Elvis Presley Sheet Cake

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Honey-Mustard Lemon Vinaigrette Elvis Presley Sheet Cake

Introduction

The Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a rich, moist, and flavorful dessert inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself. Traditionally, it features a soft white cake soaked in a pineapple glaze and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This version adds a creative twist by incorporating honey, mustard, and lemon, balancing sweet, tangy, and slightly savory flavors for a cake that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Elvis Presley was known for his love of decadent Southern treats, with banana pudding, peanut butter, and bacon being among his favorites. His namesake cake is a tribute to his indulgent taste, often featuring pineapple, pecans, and a creamy topping. This modern fusion recipe pays homage to his love of bold flavors while introducing an unexpected but delightful honey-mustard lemon component, inspired by Southern barbecue glazes.

Ingredients Quantity

For the Cake

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Honey-Mustard Lemon Soaking Glaze

  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (mild, for balance)
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple (with juice)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Optional Additions

  • Chopped pecans (for crunch)
  • Caramelized banana slices (for an Elvis-approved topping)
  • Bacon crumbles (for a salty contrast)
  • Extra lemon zest (for a citrusy pop)

Tips for Success

  • Balance the flavors: The honey-mustard lemon glaze should be sweet and tangy without being overpowering. Adjust mustard quantity for a milder or stronger tang.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
  • Let the glaze soak in: Pour it over the warm cake to absorb maximum flavor.
  • Chill the frosting: Spreading cream cheese frosting on a warm cake can cause melting—let the cake cool first.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Honey-Mustard Lemon Glaze

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and crushed pineapple.
  2. Heat over medium-low until the mixture slightly thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.

Step 3: Soak the Cake

  1. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer.
  2. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and honey for extra depth of flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

  1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, caramelized banana slices, or bacon crumbles, if using.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.

Description

This cake is rich, moist, and full of surprises. The sweet honey and pineapple balance the slight tang of mustard and lemon, creating an unexpected but delicious combination. The cream cheese frosting adds a velvety finish, while optional toppings like pecans, bananas, and bacon provide crunch and contrast. It’s a cake that’s bold, flavorful, and unforgettable—just like Elvis himself.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 450
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg

Conclusion

The Honey-Mustard Lemon Vinaigrette Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a creative take on a Southern classic. By incorporating unexpected but complementary flavors, it delivers a unique twist that’s both nostalgic and innovative. Whether you’re a fan of Elvis or simply love experimenting in the kitchen, this cake is worth every bite.

Recommendation

This cake is perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or a fun baking challenge. Serve it with a glass of sweet tea or coffee, and pair it with savory appetizers to enhance its sweet-savory balance. If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling a little extra honey-mustard glaze on top for an even bolder taste!

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While this cake is undeniably decadent, you can make it slightly healthier by:

  • Reducing sugar in the cake and frosting.
  • Using Greek yogurt instead of some butter for moisture.
  • Swapping white flour for a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
  • Using a sugar-free honey substitute to cut carbs.

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