Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) – Classic Southern Dessert

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Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)

A Legendary Southern Dessert with Pineapple, Banana & Cream

The Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a classic Southern poke cake inspired by the King of Rock ’n’ Roll himself. Just like Elvis’s famous love for bold flavors, this dessert is rich, sweet, and unforgettable—made with fluffy cake soaked in pineapple, layered with bananas, and topped with a creamy frosting.

It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving an old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing dessert.

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Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) – Classic Southern Dessert

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Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)

Ingredients

Ingredients:
White Cake Mix
8 oz can Crushed Pineapple (with juice)
1 cup Granulated Sugar
½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for pineapple mixture)
8 oz package Cream Cheese, softened
½ cup Butter, softened
3 cups Powdered Sugar
½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
3 cups Crushed Pecans

Instructions

Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the white cake mix package.
Prepare the cake batter as directed and bake it in a cake pan according to package directions.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
2. Prepare Pineapple Mixture:
In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (including its juice), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the mixture.
Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Soak the Cake:
Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake while it is still in the pan.
Slowly pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes evenly.
Allow the cake to absorb the pineapple mixture as it continues to cool.
4. Make Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Mix until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
Stir in 2 cups of the crushed pecans until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.
5. Frost the Cake:
Carefully spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake, covering it completely and smoothing the surface with a spatula.
6. Garnish:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed pecans evenly over the top of the frosted cake, creating a generous nutty topping.
7. Chill the Cake:
For optimal flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly.
8. Serve:
Once chilled, slice and serve your delicious Elvis Presley Cake garnished with additional lemon zest curls and fresh raspberries if desired. 
  • Author: laura

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Why You’ll Love Elvis Presley Cake

  • Ultra-moist poke cake texture

  • Sweet pineapple and banana flavor combo

  • Creamy, fluffy topping

  • Easy recipe using simple ingredients

  • A nostalgic Southern classic

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box yellow cake mix

  • Ingredients listed on the cake mix box

 the Pineapple Layer

  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

 the Topping

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1–2 ripe bananas, sliced

How to Make Elvis Presley Cake

Bake the Cake

Prepare and bake the yellow cake according to package directions in a 9×13-inch pan.

Poke the Cake

While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over using the handle of a wooden spoon.

Add the Pineapple

In a saucepan, cook crushed pineapple and sugar until heated through. Pour the hot pineapple mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.

 Prepare the Topping

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.

Assemble

Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Top with sliced bananas just before serving.

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)Tips for the Best Jailhouse Rock Cake

  • Pour pineapple mixture while cake is warm for best absorption

  • Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness

  • Chill before serving for cleaner slices

  • Add chopped pecans for extra texture (optional)

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days

  • Make-ahead: Prepare the cake and frosting a day ahead; add bananas before serving

Serving Ideas

  • Garnish with crushed nuts or toasted coconut

  • Serve chilled or slightly cool

  • Pair with coffee or iced tea

Final Thoughts

This Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) is a true Southern classic—sweet, creamy, fruity, and irresistibly nostalgic. With its moist pineapple-soaked cake and creamy topping, it’s easy to see why this dessert has remained a favorite for generations.

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