If you’re a fan of bold flavors, rich textures, and the King himself, this Elvis Presley Cake (or Jailhouse Rock Cake) is about to become your new favorite dessert. It’s an absolute showstopper with its layers of sweet, moist cake, creamy frosting, and that oh-so-delicious burst of pineapple. Trust me, once you make this cake, you’ll feel like you’re rocking and rolling right alongside Elvis.

Why You’ll Love Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)

This isn’t just another cake recipe—this one’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, serving dessert at a family dinner, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this cake has everything you want: sweet, tart, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: It’s perfect for a celebration, or just because! This cake is equally great for birthdays, potlucks, or a sweet treat after dinner. Imagine serving it at a party and watching everyone rush to ask for the recipe—definitely a crowd-pleaser!

Budget-Friendly: Using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this cake makes an impact without breaking the bank. No fancy stuff here, just pure, unadulterated sweetness and flavor.

Quick and Easy: The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, so even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can whip it up with ease. No complicated techniques—just layer, bake, and frost!

Customizable: Love nuts? Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for some extra texture. Want more pineapple? Pile it on! This cake is all about making it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is so flavorful and moist, it’s bound to be the first thing gone at any gathering. It’s sweet, fruity, and has that creamy frosting that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Elvis Presley Cake—each ingredient plays a part in giving you that irresistible flavor and texture:

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of this cake. Using a boxed cake mix makes it easy to get a soft and moist cake, but feel free to use your favorite homemade version if you prefer!

Pineapple: The star ingredient! Pineapple adds a sweet, juicy burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cake’s richness. We’re using both crushed pineapple and its juice to create moisture and flavor.

Eggs: Essential for binding and adding richness to the cake batter. They help the cake rise to that perfect texture.

Oil: Helps keep the cake moist and tender. It also gives the cake a lovely crumb texture.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness that enhances all the other flavors in the cake.

Cream Cheese: The key ingredient in the frosting! Cream cheese brings a tangy, rich creaminess that balances out the sweetness of the cake and pineapple.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfectly smooth, creamy texture. It helps create the right consistency for spreading.

Butter: Richness in the frosting. Butter makes the frosting extra smooth and decadent.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now let’s make this cake come to life! Here’s how to do it:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden color.

Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, pineapple (with juice), and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The pineapple will make the batter nice and moist.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly, then pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like pure magic!

Cool the Cake: Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. You don’t want to frost it while it’s still warm, as it could melt the frosting.

Make the Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.

Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. This frosting is rich and smooth, making every bite indulgent and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice into that beautiful cake and enjoy the delicious layers of sweetness, moisture, and frosting. It’s a little slice of heaven!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)

This cake pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

Fresh Fruits: Pair the cake with some fresh fruit on the side—berries, sliced bananas, or even more pineapple would complement the flavors perfectly.

Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for extra creaminess, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Coffee or Tea: This cake is perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of iced tea. It’s the kind of cake that makes every sip of your drink even more enjoyable.

Ice Cream: If you’re in the mood for a little extra sweetness, top a slice with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. It’s the perfect match!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the most out of this Elvis Presley Cake:

Add Nuts: If you like a little crunch, feel free to stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter. They add a delightful texture that complements the soft cake.

Make it Ahead: This cake actually gets better after it sits for a day or two. The flavors meld together, and the cake becomes even more moist. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days!

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you freeze it, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, and it will keep for up to a month.

Decorate it: Add some extra flair by decorating the top with a few extra pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, or even some maraschino cherries for a tropical touch.

Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe and make two cakes. You won’t regret it—this cake goes quickly!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different frosting?
A1: Of course! If you prefer a different frosting, like whipped cream or a buttercream frosting, feel free to swap it in. But the cream cheese frosting is truly iconic for this recipe.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A2: Yes! While a yellow cake mix is traditional, you could use a vanilla cake mix or even a spice cake mix for a little more flavor variation.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A3: Yes! The cake can be made up to two days ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and frost it right before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cake for up to one month. If you freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A5: While canned pineapple is typically used, fresh pineapple works too! Just make sure to chop it finely and use it in place of the canned version.

Q6: How do I know when the cake is done?
A6: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done! You should also see a golden-brown color on the top.

Q7: Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
A7: Yes! For a dairy-free frosting, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and dairy-free butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Q8: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A8: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it and enjoy later!

Q9: Can I make mini versions of this cake?
A9: Absolutely! You can bake this cake in a muffin tin for individual servings. Just adjust the baking time—check for doneness after about 20 minutes.

Q10: Can I add chocolate chips to the cake?
A10: Yes! If you’re a fan of chocolate, adding a handful of chocolate chips to the batter would give it a delightful twist. Elvis would probably approve!

Conclusion

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a sweet, decadent treat. With its moist cake, creamy frosting, and burst of pineapple flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that brings a little extra joy to any occasion. So, why not give it a try? You’ll be rocking and rolling with every bite!