If you’re craving a nostalgic dessert that brings together rich, tropical flavors and a delightfully creamy texture, the Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant pineapple poke cake layered with luscious cream cheese pudding and a fluffy whipped topping is as unforgettable as the King himself, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes that will have you coming back for seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe is refreshingly simple because it relies on classic, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its distinctive flavor and texture.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a moist, golden base with familiar comforting flavor, perfect for poking and absorbing luscious pineapple syrup.
- Crushed pineapple in juice: Adds a juicy, tropical sweetness that soaks beautifully into the cake for ultimate moisture and zing.
- Sugar: Sweetens the pineapple, balancing its natural tartness and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Cream cheese: Creates a rich, smooth filling that contrasts the fruity cake with a creamy tang.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Thickens the cream cheese layer while adding a luscious vanilla flavor.
- Cold milk: Softens the pudding mix for a silky texture and helps blend the creamy ingredients perfectly.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Lightens the cream cheese mixture, giving it an airy and fluffy finish.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Introduce a crunchy texture and a nutty undertone that compliments the smooth elements.
- Maraschino cherries (optional): Add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness for classic cake garnish flair.
How to Make Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Yellow Cake
Start by following the directions on your yellow cake mix box to prepare the batter. Pour it into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until it turns a warm golden color and a toothpick comes out clean. This cake base is your canvas, so getting it perfectly tender yet firm sets the stage for the layers that follow.
Step 2: Poke Holes and Add Pineapple Syrup
While the cake is still warm, lovingly poke holes all across the surface with a fork or skewer. This step is essential because it allows the pineapple syrup to seep deeply into the cake for maximum moisture. In a saucepan, combine the undrained crushed pineapple and sugar, then bring to a gentle boil before simmering for a few minutes to marry the flavors. Pour this hot mixture evenly over the cake, letting that juicy goodness sink in as it cools completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Pudding Layer
While the cake cools, beat softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Then mix in instant vanilla pudding powder and cold milk until the mixture thickens into a rich, velvety filling. Carefully fold in the whipped topping to add a cloud-like lightness that perfectly complements the denser base and syrup-infused cake.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Spread the creamy pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing it out for a beautiful finish. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top if you’re going for that classic crunch or nutty flair. Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours to let all the flavors mingle and the texture to firm up, giving you a satisfyingly chilled treat.
How to Serve Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe
Garnishes
A few maraschino cherries dotted across the surface bring a cheerful burst of color and a sweet pop, making the Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe not only delicious but visually irresistible. If you want to get playful, consider adding a light dusting of toasted coconut to tie in with the tropical vibe.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience. For a fresh contrast, serve alongside a lightly brewed cup of coffee or a crisp, cold glass of milk—both perfect companions for a slice full of sweetness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving it as a playful finger dessert at your next party. Alternatively, layer slices with fresh banana to pay homage to another famous Elvis flavor combo. Putting each slice on a vintage-themed plate adds a nostalgic flair, perfect for family gatherings or retro-inspired celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It holds up well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to continue melding and the texture to remain creamy and satisfying without drying out.
Freezing
If you need to store this cake longer, you can freeze it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When thawed slowly in the refrigerator overnight, the texture stays pleasantly moist, though add the nut toppings only after thawing for best crunch.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Reheating might compromise the cream cheese and pudding layers, so it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh or chilled.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
While fresh pineapple can add an extra punch of freshness, using canned crushed pineapple with juice is preferred because it has the right level of sweetness and moisture for soaking into the cake perfectly.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products, though it does include dairy.
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with a homemade cake?
Absolutely! A homemade yellow or vanilla cake would work wonderfully; just be sure it bakes up moist and sturdy enough to hold the pineapple syrup without becoming soggy.
What if I’m allergic to nuts?
Feel free to omit the pecans or walnuts altogether. The cake tastes fabulous without nuts, and you can add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or leave it naked for a nut-free treat.
Can I add banana to this cake?
Yes! Adding sliced bananas between the pineapple layer and cream cheese topping is a lovely nod to Elvis’s famous peanut butter and banana combo. Just add the bananas fresh before chilling to prevent browning.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe that captures warmth, nostalgia, and sweet tropical delight all in one. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, this cake promises to bring smiles with every bite. So don’t wait—grab those ingredients and create your own slice of rock and roll history today!
Print
Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a nostalgic and moist pineapple poke cake layered with a creamy vanilla pudding and cream cheese topping. This classic American dessert combines the tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple with a rich cream cheese frosting and optional nuts and cherries for garnish, making it perfect for gatherings or as a make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
Yellow Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Pudding Topping
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
Optional Garnishes
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven and prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
- Poke Holes in Cake: While the cake is still hot, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface to allow the pineapple mixture to soak in.
- Make Pineapple Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine undrained crushed pineapple and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Soak Cake with Pineapple: Pour the hot pineapple syrup evenly over the warm cake, letting the juices soak into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk, then beat until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese and pudding mixture until well combined, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the cooled pineapple-soaked cake. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top if desired.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the topping set. Before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries if you like.
Notes
- This cake is best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- For extra richness, use whole milk in the pudding mixture instead of lower-fat options.
- The nuts and cherries are traditional garnishes but completely optional based on your preference.
- Some versions of this cake include banana slices between the pineapple layer and the topping to honor Elvis’s love of peanut butter and banana.
