If you’re a fan of Elvis Presley, or simply looking for a deliciously indulgent dessert, this Elvis Presley Cake (also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake) is the perfect tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This cake combines a moist pineapple cake with a rich cream cheese frosting, topped with shredded coconut and chopped pecans—ingredients that were said to be some of Elvis’s favorite flavors. It’s the perfect blend of sweetness and texture, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
What makes this cake so special is the combination of tropical pineapple and creamy frosting, along with the crunch of toasted coconut and pecans. The cake itself is incredibly moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly. It’s a cake that’s as fun and unique as the legend himself and is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party, family gathering, or Elvis-themed event!
I first made this Elvis Presley Cake when I wanted to make something special for a party, and after tasting it, I instantly fell in love! The combination of pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese creates such a delightful flavor profile, and the moistness of the cake makes each bite melt in your mouth. Now, it’s a go-to dessert whenever I’m in the mood to treat myself and my guests to something extraordinary. Whether you’re celebrating Elvis’s birthday, a music-themed party, or just craving something indulgent, this cake will steal the show.
Why This Elvis Presley Cake Will Be Your New Favorite Dessert
- Moist and flavorful: The pineapple cake is incredibly moist and full of tropical flavor.
- Creamy and tangy frosting: The cream cheese frosting is the perfect balance of rich and tangy, adding the perfect contrast to the sweet cake.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting an Elvis-themed event or just want a sweet treat, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this cake ready in no time!
What You Need For Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)
For the cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, crushed pineapple (with juice), eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is well combined.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans over the frosting for a crunchy, flavorful garnish.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and enjoy this sweet, tropical treat!
Tips
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- For a more decadent cake, you can toast the shredded coconut and chopped pecans before garnishing for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can make a homemade cake batter using flour, sugar, baking powder, and other standard cake ingredients.
- You can add a touch of cinnamon to the cake batter for added warmth and depth of flavor.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge and can be made a day ahead for even more flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for the frosting to make it dairy-free.
- Nut-Free: Omit the chopped pecans and coconut for a nut-free version of this cake.
- Different Toppings: Feel free to use other toppings like chocolate chips, chopped banana chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a different spin.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar-free cake mix or reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting for a lighter version.
- Less Fat: Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat butter for the frosting.
- Less Sweet: If you prefer a less-sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
And there you have it! This Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) is a sweet, indulgent dessert that combines tropical pineapple, creamy frosting, and crunchy toppings for the ultimate treat. Whether you’re a fan of Elvis or simply love delicious desserts, this cake will be a hit at any gathering. Don’t forget to let us know how your cake turns out, and be sure to check out some of our other fun dessert recipes for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this cake the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the coconut and pecans right before serving. - Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to chop it finely and add the juice for the same texture. - How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake (without the frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw before adding the frosting and garnishes. - Can I make this cake without the nuts?
Absolutely! You can skip the pecans and still enjoy a delicious, nut-free version of the cake. - Can I use a different frosting for this cake?
Yes! You can use whipped cream, buttercream, or even a coconut frosting if you prefer. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version and follow the rest of the recipe as is.