Here’s a complete and detailed recipe for Elvis Presley Cake (also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake) with everything you asked for: introduction, history, benefits, ingredients, methods, instructions, nutrition, lovers, and conclusion.
🍍 Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe
⭐ Introduction
Elvis Presley Cake, lovingly called the Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a retro Southern-style dessert that became popular in the mid-20th century, inspired by none other than The King of Rock and Roll. Sweet, tangy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake combines crushed pineapple, vanilla, and a rich topping to create a dessert fit for a legend. It’s moist, fruity, decadent, and perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or even just a casual coffee break.
🥥 Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 box White Cake Mix (15.25 oz, standard size)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
Pineapple Mixture
- 1 can (8 oz) Crushed Pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 package Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
- 1 stick Butter (½ cup, softened)
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional, for garnish)
- Sweetened Coconut Flakes (optional, for garnish)
🥄 Instructions
- Bake the Cake Base
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly.
- Make the Pineapple Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes).
- Pour the warm pineapple mixture evenly over the baked cake. Let it soak in completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pineapple-soaked cake.
- Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts and a sprinkle of coconut if desired.
- Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.
🏛 History of the Cake
This cake is said to be named after Elvis Presley because it was one of his favorites, reflecting his love for Southern comfort desserts. Pineapple was a popular ingredient in mid-century baking, and pairing it with rich cream cheese frosting created a sweet yet tangy balance. While no official record exists of Elvis personally baking it, the recipe became tied to his name in Southern kitchens after the success of Jailhouse Rock in 1957. Over time, it became affectionately known as the Jailhouse Rock Cake.
💪 Benefits of Elvis Presley Cake
- Rich in flavor – Sweet, tangy, and creamy layers create a well-balanced dessert.
- Comfort food – Perfect for nostalgic gatherings, birthdays, and potlucks.
- Moist texture – The pineapple mixture keeps the cake from drying out.
- Energy boost – Carbohydrates and sugar provide quick energy.
- Customizable – Can be made with nuts, coconut, or left plain.
🧾 Formation (Serving Ideas)
- Cut into squares and serve on decorative plates.
- Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve chilled for summer gatherings or slightly warmed for cozy winter desserts.
🍽 Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 370
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugars: 38g
- Fat: 17g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
(Values vary depending on cake mix and frosting variations.)
❤️ Lovers of This Cake
- Elvis Presley fans – A fun way to celebrate The King.
- Southern dessert enthusiasts – It has all the hallmarks of a classic Southern treat.
- Family bakers – Easy to prepare, even with kids.
- Sweet tooth lovers – The blend of pineapple and cream cheese frosting is irresistible.
🎤 Conclusion
Elvis Presley Cake, or Jailhouse Rock Cake, is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of history, nostalgia, and indulgence. Moist, flavorful, and iconic, it continues to be loved across generations. Whether served at birthdays, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s sure to make your guests sing, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with this cake!
👉 Would you like me to also give you a layered fancy version of this cake (with multiple tiers, like a birthday cake for Elvis fans), or keep it as a classic sheet cake style?