If you’re a fan of indulgent, flavor-packed desserts, then the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a must-try! This delicious cake combines a moist, tender yellow cake base with a sweet and tangy pineapple topping, all topped off with a creamy, luscious frosting. Inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, this sheet cake is perfect for any celebration or as a special treat. Let’s dive into the details of making this delectable dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box vanilla pudding (3-ounce box, not sugar-free)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can crushed pineapple (16 ounces, undrained)
- 1 cup sugar
For the Frosting:
- 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces, softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, eggs, oil, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue to beat on medium speed for about two minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Pineapple Topping:
- While the cake is baking, place the crushed pineapple and sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat.
- Add Pineapple Topping:
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and use a fork to poke holes all over the top. Pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, beating continuously until well combined and smooth. If using, stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
- Frost the Cake:
- Drop dollops of the frosting over the cooled cake. Gently spread the frosting to cover the cake, being careful not to disturb the pineapple topping underneath. Garnish with additional pecans, if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Temperature: For the best taste and texture, serve the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake at room temperature. If the cake has been refrigerated, allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to bring it back to its ideal consistency.
- Presentation: Garnish the cake with additional chopped pecans or a light sprinkle of shredded coconut for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. This will also highlight the textures and ingredients used in the cake.
- Portion Control: Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the cake into even squares or rectangles. This will help maintain the cake’s appearance and ensure that each piece has a good balance of cake, pineapple topping, and frosting.
- Pairings: This rich cake pairs well with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a beverage, consider serving it with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to complement its sweetness.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a day or two, you can store it covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature. This will keep the cake moist and the frosting intact.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate. The cake will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. The cool environment helps preserve the frosting and prevents it from becoming too soft.
- Freezing: To freeze the cake, first, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting becomes too firm after refrigeration, let the cake sit at room temperature for a while to soften. You can also gently rewhip the frosting if needed to restore its creamy texture.
- Individual Slices: For convenience, you can freeze individual slices of the cake. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to enjoy a piece of cake whenever you like without thawing the entire cake.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Elvis Presley Sheet Cake remains delicious and enjoyable for days to come. Whether you’re serving it fresh or storing leftovers, proper care will help maintain its flavor and texture.
Variations :
- Banana Elvis Presley Cake:
- Add bananas: Incorporate 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas into the cake batter for a classic Elvis twist. This addition will complement the pineapple and enhance the cake’s flavor with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Peanut Butter Elvis Cake:
- Mix in peanut butter: Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the frosting for a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the pineapple and pecans. You can also swirl some peanut butter into the cake batter before baking.
- Coconut Elvis Presley Cake:
- Add coconut: Mix 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the cake batter for a tropical touch. For extra flavor, you can also incorporate coconut into the frosting or sprinkle it on top.
- Chocolate Elvis Presley Cake:
- Include chocolate: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist. You can also mix mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle chocolate ganache over the frosting.
- Caramel Elvis Presley Cake:
- Drizzle caramel: Add a layer of caramel sauce over the pineapple topping before applying the frosting. You can also mix caramel bits into the frosting for an extra sweet treat.
- Spiced Elvis Presley Cake:
- Add spices: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the pineapple and frosting.
- Lemon Elvis Presley Cake:
- Add lemon zest: Mix in the zest of one lemon into the cake batter for a bright, citrusy flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the frosting for a tangy twist.
- Berry Elvis Presley Cake:
- Incorporate berries: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, into the cake batter. The tartness of the berries will balance the sweetness of the pineapple and frosting.
- Nutella Elvis Presley Cake:
- Use Nutella: Swirl 1/2 cup of Nutella into the cake batter for a chocolate-hazelnut flavor. You can also mix some Nutella into the frosting or drizzle it over the top of the cake.
- Maple Elvis Presley Cake:
- Add maple flavor: Substitute 1/2 cup of maple syrup for the sugar in the cake batter and add a touch of maple extract to the frosting. This will give the cake a rich, maple flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
- Yes, you can use other cake mix flavors, such as chocolate or spice cake. Keep in mind that changing the cake mix flavor will alter the overall taste of the dessert.
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
- You can use fresh pineapple, but you’ll need to cook it down with sugar to achieve a similar consistency as the canned pineapple. Make sure to drain the fresh pineapple well to avoid excess moisture.
- How can I make this cake dairy-free?
- Substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For the frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- Can I make this cake without eggs?
- Yes, you can use egg substitutes such as flax eggs or applesauce. For each egg, use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of applesauce.
- How can I make the frosting thicker?
- If the frosting is too thin, gradually add more confectioner’s sugar until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also chill the frosting in the refrigerator to help it firm up.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake. Make sure it is completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress with its combination of moist cake, sweet pineapple topping, and creamy frosting. This recipe not only pays homage to the legendary Elvis but also delivers a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, make sure you keep this recipe handy—it’s one you definitely don’t want to lose!