Elvis Presley Cake

Introduction

Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a dessert fit for a rock and roll legend. The rich combination of sweet pineapple, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecans makes this cake a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. When I first baked this cake, I was amazed at how easy it was to make, and how the flavors came together in the most beautiful way. The cake was a hit at a family gathering, and it quickly became one of my favorite go-to desserts for potlucks and parties. The sweetness of the pineapple-soaked cake, combined with the richness of the cream cheese frosting and the crunch of the pecans, offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This Elvis Presley Cake is a perfect dessert to celebrate the King, or any occasion that calls for a truly indulgent treat.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• White Cake Mix
• 8 oz can Crushed Pineapple (with juice)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for pineapple mixture)
• For the Frosting:
• 8 oz package Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup Butter, softened
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
• For Garnish:
• 3 cups Crushed Pecans

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake:

• Prepare and bake a white cake according to the package directions in your desired cake pan. Once baked, cool the cake completely.
• Once cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes throughout the cake. These holes will allow the pineapple mixture to soak into the cake, giving it a moist, flavorful texture.

1. Pineapple Mixture:

• In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for a few minutes until the sugar has dissolved completely.
• Pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring that it seeps into the holes. This will add moisture and flavor to the cake.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add in the powdered sugar, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is smooth and well-combined.
• Stir in 2 cups of crushed pecans to give the frosting a lovely crunch. Spread this delicious frosting over the pineapple-soaked cake, covering it generously.

1. Garnish:

• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed pecans over the top of the cake. This will add a nice, crunchy texture and enhance the flavor.

1. Chill:

• For the best flavor, let the cake set overnight in the refrigerator or at least for 6 hours before serving. This resting period allows the pineapple mixture to fully soak into the cake, and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 380 kcal (approx)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes + chilling time (6 hours or overnight)

How to Serve

• Serve chilled: This cake tastes best when it’s allowed to chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, so plan ahead for the best flavor.
• As a dessert: Serve it at your next family gathering or potluck for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Pair with coffee or tea: This cake is perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon treat.
• For special occasions: It makes a great birthday cake or dessert for any Elvis-themed party or rock and roll celebration.
• With whipped cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness.

Additional Tips

1. Let the cake cool completely: Be sure to let the cake cool completely before poking holes and adding the pineapple mixture to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
2. Use a good quality cake mix: The cake mix is the base of the dessert, so choose one that you like. A high-quality cake mix will create a fluffier texture.
3. Be patient with chilling: Allowing the cake to set overnight really helps to deepen the flavor and texture of the cake, so try not to rush this step.
4. Substitute with other nuts: If you don’t like pecans, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor.
5. Adjust sweetness to taste: If you like a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the pineapple mixture or frosting to suit your preference.

Recipe Variations

• Tropical Elvis Presley Cake: Add a layer of shredded coconut to the frosting for an extra tropical twist, perfect for those who love coconut.
• Chocolate Elvis Presley Cake: For a richer flavor, swap out the white cake mix for a chocolate cake mix and add a bit of cocoa powder to the frosting.
• Peach Presley Cake: Try using peach or mango preserves in place of the pineapple for a unique take on the classic cake.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free while keeping the flavor intact.
• Caramelized Elvis Presley Cake: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving for an added layer of richness and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve slices of Elvis Presley Cake with a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
• For Breakfast: Since it’s made with fruit and nuts, this cake can even be enjoyed for breakfast, with a nice cup of coffee.
• As a Gift: Package slices of this cake in a decorative tin or box and give it as a homemade gift during the holidays or birthdays.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or bananas to enhance the fruity flavors of the cake and balance out the richness.
• Pair with a Cocktail: Serve it with a rum or bourbon cocktail for a fun, adult twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

1. Can I make this cake without using a cake mix?
   Yes, you can make the cake from scratch, but using a cake mix simplifies the process while still yielding a delicious result.
2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
   Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to chop and juice it before cooking it down with sugar to create the syrup.
3. Can I use a different frosting?
   Yes, while cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use buttercream or whipped cream as an alternative.
4. How long does the cake need to chill?
   For the best results, let it chill for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal.
5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese or butter?
   Yes, you can use lighter versions, but it might slightly affect the texture and flavor.
6. Can I make this in advance for a party?
   Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead. It actually gets better after sitting for a day or two.
7. Can I use a different nut?
   Yes, feel free to swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or another nut of your choice.
8. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.
9. What is the best way to store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container to keep the cake fresh.
10. Can I reduce the sugar in the frosting?
    Yes, you can adjust the sugar in the frosting to your preference, but it might change the consistency slightly.

Conclusion

Elvis Presley Cake is a delicious, rich, and indulgent dessert that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of pineapple-soaked cake, cream cheese frosting, and crunchy pecans makes this dessert a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating the King of Rock and Roll or just looking for an impressive treat to share, this cake is sure to make an impression. So go ahead and bake this cake, and let it transport you to a time when rock and roll and sweet treats ruled the world!

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