Elvis Presley Cake, often referred to as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines a white cake base with a unique pineapple topping and decadent cream cheese frosting. This cake is not only a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll but also a beloved southern dessert that can elevate any gathering. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a special event, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of how to make this famous cake, provide you with all the ingredients needed, and walk you through each step of the recipe to ensure a flawless result every time.
What is Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)?
The Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is an easy-to-make yet show-stopping dessert that is often associated with the rich culinary traditions of the southern United States. It is said that this cake was named after Elvis Presley, partly due to its bold, sweet flavors and the fact that the King himself was known to love desserts. The cake features a moist white cake base, which is soaked with a sweet pineapple mixture, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and crushed pecans. The combination of flavors and textures makes this cake incredibly irresistible.
Ingredients for Elvis Presley Cake
To make this delicious dessert, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 package of white cake mix – You can choose your favorite brand. A good quality mix will give you a soft, fluffy base for the cake.
- 1 can (8 oz) of crushed pineapple with juice – The pineapple adds a sweet, tropical flavor and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar – To balance the pineapple’s tartness and bring out the sweetness in the cake.
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract – To enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened – This will form the base of the rich, creamy frosting.
- ½ cup of butter, softened – Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
- 3 cups of powdered sugar – Essential for sweetness and creating the perfect consistency for the frosting.
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract – To add flavor and depth to the frosting.
For Garnishing:
- 3 cups of crushed pecans – A key component of the frosting, adding a delightful crunch and nuttiness to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Additional crushed pecans – For sprinkling on top of the finished cake to create an eye-catching and tasty garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Elvis Presley Cake
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create the perfect Elvis Presley Cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Cake Mix: Follow the instructions on the white cake mix package. Usually, this involves mixing the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs. Once mixed, pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for the time specified on the package, typically around 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once it’s cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke several holes all over the surface of the cake. The holes will help the pineapple mixture soak into the cake, making it moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Mixture
- Combine the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the can of crushed pineapple (with juice), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer for a Few Minutes: Allow the mixture to boil for about 2-3 minutes, and then remove it from the heat. The syrup should have thickened slightly.
- Pour Over the Cake: Pour the hot pineapple mixture evenly over the cooled cake. Make sure the mixture seeps into the holes you made in the cake, ensuring the entire cake is infused with the sweet pineapple flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and well combined. This will form the base of your frosting.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the frosting and mix well.
- Stir in the Crushed Pecans: Gently fold in 2 cups of crushed pecans to the frosting, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Once the pineapple mixture has soaked into the cake, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the cake, covering it completely.
Step 5: Garnish with Pecans
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed pecans over the top of the frosted cake. This adds a beautiful texture and a crunchy contrast to the soft, moist cake.
Step 6: Chill the Cake
To achieve the best flavor, cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld together, making the cake even more delicious.
Serving Elvis Presley Cake
After the cake has chilled, it’s ready to serve. Slice it into squares or rectangles, and enjoy the incredible combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the pineapple, the richness of the cream cheese frosting, and the crunch of the pecans all come together to create an unforgettable dessert. This cake is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a truly unique dessert.
Why You’ll Love Elvis Presley Cake
- Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the pineapple soaking into the cake, this dessert remains incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Easy to Make: The simplicity of the ingredients and preparation makes this a quick and straightforward dessert to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like a gourmet treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just enjoying a family dinner, Elvis Presley Cake is sure to be a hit.
Final Thoughts
Elvis Presley Cake is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines classic flavors in a way that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its moist cake, tropical pineapple, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecans, it’s a dessert that can’t be missed. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or simply someone who loves great food, this cake will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.