Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake): A Sweet Tribute to the King

If you’re a fan of both desserts and Elvis Presley, then you’re in for a treat with this delicious and nostalgic Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake. This dessert is a heavenly combination of white cake, tangy pineapple, and a rich cream cheese frosting, topped with a generous helping of crushed pecans. The cake is simple to make but delivers a punch of flavor that will leave you dancing in your blue suede shoes. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, and especially for fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Jump to Recipe

This cake has a classic Southern charm, with the sweet and tangy pineapple mixture soaking into a moist white cake, topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. The addition of crushed pecans gives it that extra crunch and nutty flavor, making it a true comfort dessert. The best part? It’s easy to make, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• White Cake Mix: The base of this cake is a simple white cake mix. You can use your favorite brand and follow the package directions for baking.
• 8 oz can of Crushed Pineapple (with juice): Pineapple brings a bright and tangy flavor to the cake, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the frosting.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten the pineapple mixture, making it syrupy and flavorful.
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for the pineapple mixture): Vanilla adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the pineapple mixture.
• 8 oz package Cream Cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the base of the rich and creamy frosting that tops the cake.
• ½ cup Butter, softened: Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth and luscious frosting.
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps give it that light and fluffy texture.
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for the frosting): A bit of vanilla extract in the frosting ties all the flavors together.
• 3 cups Crushed Pecans: Pecans add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the cake, both in the frosting and as a garnish.

Directions:

1. Bake the Cake

To start, prepare the white cake according to the directions on the box. You can use any cake pan you prefer, whether it’s a 9×13-inch pan for a sheet cake or round pans for a layered cake. Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool completely. After it has cooled, take the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake. These holes will allow the pineapple mixture to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

2. Make the Pineapple Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (including its juice), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil. Let it boil for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cooled cake, making sure it seeps into the holes you poked earlier. The pineapple mixture infuses the cake with a delicious sweetness and a slight tang, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is absorbing all that pineapple goodness, it’s time to make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness and warmth. Finally, fold in 2 cups of crushed pecans to add some texture and a nutty flavor to the frosting.

4. Frost and Garnish the Cake

Once your frosting is ready, spread it generously over the pineapple-soaked cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cake with a thick layer of frosting. After frosting the cake, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed pecans evenly over the top. The pecans not only add a delicious crunch but also give the cake a beautiful finish.

5. Let the Cake Chill

For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to set in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together, making the cake even more delicious. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake into squares or slices and enjoy the rich, tangy, and sweet flavors.

Tips for Success:

• Make Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead of time since it tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a while. Make it the day before your event, and it will be ready to go when you need it.
• Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Or, for a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts altogether, and the cake will still be delicious.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days, though it probably won’t last that long once people get a taste!

Conclusion

Elvis Presley Cake, or Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a dessert that will rock your taste buds. With its moist white cake soaked in a sweet and tangy pineapple mixture and topped with creamy, nutty frosting, this cake is a showstopper. It’s easy to make, yet impressive enough for any special occasion. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just a lover of delicious desserts, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, put on some rock ‘n’ roll, get baking, and enjoy a slice of this sweet tribute to the King!