Get ready for a dessert that’s fit for the King himself! Elvis Presley Cake is a decadent treat inspired by the famous rock-and-roll legend’s love for banana and peanut butter. This cake is a true tribute to Elvis’ favorite flavors, featuring a moist banana cake, a rich layer of sweet pineapple, and a creamy, peanut-buttery frosting. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence that’s sure to have you singing its praises after the very first bite. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll see why this cake is worthy of its name!
Why You’ll Love Elvis Presley Cake
- Banana & Peanut Butter Heaven: The combination of banana cake, pineapple, and peanut butter frosting creates a flavor profile that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy!
- Easy to Make: This cake might sound like it has a lot of fancy layers, but it’s actually pretty simple to put together. The moist cake is paired with a no-fuss topping that will impress anyone who tries it.
- Nostalgic Vibes: If you’ve ever been a fan of Elvis Presley (or his signature love for peanut butter and banana), this cake will bring a little extra joy to your dessert table!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just indulging in a treat for yourself, this cake is always a hit. It’s indulgent, comforting, and unforgettable!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
- Banana Cake Mix: The base of the cake, which brings that rich, banana flavor.
- Pineapple: Sweet crushed pineapple adds a juicy, tropical layer of flavor and helps keep the cake moist.
- Eggs & Oil: For a soft and tender cake texture.
- Peanut Butter: A key ingredient in the frosting that gives it that creamy, nutty richness.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the frosting to balance out the saltiness of the peanut butter.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a little extra flavor to the frosting.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the peanut butter frosting creamy and dreamy.
(Note: Full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Banana Cake
In a large bowl, prepare the banana cake mix according to the package instructions. Usually, this means mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Add in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. You’ll want a nice thick layer to make every bite extra indulgent!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the cake into squares and serve! It’s perfect as a stand-alone dessert, or you can top it with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories per serving: 350-400 calories
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 2%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 6%
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake
- With Whipped Cream: Serve a slice of this indulgent cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for a bit of extra luxury.
- Chopped Peanuts: For a bit of crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the frosting.
- A Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or banana ice cream makes for a heavenly sidekick to this cake, making it even more decadent.
Additional Tips
- Banana Flavor Boost: If you want to enhance the banana flavor, try adding a mashed banana to the cake batter along with the pineapple.
- Make-Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavor actually improves after sitting for a day or two.
- Peanut Butter Variation: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can substitute with almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use homemade banana cake instead of a box mix?
A1: Absolutely! You can use a homemade banana cake recipe in place of the box mix if you prefer. Just make sure the texture is moist enough to hold up the frosting.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake will stay fresh and the frosting will remain creamy.
Q3: Can I freeze Elvis Presley Cake?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the cake (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Q4: Can I use a different frosting?
A4: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can swap the frosting for a cream cheese frosting or whipped vanilla frosting for a lighter option.
Q5: How can I make this cake more “Elvis”?
A5: To make this cake even more of a tribute to the King, you could add some chopped bacon to the frosting for that sweet and salty combo Elvis loved!
Q6: How do I make this cake gluten-free?
A6: You can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to check that your frosting ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q7: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A7: Yes! You can use fresh pineapple, just make sure to chop it into small pieces and include the juice for the extra moisture.
Q8: Can I use smooth peanut butter?
A8: Yes, smooth peanut butter works just as well as crunchy in the frosting. It’ll create a creamier texture.
Q9: How do I make this cake less sweet?
A9: To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the powdered sugar in the frosting or use less cake mix. You could also try a lighter frosting option.
Q10: Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips to the cake batter or sprinkle some on top of the frosting for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, indulgent flavors with a little rock-and-roll flair. With its banana cake, pineapple filling, and creamy peanut butter frosting, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite. Whether you’re a longtime Elvis fan or just love a good dessert, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy a slice (or two), and feel free to thank the King for the inspiration!
Print
Elvis Presley Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a delightful dessert made with a white cake base soaked in a sweet pineapple mixture, topped with a creamy frosting made of cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, and finished with crunchy pecans. It’s a simple yet indulgent cake that’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- White Cake Mix
- 8 oz can Crushed Pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for pineapple mixture)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz package Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ cup Butter, softened
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
For Garnish:
- 3 cups Crushed Pecans
Instructions
- Bake the Cake:
- Prepare and bake a white cake according to package directions in your desired cake pan. Once baked, cool the cake completely.
- Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes throughout the cooled cake.
- Pineapple Mixture:
- In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, the remaining vanilla extract, and 2 cups of crushed pecans.
- Mix until well combined, then spread the frosting over the pineapple-soaked cake.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed pecans over the top of the cake.
- Chill:
- For the best flavor, let the cake set in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Storage: This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Flavor: The cake becomes more flavorful as it rests, so it’s perfect to make a day ahead of time.
- Pecans: You can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg