Hound Dog Heaven: Bake Elvis Presley’s Favorite Cake!
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was known for his iconic music, his charisma, and… his love of food! While stories of his late-night peanut butter and banana sandwiches are legendary, he also had a sweet tooth, and one cake in particular held a special place in his heart: the Elvis Presley Cake, often called the ‘Chocolate Potato Chip Cake’ or variations thereof. This surprisingly delicious cake is a testament to Elvis’s adventurous palate, combining the richness of chocolate with the salty crunch of potato chips. Get ready to channel your inner King and bake this decadent treat! This article will provide you with a complete guide with detailed steps and instructions to recreate this legendary dessert.
Why This Cake is Fit for the King
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this cake was a favorite of the King. The combination of flavors is unexpected but incredibly satisfying. The chocolate provides a deep, rich base, while the potato chips offer a salty, crunchy contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Some recipes incorporate marshmallows or other elements to enhance the texture and sweetness, creating a symphony of sensations that are both familiar and exciting.
This cake isn’t just delicious; it’s also relatively easy to make. Most recipes rely on simple ingredients and straightforward baking techniques, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen novice, you can create a cake that would make Elvis proud.
The Ultimate Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
This recipe combines elements from various popular versions of Elvis’s favorite cake, aiming for a balance of rich chocolate flavor, satisfying crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Bake Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Cake:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk
* ½ cup vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 cup boiling water
* 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for added sweetness and texture)
* **For the Frosting:**
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 6 tablespoons milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 6 cups crushed potato chips (kettle-cooked or regular, your preference)
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Toothpick
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Baking the Cake**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the cake from sticking.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Add Boiling Water:** Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin. This is normal.
6. **Fold in Marshmallows (Optional):** If using marshmallows, gently fold them into the batter. Distribute evenly.
7. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking for doneness around 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.
9. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting.
**Part 2: Making the Frosting**
10. **Cream Butter:** In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
11. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk.
12. **Add Milk and Vanilla:** Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency.
13. **Frost the Cake:** Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Make sure the frosting is evenly distributed over the cake.
14. **Add Potato Chips:** Immediately sprinkle the crushed potato chips generously over the frosting. Gently press the chips into the frosting so they adhere well. The potato chips add the defining characteristic to the cake.
15. **Chill (Optional):** For a firmer frosting, chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This helps the frosting set.
16. **Serve:** Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate, salt, and crunch!
## Tips for the Perfect Elvis Presley Cake
* **Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder:** The quality of your cocoa powder will significantly impact the overall flavor of the cake. Opt for a Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, darker chocolate flavor.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Keep a close eye on the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick. Slightly underbaked is better than overbaked.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, helps them emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Crush the Potato Chips Just Before Using:** Crushing the potato chips right before adding them to the frosting will ensure they retain their crunch. If you crush them too early, they might become soggy.
* **Customize the Frosting:** Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the frosting to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
* **Add a Glaze:** For an extra layer of chocolate flavor, consider adding a chocolate glaze over the frosting. Melt some chocolate chips with a little butter and milk and drizzle over the cake before adding the potato chips.
* **Experiment with Potato Chip Flavors:** While regular or kettle-cooked potato chips are the most common choice, you can experiment with different flavors. BBQ or salt and vinegar chips can add a unique twist to the cake.
* **Store Properly:** Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
## Variations and Additions
While the classic Elvis Presley Cake is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Peanut Butter Swirl:** Add a swirl of peanut butter to the cake batter before baking for a nod to Elvis’s famous peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
* **Banana Extract:** Add a teaspoon of banana extract to the cake batter for a subtle banana flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Fold in chocolate chips into the cake batter for an extra boost of chocolate.
* **Coffee:** Substitute the boiling water with hot coffee for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
* **Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cake for added sweetness and flavor.
* **Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the potato chips for added texture and flavor.
* **Marshmallow Fluff Frosting:** Replace the buttercream frosting with a marshmallow fluff frosting for a lighter, sweeter option.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** A tangy cream cheese frosting can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the chocolate cake and salty potato chips.
* **Make it a Bundt Cake:** Bake the batter in a Bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.
## Serving Suggestions
The Elvis Presley Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways.
* **Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** The cold ice cream complements the warm cake and the salty potato chips.
* **Pair it with a glass of cold milk:** A classic combination that’s always a winner.
* **Enjoy it with a cup of coffee:** The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cake.
* **Serve it as a birthday cake:** It’s a unique and memorable alternative to traditional birthday cakes.
* **Bring it to a potluck:** It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
* **Enjoy it as a late-night snack:** Just like Elvis!
## The History (or Legend) Behind the Cake
While pinpointing the exact origin of the Elvis Presley Cake is tricky, the legend surrounding it contributes to its charm. Stories suggest it was a cake frequently requested by Elvis or served at Graceland. Some accounts claim it was a creation of a cook at one of his favorite restaurants, while others suggest it was a family recipe passed down. Regardless of its true origins, the cake has become synonymous with Elvis and his love of indulging in unique culinary experiences.
The inclusion of potato chips is the most distinctive element, and it speaks to Elvis’s willingness to try unexpected flavor combinations. It’s a testament to his playful personality and his appreciation for simple pleasures.
## Conclusion: Rock and Roll Your Baking!
The Elvis Presley Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of rock and roll history. It’s a fun and delicious way to celebrate the King’s life and legacy. So, put on some Elvis tunes, grab your mixing bowls, and get ready to bake a cake that’s fit for a king (and your own taste buds!). With its unique combination of chocolate, salt, and crunch, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or experiment with your own variations, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, that’s what Elvis would have wanted! Now go forth and bake a cake that will have everyone saying, “Thank you, thank you very much!”