Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was known for his love of indulgent Southern comfort foods. This cake, often referred to as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is inspired by his famous love for rich and flavorful desserts. The Elvis Presley Cake is a moist, pineapple-infused treat with coconut shreds, topped with a creamy, luscious frosting. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or when you’re craving something decadent.
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or homemade cake mix for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adds extra sweetness and enhances the texture)
- 4 large eggs (provides structure and moisture)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (makes the cake extra moist and soft)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (adds a fruity, tropical taste)
- 1 cup shredded coconut (gives a delightful chewy texture)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (adds a tangy, creamy richness)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (makes the frosting smooth and silky)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the overall flavor)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (provides a light, sweet consistency)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) (adds crunch and extra flavor)
Optional Additions for a Classic Elvis Touch
- Banana Slices: Since Elvis was famously fond of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, adding banana slices to the batter before baking can give it an authentic Elvis feel.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix peanut butter into the frosting or drizzle it on top for an extra nutty taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sugar, eggs, oil, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut.
- Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix the ingredients until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
3. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
4. Prepare the Frosting
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to mix. Beat until fluffy and well combined.
5. Frost the Cake
- Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
Serving & Presentation
Slice the cake into squares and serve at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for a firmer texture, making it easier to slice. For an extra indulgent touch, garnish each piece with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the cake within 24 hours, you can keep it covered at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Elvis Presley Cake
✅ Drain the Pineapple Well – Too much liquid can make the cake too soggy, so drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the batter.
✅ Room Temperature Ingredients – For the smoothest frosting, allow your cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature before mixing.
✅ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense rather than soft and fluffy.
✅ Cool Before Frosting – Applying frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting.
✅ Add Nuts for Crunch – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious contrast in texture to the creamy frosting.
Why Is It Called Elvis Presley Cake?
Elvis Presley was known for his legendary love of Southern comfort food. This cake became associated with him because of its rich, indulgent ingredients like pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese frosting—flavors that were often found in the treats he enjoyed. Some variations of this cake also incorporate bananas and peanut butter, reflecting his famous peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 12 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Conclusion
The Elvis Presley Cake is a perfect balance of moist cake, tropical fruit flavors, and creamy frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a party, or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. Its Southern charm and rich texture make it a true rockstar among desserts—just like the King himself!
🎸 So turn up some Elvis tunes, bake this delightful cake, and enjoy a taste of rock and roll history! 🎶Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)
