Get ready to shake, rattle, and bake with this showstopping dessert inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself. The Jailhouse Rock Cake combines rich chocolate layers, creamy peanut butter banana filling, and a bold frosting design that pays homage to Elvis’s iconic style. Perfect for birthdays, themed parties, or any occasion that calls for a slice of rebellion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layers
- 2 boxes of chocolate cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Banana Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (no sugar added)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ¼ cup honey (or powdered sugar to stiffen)
“Prison Bars” Frosting
- 1½ cups vanilla buttercream frosting
- ½ cup crushed Oreo cookies
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips, melted
Toppings
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 4 strips crispy bacon, chopped
- Edible gold leaf or glitter (optional)
- Red or gold sprinkles
- Edible “keys” candy or mini chocolate coins
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions, adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Banana Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 mashed ripe banana.
- Add ¼ cup of honey to the mixture.
- Stir until smooth. If the filling is too soft, gradually add powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Create the “Prison Bars” Frosting
- In a separate bowl, mix 1½ cups of vanilla buttercream frosting with ½ cup of crushed Oreo cookies until well combined.
- Reserve ¼ cup of this mixture for piping later.
- Melt ¼ cup of white chocolate chips and set aside for the “bars” decoration.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the peanut butter banana filling evenly over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
- Frost the entire cake with the Oreo-flecked buttercream frosting.
5. Add the “Bars” Design
- Using a piping bag fitted with a zig-zag tip, pipe vertical lines of the reserved frosting across the top of the cake to resemble prison bars.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate between the piped lines to enhance the “bars” effect.
6. Decorate with Elvis Flair
- Arrange sliced bananas on top of the cake.
- Sprinkle chopped crispy bacon over the bananas.
- Add edible gold leaf or glitter for a touch of glam.
- Scatter red or gold sprinkles to mimic a “prison” cap.
- Place edible “keys” candy or mini chocolate coins around the cake for a jailbreak vibe.
Tips for Maximum Jailhouse Glamour
- Texture Boost: Add ¼ cup of crushed peanuts to the frosting for extra crunch.
- Bacon Hack: Bake bacon until super crispy, then crumble into small pieces for easy topping.
- Edible Keys: Use mini chocolate coins and draw key shapes with melted chocolate for a fun decoration.
- Cake Stability: Freeze cake layers for 15 minutes before frosting to prevent crumbling and make assembly easier.
Why This Cake Works
- Peanut Butter & Banana: A nod to Elvis’s legendary sandwich—sweet, creamy, and iconic.
- Oreo Bars Frosting: Adds texture and visual flair, resembling prison walls.
- Bacon: Adds a salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the cake and frosting.
Variations to Try
- Adult Twist: Stir 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon into the frosting for a grown-up flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free buttercream, vegan peanut butter, and crushed vegan cookies to make the cake vegan-friendly.
- Red Velvet Revamp: Use red velvet cake mix for a “prison uniform” color that adds a dramatic flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers and prepare the fillings a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cake on the day of serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While the Oreo-flecked buttercream adds a unique touch, you can use chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting as alternatives.
Is there a substitute for bacon in the topping?
If you prefer not to use bacon, consider using candied pecans or walnuts for a sweet and crunchy topping.
Final Thoughts
This Jailhouse Rock Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With its rich flavors and bold decorations, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. So put on your blue suede shoes and get ready to indulge in a cake that’s fit for a rock ‘n’ roll legend!