Hey there, lovely bakers! If you’re looking to whip up something sweet that brings a smile to faces young and old, you’ve stumbled upon a gem: the Elvis Presley Cake, also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake. Inspired by the King himself, this cake is as fun to make as it is to eat, and trust me—your family will be asking for seconds (and thirds!). Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or just need a quick treat for a busy weekday, this recipe is your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)
This delightful cake combines the moistness of vanilla and crushed pineapple with the sweetness of bananas and nuts. It’s like a tropical vacation in your mouth, but without the sand in your shoes! Plus, it’s easy to prepare—perfect for those of us juggling a million things at once. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the laughter that filled the kitchen was as sweet as the cake itself. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need the following:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped bananas (the riper, the better for sweetness!)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (feel free to swap for almonds if you prefer!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps to Make Your Elvis Presley Cake
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease and flour a cake pan, or you might be playing a game of “let’s see if it sticks” later! - Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your box of vanilla cake mix, crushed pineapple (with juice), and eggs. It’s like a party in there, so mix it up until it’s all well combined. - Add in the Goodness
Gently fold in the chopped bananas and nuts. You want all those delicious bits to spread throughout the batter, so give it a good but gentle mix. - Pour and Bake
Pour that glorious batter into your prepared cake pan. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—just like a magic trick! - Make the Frosting
While the cake is baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in another bowl until it’s smooth. This frosting will be the icing on your cake—literally! - Cool and Frost
Once your cake has baked to perfection, allow it to cool completely. Then, slather that yummy cream cheese frosting all over it. Don’t be shy—more is definitely more when it comes to frosting! - Serve and Enjoy
Cut yourself a slice (or two) and enjoy the delightful flavors. Trust me, you’re going to want to share this, but you might just end up wanting it all for yourself!
Cooking Tips
- Ripe Bananas Are Key: Don’t throw out those brown bananas! They’re perfect for this cake. The riper, the sweeter!
- Don’t Skip the Cool Down: Allowing the cake to cool before frosting is crucial. If not, you might end up with melted frosting—though, if you’re into that, who am I to judge?
Personal Anecdotes
I always whip up this Elvis Presley Cake for family gatherings. One year, my kids decided to host a mini bake-off and insisted on making it to impress their cousins. Covered in flour and laughter, they created an unforgettable memory (and a delicious cake)!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts or leave them out?
Absolutely! If walnuts or pecans aren’t your thing, feel free to swap with your favorite nuts or leave them out altogether.
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any cake left (which is unlikely), wrap it up tightly and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s not left alone with the family!
Dive into baking this Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) and watch your kitchen transform into a cozy hub of sweet aromas and joyful chatter. This cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a way to bring people together and create fond memories. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and let’s get baking! Remember, life is short—eat the cake!
