Introduction
Elvis Presley Cake, often affectionately referred to as Jailhouse Rock Cake, is a delightful dessert that pays homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
This cake is a delicious combination of pineapple, coconut, and a buttery yellow cake, often topped with a sweet, creamy frosting that gives it a distinct and rich flavor.
Inspired by Elvis’s favorite flavors, this cake is perfect for fans of both the legendary musician and indulgent desserts.
It’s a cake that stands out at any event, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the cake:
-1 box of yellow cake mix
-1 cup of granulated sugar
-1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
-1 cup shredded coconut
-4 large eggs
-1 cup vegetable oil
For the frosting:
-8 oz cream cheese, softened
-1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-2 cups powdered sugar
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1-2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Set the pan aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple with its juice.
and shredded coconut. Mix the ingredients together until well combined and smooth. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk to make the process easier.
Once the batter is mixed, pour it into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until it spreads easily.
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting generously over the top. Be sure to cover the cake evenly. The frosting will give the cake an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
For an added touch, you can garnish the top of the cake with extra shredded coconut or chopped nuts. This will add a little extra texture and flavor to the finished dessert.
After frosting, let the cake sit for a few minutes to allow the frosting to firm up slightly before serving. Slice the cake into squares and enjoy the delightful flavors of this indulgent treat.
How to Make
To make the Elvis Presley Cake, start by preparing the cake batter. Mixing the cake mix with sugar, pineapple, and coconut creates a moist and flavorful base.
The pineapple’s juice is essential in keeping the cake moist while contributing a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs well with the coconut.
The addition of oil makes the cake rich and tender, and the eggs help bind everything together, providing structure.
After mixing the ingredients, bake the cake until it’s golden brown and cooked through. It’s important to let the cake cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting.
as this ensures the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off the warm cake. This also gives the cake time to set, making it easier to slice when serving.
The frosting is just as important as the cake itself. It should be smooth and creamy, with just the right balance of sweetness from the powdered.
sugar and richness from the cream cheese and butter. Vanilla extract adds a touch of flavor that complements the tropical pineapple and coconut in the cake.
When spreading the frosting, make sure it covers every inch of the cake, ensuring that each bite is full of creamy goodness.
The cake can be garnished with extra shredded coconut or even crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans to enhance its flavor and provide an additional crunch.
Once decorated, let the cake sit for a few moments before slicing. This allows the frosting to firm up a bit, making the cake easier to cut into neat pieces.
The final product should be moist, fluffy, and sweet, with a creamy finish that balances out the tropical flavors.
Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If you’re serving it for a gathering.
be sure to slice it into generous squares so everyone can enjoy a hearty portion. The cake pairs well with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Lastly, be prepared for compliments because this Elvis Presley Cake is bound to be a hit at any occasion.
Whether you’re a long-time Elvis fan or someone simply looking for a delicious dessert, this cake is sure to please everyone who tries it.
Tips
To ensure the cake remains moist, don’t drain the pineapple. The juice helps keep the cake soft and adds flavor.
If you prefer a stronger pineapple flavor, you can add a little extra pineapple juice or use fresh crushed pineapple instead of canned.
When preparing the frosting, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature.
This ensures that they blend smoothly and the frosting achieves the right creamy texture.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frosting, but homemade frosting definitely elevates the flavor and texture of the cake.
If you’re making the frosting ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.
For a more decadent touch, consider adding a layer of caramel sauce or chocolate drizzle on top of the frosting.
This will add a rich, contrasting flavor and give the cake an extra layer of indulgence.
Be careful not to overbake the cake. You want it to be golden on top, but if it’s baked too long, it can dry out.
Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
If you’re serving this cake at a special event or party, consider topping it with chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
These will give the cake a little crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the frosting.
For a fun twist, you can experiment with flavored cake mixes. Coconut or pineapple-flavored cake mixes could add even more of the tropical elements found in the traditional Elvis Presley Cake.
Conclusion
The Elvis Presley Cake is a flavorful and nostalgic dessert that combines the best of Southern flavors with the legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Whether you’re a fan of Elvis or simply looking for a sweet and tropical treat, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion.
With its moist texture, creamy frosting, and tropical pineapple and coconut combination, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
This cake is not only delicious but also a fun way to celebrate both Elvis and the joy of baking.