If you’re a fan of Elvis Presley, you probably know about his love for Southern comfort food—especially desserts! This Elvis Presley Cake, also called Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a rich, moist pineapple cake topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans. It’s a decadent treat that’s as legendary as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself.
Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just because, this cake is easy to make with a boxed cake mix base, but it tastes completely homemade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Make – A simple cake mix gets a delicious Southern twist.
✔ Sweet & Moist – The pineapple-infused cake keeps it ultra-soft.
✔ Rich & Decadent – Cream cheese frosting makes every bite creamy and delicious.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or an Elvis-themed party!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice, do not drain)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions.
- Stir in the entire can of crushed pineapple (with juice) and granulated sugar. Mix well until combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Step 4: Assemble & Garnish
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Slice and serve!
Cooking Tips & Variations
✔ Extra Moist Cake – Poke holes in the cake while it’s warm and pour a little pineapple juice over it for extra moisture.
✔ Make It a Layer Cake – Bake in two 9-inch round cake pans and stack with frosting in between.
✔ Add Bananas – Since Elvis loved peanut butter and bananas, try adding sliced bananas between layers or drizzling with peanut butter glaze.
✔ Toasted Pecans – Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for extra nutty flavor.
What to Serve with Elvis Presley Cake
Pair this Southern-style cake with:
- A hot cup of coffee or milk – Perfect for balancing the sweetness.
- Vanilla or butter pecan ice cream – A cool, creamy complement.
- A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce – For even more indulgence.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of white?
Yes! A yellow cake mix works just as well and gives the cake a richer flavor.
Can I make this cake from scratch?
Definitely! Use your favorite homemade white cake recipe and simply add crushed pineapple and sugar as directed.
Do I have to use pecans?
No, the pecans are optional. You can also use walnuts or leave them out entirely.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes! Pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-22 minutes. Then frost as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Elvis Presley Cake is a Southern classic that’s easy to make, deliciously moist, and loaded with tropical pineapple flavor. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just love a good dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Give it a try, and enjoy a slice of rock ‘n’ roll history!
