Elvis Presley Cake

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🎸 Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) 🎸
A Rock ‘n’ Roll Spin on a Classic Southern Dessert Inspired by The King Himself

🎀 Introduction

The Elvis Presley Cake, often lovingly dubbed the Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a moist, rich, and tropical-tasting dessert that pays tribute to the King of Rock β€˜n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. It’s a blend of southern charm, pineapple sweetness, and creamy richness β€” all packed into one unforgettable bite. Inspired by Elvis’s love for indulgent and comforting flavors, this cake has become a cult favorite at potlucks, birthdays, and retro-themed parties.

🍰 Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1 cup whole milk (instead of water)
  • Β½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 egg whites (for fluffiness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pineapple Topping:

  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • ΒΎ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • Β½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 3Β½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Β½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional topping)

πŸ₯„ Instructions

πŸ”§ Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, milk, oil, egg whites, and vanilla.
  4. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Topping

  1. While the cake is baking, combine crushed pineapple (with juice), sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  3. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Once the cake is done and still hot, poke holes all over the top with a fork.
  5. Pour the warm pineapple mixture evenly over the cake. Let it soak in.

Step 3: Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. Spread frosting over cooled cake (once the pineapple mixture has fully absorbed).
  5. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top if desired.

πŸ•°οΈ History Behind the Cake

Elvis Presley was known for his love of comfort foods, especially Southern classics like fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. This cake, while not one of his personal recorded favorites, was named after him due to its decadent richness and southern roots β€” embodying the indulgent spirit of 1950s Americana and the rock β€˜n’ roll revolution he led. It quickly became a hit at Southern gatherings and remains a nostalgic favorite to this day.

πŸ’‘ Benefits

  • Quick & Easy: Starts with a cake mix for convenience but adds homemade flair with the pineapple and frosting.
  • Moist & Flavorful: The pineapple topping keeps the cake incredibly moist.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Great for birthdays, holidays, and Elvis-themed parties.
  • Customizable: Add coconut, bananas, or even peanut butter drizzle for a true Elvis twist.

πŸ—οΈ Formation of Flavor

This cake is layered in a unique way:

  1. Base: Soft, fluffy white cake.
  2. Middle: Sweet-tart crushed pineapple that seeps into the sponge.
  3. Top: Rich, tangy cream cheese frosting with a nutty crunch β€” creating a harmonious fusion of textures and flavors.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Best served chilled or at room temperature.
  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Serve with retro 50s music and vinyl records for the full Elvis experience!

🧠 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. based on 12 slices)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 390 kcal
Carbohydrates 48 g
Sugar 36 g
Fat 20 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Protein 4 g
Fiber 1 g
Sodium 270 mg

(Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

πŸ’ž Lovers of Elvis Presley Cake

  • Southern bakers who love nostalgic desserts.
  • Retro fans and rock β€˜n’ roll lovers.
  • Cream cheese frosting addicts.
  • Pineapple lovers.
  • Anyone who loves a moist, flavorful sheet cake that tastes like it was made from scratch!

πŸ” Methods to Remix This Cake

  1. Add mashed bananas to the cake batter for an extra Elvis touch.
  2. Use yellow or banana cake mix instead of white.
  3. Drizzle with peanut butter glaze for a β€œPB & Banana” vibe.
  4. Top with toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
  5. Make it into cupcakes for individual servings.

🎬 Conclusion

The Elvis Presley Cake is more than just a dessert β€” it’s a celebration of flavor, nostalgia, and Southern soul. With its simple preparation, crowd-pleasing taste, and rich history tied to one of the world’s most iconic musicians, this cake earns a standing ovation at every table. Whether you’re honoring the King or just want a unique, moist cake that rocks the room β€” this is the one.

πŸ’• From Elvis Lovers, With Love

“Thank you, thank you very much” β€” that’s what your guests will say after one bite! This cake has been passed through generations of fans, from Memphis to Morocco, and it continues to shine on dessert tables as brightly as Elvis did on stage.

Let your kitchen become Graceland for a day. Bake, share, and fall in love.

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