Why Is It Called Elvis Presley Cake?

This dessert earned its name because of Elvis Presley’s legendary love for indulgent Southern sweets. While there’s no documented record of him eating this exact cake, the combination of pineapple, cream cheese, and moist yellow cake fits the type of flavors he was known to enjoy. Over the years, fans started calling it the Elvis Presley cake recipe to honor his larger-than-life personality and his ties to Southern comfort food.

What Are the Key Elvis Presley Cake Ingredients?

The essentials include yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple in juice, sugar, cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar , and optional pecans . These ingredients create the tropical, creamy layers that define the cake. Some bakers also add pudding layers or bananas for extra richness, but the base recipe stays true to its roots.

Can I Make an Elvis Presley Cake with Pudding?

Absolutely. Many home bakers enhance the best Elvis Presley cake recipe by adding a layer of vanilla or banana pudding between the pineapple glaze and the cream cheese frosting. This variation makes the cake extra moist and decadent, especially for parties and potlucks.

Is There a Jailhouse Rock Version of This Cake?

Yes, the Elvis Presley Jailhouse Rock cake recipe isn’t a different flavor but a themed presentation. People decorate it with piano keys, edible guitars, or record-shaped toppers to match the “Jailhouse Rock” vibe for themed events or Presley-inspired celebrations.

Elvis Presley Cake Recipe – The Most Irresistible Southern Dessert Ever

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

Scale

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

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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