The Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that pays homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s love for rich and indulgent flavors. This moist and flavorful cake combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a creamy frosting, making it a treat fit for royalty.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- 1 (3-ounce) box vanilla pudding mix (not sugar-free)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 2 minutes, or until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Pineapple Topping:
- While the cake is baking, combine the undrained crushed pineapple and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Using a fork or wooden skewer, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake.
- Pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly to ensure it seeps into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- If desired, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top.
- Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice into squares and enjoy this indulgent treat!
History and Formation:
The origins of the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake are rooted in the Southern tradition of rich, indulgent desserts. It’s said that Elvis had a penchant for decadent sweets, and this cake, with its moist texture and creamy frosting, was among his favorites. The combination of pineapple and cream cheese reflects classic Southern flavors, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and timeless.
Conclusion:
The Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of history that brings together classic flavors in a harmonious blend. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or simply a lover of delicious cakes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection.
For Visual Learners:
For a step-by-step visual guide on making the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake, you might find this video helpful: