’re looking for a dessert that blends comfort, tradition, and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll flair, this cake is sure to hit all the right notes.
Print
Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a decadent Southern dessert made with a moist pineapple sheet cake, topped with rich cream cheese frosting, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. It’s a sweet tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour into the prepared dish and bake 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While cake bakes, combine crushed pineapple (with juice) and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove cake from oven and poke holes all over the surface with a fork. Pour pineapple mixture evenly over the warm cake. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Sprinkle with pecans and shredded coconut if desired.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld together.
Notes
- For extra richness, toast pecans and coconut before topping.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.
- Serve cold or slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Yellow cake mix
Serves as the base, delivering a tender, golden crumb that pairs perfectly with fruit.
Eggs
Give structure, moisture, and richness to the cake.
Vegetable oil
Keeps the cake soft and moist without overpowering the flavor.
Crushed pineapple
Provides tropical sweetness and ensures the cake stays moist.
Granulated sugar
Sweetens the pineapple topping, enhancing its syrupy texture.
Cream cheese
Brings tangy richness to the frosting, balancing the sweetness.
Butter
Adds smoothness and body to the frosting, making it spreadable and decadent.
Powdered sugar
Creates a light, fluffy sweetness in the frosting without grittiness.
Vanilla extract
Infuses warmth and depth into the frosting.
Chopped pecans
A nutty, crunchy topping that gives contrast to the soft cake and creamy frosting.
Directions
Preheat the oven and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, adding eggs and oil. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until golden brown and set. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
While the cake bakes, combine crushed pineapple with sugar in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly. Once the cake is baked, poke small holes across the surface with a fork and pour the warm pineapple mixture evenly on top, letting it soak in.
For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled pineapple layer. Sprinkle with chopped pecans to finish.
Chill briefly to set the frosting before slicing. Serve cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 servings. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, baking requires 30–35 minutes, and frosting adds another 20 minutes, so the entire cake is ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. The cake develops even better flavor as it chills overnight. To freeze, slice into portions, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Coconut Jailhouse Rock Cake
Add shredded coconut to the pineapple topping or sprinkle over the frosting.
Nut-Free Version
Skip the pecans or substitute toasted coconut flakes for crunch.
Layer Cake
Bake the cake in two round pans and stack with pineapple and frosting between layers.
Cherry Twist
Add maraschino cherries to the pineapple topping for extra color and sweetness.
Toasted Pecan Upgrade
Toast pecans lightly before sprinkling for a deeper nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to accommodate dietary needs.
Spiced Version
Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for warmth.
Extra Tangy Frosting
Blend a little lemon zest into the cream cheese frosting.
Cupcake Variation
Bake the cake as cupcakes, topping each with pineapple, frosting, and pecans.
Lightened Version
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cut back on sugar for a lighter take.
FAQs
Why is it called Elvis Presley Cake?
It’s said to have been one of Elvis’s favorite desserts, featuring pineapple, cream cheese, and pecans.
What makes it the “Jailhouse Rock Cake”?
The nickname ties the dessert to Elvis’s famous hit song, adding nostalgic charm.
Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a mix?
Yes, substitute a homemade yellow cake for the boxed mix if preferred.
Do I need to drain the pineapple?
No, the juice helps create the syrupy topping that soaks into the cake.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, though pecans are traditional, walnuts provide a similar crunch.
Should the cake be refrigerated?
Yes, due to the cream cheese frosting, it must be stored in the fridge.
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a nostalgic dessert that blends the sweetness of pineapple, the tang of cream cheese, and the crunch of pecans into a truly unforgettable treat. Easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and deeply flavorful, it embodies the spirit of Southern baking while paying homage to the King himself. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply indulging in a slice of history, this cake is a dessert that rocks just as much as its namesake.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!