Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake): A Delicious Tribute to the King
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was known for his musical genius and larger-than-life personality. But, he was also known for his love of good food, particularly indulgent, sweet treats. One of his favorites was banana cake, which inspired a beloved dessert called the Elvis Presley Cake (also known as Jailhouse Rock Cake). This cake is an ode to Elvis’s iconic love for bananas and peanut butter, two ingredients that made their way into some of his favorite meals.
This dessert is as delicious as it sounds, with layers of moist banana cake, topped with a creamy pineapple and whipped topping mixture, and finished off with a delightful layer of coconut and chopped pecans. The flavors blend harmoniously to create a dessert that is not only a tribute to the King but also a perfect addition to any gathering or celebration.
In this guide, we will take you through a step-by-step recipe for creating Elvis Presley Cake from scratch, including tips and tricks to make it even more delightful.
Ingredients for Elvis Presley Cake
To make the perfect Jailhouse Rock Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Banana Cake:
1 box of yellow cake mix (you can use a classic boxed cake mix, or if you prefer homemade, make your own yellow cake batter)
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Pineapple Layer:
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (drained, make sure you drain it well to avoid sogginess)
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for a bit of crunch)
For the Topping:
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip, or homemade whipped cream)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (optional for extra creaminess)
Instructions for Making Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure that your cake doesn’t stick when baking.
Step 2: Make the Banana Cake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, eggs, water, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Mix these ingredients well until the batter is smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer or mix it by hand, but be sure there are no lumps.
Pour the banana cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary based on your oven. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple and Coconut Layer
While the cake is cooling, make the pineapple and coconut layer. In a small bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. This will be the fruity and nutty layer that sits on top of the cake.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whipped topping, powdered sugar, and cream cheese (if using). Beat everything together until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a lighter, fluffier topping, you can skip the cream cheese, but the cream cheese adds a little extra richness to the topping.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Once your banana cake has cooled completely, spread the pineapple and coconut mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a balanced flavor profile in each bite.
Next, spread the whipped topping mixture over the pineapple layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. The whipped topping adds a light, creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the banana cake and pineapple.
Step 6: Refrigerate the Cake
After assembling the cake, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures that the cake has time to set properly. The cake will become even more moist and flavorful as it chills.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, slice the cake into squares and serve. You’ll notice how each bite delivers a balance of moist banana cake, tropical pineapple, creamy topping, and a delightful crunch from the pecans. It’s the perfect treat for any Elvis Presley fan or anyone who loves a moist, flavorful cake.
Tips for Perfect Elvis Presley Cake
Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor, make sure your bananas are very ripe. Overripe bananas with brown spots add more sweetness and richness to the cake.
Drain the Pineapple Well: It’s important to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid making the cake soggy. Press it with a spoon or use a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid.
Add More Toppings: While the basic topping for Elvis Presley Cake includes whipped topping, you can get creative with additional toppings. Try adding chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even a drizzle of peanut butter on top for a true Elvis-inspired treat. Some versions of the cake even add banana slices on top for extra banana flavor.
Make it in Advance: This cake actually gets better with time! Make it the day before you plan to serve it so the flavors have time to develop and the cake becomes even more moist.
Customize the Nuts: If you prefer a different type of nut, feel free to use almonds, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts instead of pecans. The nuts add a nice crunch to balance the softness of the cake.
Why You’ll Love Elvis Presley Cake
Moist and Flavorful: The banana cake layer is incredibly moist, thanks to the ripe bananas and the addition of oil. The pineapple and coconut layer adds a tropical flair, while the whipped topping provides a creamy contrast.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or a themed party, this Elvis Presley Cake is sure to be a hit. It’s a fun dessert that pays homage to the King and will impress your guests.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this cake is simple to put together. Using a boxed cake mix makes the process faster, and the additional toppings and layers make it feel extra special.
A Flavorful Tribute: For fans of Elvis, this cake is a great way to indulge in his favorite flavors of banana, peanut butter, and coconut. It’s an homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the form of an unforgettable dessert.
How to Store Elvis Presley Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The cake will last for about 4-5 days. Make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve, as it’s best enjoyed cold.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) is a fun and flavorful dessert that brings the legendary rock star’s favorite flavors to life. With its moist banana cake, creamy pineapple and coconut layer, and rich whipped topping, it’s a dessert that anyone can appreciate—whether you’re an Elvis fan or simply a lover of good cake.
This cake is easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to become a family favorite. So, the next time you’re looking for a sweet treat with a bit of rock ‘n’ roll flair, give Elvis Presley Cake a try and channel the spirit of the King himself!