Jailhouse Rock Delight: Elvis Presley Cake Recipe for Fans

Baking an elvis presley cake sparks memories of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia and sweet Southern comfort.

Culinary legends often emerge from unexpected combinations, blending classic flavors with surprising twists.

Southern kitchens whisper tales of decadent desserts that capture imagination and delight.

Banana, peanut butter, and creamy frosting dance together in this iconic tribute to a musical legend.

Creamy layers promise a delicious journey through taste and musical history.

Passionate bakers understand how simple ingredients can create extraordinary experiences.

Slice into this cake and let the delicious adventure begin!

Storage Advice For Elvis Presley Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw individual slices at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

FAQs About Elvis Presley Cake

• Why is it called the Elvis Presley Cake?

The cake is named after Elvis Presley, who loved unique desserts. It combines flavors reminiscent of his favorite foods, featuring pineapple and pecans.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

No, canned crushed pineapple works best because it has the right moisture and juice content to soak into the cake effectively.

• Do I need to use a specific type of cake mix?

Any white cake mix works fine. Follow the package instructions for best results, ensuring a light and fluffy base for the pineapple and pecan topping.

• What makes the pecans special in this recipe?

Pecans add a rich, buttery crunch that complements the sweet pineapple and creamy cream cheese frosting, creating a complex and delicious flavor profile.

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Highlights

• Celebrate Rock 'n' Roll Nostalgia: Indulge in a dessert that pays homage to the legendary Elvis Presley, bringing a taste of musical history to your table with every delicious bite.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Poking holes in the cake and soaking it with a sweet pineapple mixture ensures each slice is packed with moisture and intense tropical goodness.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of creamy cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans makes this cake a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and special celebrations.
• Master a Simple Showstopper: Even novice bakers can create this impressive dessert with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for those wanting to impress without complex techniques.

Ingredients For Elvis Presley Cake

• White Cake Mix: A classic foundation that provides the soft and tender base for this sweet dessert.

• Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture and tangy sweetness to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the pineapple's natural sweetness and helps create a syrupy mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, rich flavor to the pineapple mixture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy frosting base.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.

• Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake, used both in the frosting and as a topping.

How To Make Elvis Presley Cake

Step 1: Whip Up The White Cake Base

Create a delightful white cake using your favorite boxed mix. Follow the package instructions carefully. Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Take a wooden spoon handle and poke generous holes all across the cake surface, creating pathways for delicious flavor absorption.

Step 2: Craft Pineapple Magic Sauce

• Crushed pineapple with juice
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become glossy and slightly thickened. Pour the hot pineapple mixture directly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Dreamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed pecans

Mix until the frosting becomes smooth and velvety. Spread this luxurious layer generously over the pineapple-soaked cake.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Pecan Finale

Sprinkle the remaining crushed pecans across the top, creating a beautiful nutty landscape.

Step 5: Chill And Let Flavors Dance

Refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours or overnight. This resting period allows all the incredible flavors to mingle and create a taste sensation.

Tips For Elvis Presley Cake

• Soak Strategically: Poke holes generously and deeply into the cake to help the pineapple mixture penetrate completely, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Soften Ingredients Properly: Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Toast Pecans Briefly: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake's texture.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Covering the cake while chilling prevents it from absorbing other refrigerator odors and helps maintain its moisture and delicate flavor profile.
• Slice Cleanly: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts to get neat, clean slices without dragging the frosting or crumbling the cake.

Variations For Elvis Presley Cake

• Tropical Banana Remix: Replace pineapple with mashed ripe bananas and add a layer of sliced bananas between cake and frosting for a nod to Elvis's favorite fruit.
• Gluten-Free Rock Star: Use gluten-free white cake mix and almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version of the classic dessert.
• Dairy-Free Jailhouse Version: Swap cream cheese and butter with coconut cream cheese and dairy-free margarine, perfect for lactose-intolerant fans.
• Nutty Almond Alternative: Substitute pecans with sliced almonds and add almond extract to the pineapple mixture for a different nutty profile.

Pairing Suggestions For Elvis Presley Cake

• Pair Sweet Southern Bourbon: Pour a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon like Maker's Mark alongside the cake, complementing its rich, nutty pecan and cream cheese flavors.
• Enhance Coffee Connection: Brew a dark roast Colombian coffee with hints of chocolate and nutty undertones, perfectly balancing the cake's sweet pineapple and creamy frosting.
• Cool Vanilla Shake Companion: Blend a classic vanilla milkshake with extra whipped cream, creating a creamy counterpoint that echoes the cake's soft texture and sweet profile.
• Match Tropical Rum Cocktail: Mix a light rum with pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine, mirroring the cake's fruity essence and providing a refreshing Southern-inspired drink.

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes (including minimum chill time)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Legendary Elvis Presley Cake brings rock ‘n’ roll sweetness to classic southern desserts. Pineapple, cream cheese, and banana flavors combine in a nostalgic tribute that will delight you with its rich, musical charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box White Cake Mix
• 1 8-ounce (226 grams) can Crushed Pineapple (with juice)

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 grams) Granulated Sugar
• 3 cups (360 grams) Powdered Sugar

Flavoring and Topping:

• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for pineapple mixture)
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
• 8-ounce (226 grams) package Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) Butter, softened
• 3 cups (336 grams) Crushed Pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to white cake mix instructions and prepare cake pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Bake white cake following package directions until golden and a toothpick comes out clean, typically 25-30 minutes at 350°F.
3. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 45 minutes.
4. Using wooden spoon handle, methodically create uniform holes across entire cake surface.
5. Combine crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
6. Bring pineapple mixture to rolling boil, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes until sugar dissolves.
7. Carefully pour hot pineapple mixture evenly over cooled cake, ensuring liquid penetrates all prepared holes.
8. Using electric mixer, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and remaining vanilla extract, mixing until frosting reaches creamy consistency.
10. Fold in 2 cups crushed pecans into cream cheese frosting, distributing evenly.
11. Spread frosted mixture completely over pineapple-infused cake surface.
12. Sprinkle remaining crushed pecans across cake top for decorative finish.
13. Refrigerate cake for minimum 6 hours or preferably overnight to enhance flavor melding.
14. Slice and serve chilled for optimal taste experience.

Notes

• Swap white cake mix with gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary variations.
• Toast pecans before adding to frosting for enhanced nutty depth and richer flavor profile.
• Create a lighter version by using reduced-fat cream cheese and less sugar in the frosting.
• Allow cake to absorb pineapple mixture completely for maximum moisture and tropical sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 537
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg