If you’re looking for a dessert that hits all the high notes—sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty—Elvis Presley Cake, affectionately known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is your new best friend. This cake is the ultimate throwback treat, combining a classic white cake with a luscious pineapple topping and a rich, pecan-studded cream cheese frosting. It’s a little bit tropical, a little bit Southern, and a whole lot of delicious. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or when you just want to shake up your dessert routine with something that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy: No complicated steps or fancy techniques—this is truly a beginner-friendly cake with maximum payoff.
Flavor Bomb: The combo of sweet pineapple, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecans gives every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day after chilling, so it’s ideal for prepping in advance.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or neighbors, this dessert disappears fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this nostalgic, flavor-packed cake to life:

White Cake Mix – The perfect base for soaking up the sweet pineapple mixture. Feel free to use your favorite brand or even make a simple white cake from scratch.
Crushed Pineapple (with juice) – Don’t drain it! The juice is essential for that juicy, tangy glaze that seeps into the cake.
Granulated Sugar – Used to sweeten the pineapple topping and bring balance to the tangy fruit.
Vanilla Extract – Just a splash enhances both the pineapple glaze and the frosting.
Cream Cheese – Softened and whipped for a silky, rich frosting that pairs perfectly with the sweet topping.
Butter – Softened to blend smoothly with the cream cheese and add richness.
Powdered Sugar – Creates that fluffy, sweet frosting texture that holds its shape beautifully.
Crushed Pecans – These add crunch and nuttiness; some go into the frosting, while the rest are sprinkled on top for texture and visual appeal.

Variations

Want to give this rock ‘n’ roll cake a personal twist? Here are some fun variations to try:

Tropical Vibes: Add a handful of shredded coconut to the frosting or sprinkle on top with the pecans.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle a little chocolate sauce over the finished cake for a chocolate-pineapple mashup.
Nut-Free: Skip the pecans if allergies are a concern—try toasted coconut or even toffee bits instead.
Zesty Kick: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the pineapple glaze for an extra citrus punch.

How to Make Elvis Presley Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions. Bake in your favorite cake pan (a 9×13-inch works great). Let it cool completely, then poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon. Don’t be shy—the more holes, the more flavor soaks in!

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Topping

In a small saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple with juice, granulated sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until everything is warmed through and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Pour It On

Carefully spoon the hot pineapple mixture over the entire cake, letting it soak into the holes. It might seem like a lot—but trust the process. This is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and most of the crushed pecans (saving some for garnish). Spread the frosting evenly over the pineapple layer.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top. Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. This gives the flavors time to mingle and deepen.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Softening Is Key: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened before making the frosting—it makes a huge difference in texture.
Use the Juice!: Don’t drain your pineapple—the juice is what makes this cake so moist and flavorful.
Chill Overnight: It’s tempting to dive in early, but letting the cake chill overnight makes it taste even better.
Toasted Pecans: Want more flavor? Lightly toast the pecans before mixing them into the frosting or sprinkling on top.

How to Serve

This cake is a star all on its own, but here’s how to take it to the next level:

Slice Cold

Serve directly from the fridge for the best texture—cool, creamy, and refreshing.

Add a Scoop

Top with a scoop of vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream for an indulgent treat.

A Touch of Whip

Add a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip for an airy contrast to the rich frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the cake in the fridge, tightly covered or in an airtight container. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best served cold or at room temperature. No need to reheat—just pull it from the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! A simple homemade white or yellow cake works beautifully. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up the pineapple mixture without falling apart.

What if I don’t like pecans?
No problem—swap them for walnuts, almonds, or skip them entirely. The frosting is still rich and delicious without nuts.

Do I need to poke holes in the cake?
Yes! This step allows the pineapple glaze to seep into every bite, making the cake moist and flavorful from the inside out.

Can I make this cake a day in advance?
Yes, and you should! This cake only gets better as it sits. The chilling time helps all the layers meld together perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Elvis Presley Cake is one of those desserts that’s both nostalgic and crowd-pleasing—comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a die-hard Elvis fan or just someone who loves pineapple, cream cheese, and pecans, this cake deserves a spot in your dessert rotation. So go ahead, give it a try, and let this classic rock-inspired treat steal the show!