Elvis Presley Cake: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Elvis Presley Cake, a decadent and delightful dessert, is ready to rock your taste buds! Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, banana-infused cake, layered with creamy peanut butter frosting and topped with crispy bacon crumbles. Yes, you read that right – bacon! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a tribute to the King himself, embodying his larger-than-life personality and love for bold flavors.

While the exact origins of Elvis Presley Cake are debated, its connection to the King’s famously indulgent palate is undeniable. Elvis was known for his love of comfort food, particularly the combination of bananas, peanut butter, and bacon. This cake captures that iconic trio in a single, irresistible dessert. It’s a celebration of Southern comfort food with a rock ‘n’ roll twist!

People adore this cake for its unique flavor profile and satisfying texture. The sweetness of the banana cake is perfectly balanced by the salty, savory bacon, while the creamy peanut butter frosting adds a rich and decadent touch. It’s a surprisingly harmonious combination that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, making it a perfect choice for both experienced bakers and those just starting out. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or simply a lover of delicious desserts, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Candied Bacon (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it makes life so much easier! You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This is especially helpful if you’re worried about the cake sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for ensuring that the baking soda and cinnamon are properly incorporated, which will help the cake rise evenly and have a consistent flavor.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until they are mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay, but you don’t want any large chunks. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps to tenderize the cake.
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! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. Ovens can vary, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
6. Cool Completely: 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, or the frosting will melt. This is a crucial step, so be patient!

Making the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the softened butter until it is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to easily press a finger into, but still hold its shape.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, or you’ll end up with a cloud of sugar dust!
3. Add Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter and beat until well combined. I prefer creamy peanut butter for this frosting, but you can use chunky if you like a little texture.
4. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if the frosting is too thick. The consistency should be spreadable but not too runny.
5. Add Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Candied Bacon (Optional, but Oh-So-Good!):

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will make cleanup much easier.
2. Prepare the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the strips aren’t overlapping, or they won’t cook evenly.
3. Combine Sugar and Syrup: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well. The cayenne pepper adds a little kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.
4. Brush the Bacon: Brush the sugar mixture evenly over the bacon strips. Make sure to coat both sides of the bacon.
5. Bake the Bacon: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized. Keep a close eye on the bacon, as it can burn easily.
6. Cool and Chop: Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, chop the bacon into small pieces.

Assembling the Elvis Presley Cake:

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula for a smooth finish, or just spread it on with a knife.
2. Add Candied Bacon: Sprinkle the chopped candied bacon over the frosting. Be generous! This is what really makes this cake special.
3. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake and serve immediately. This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

This Elvis Presley Cake is truly something special, a decadent tribute to the King himself! It’s more than just a cake; it’s a flavor explosion of banana, peanut butter, and bacon that will leave you singing “Hound Dog” with delight. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further. The moist banana cake, the creamy peanut butter frosting, and the salty-sweet bacon crumble create a symphony of textures and tastes that are simply irresistible. Trust me, this isn’t your average cake recipe; it’s an experience. Why is this a must-try? Because it’s unexpectedly delicious! The combination of flavors might sound a little wild, but they work together in perfect harmony. The banana provides a natural sweetness and moisture, the peanut butter adds a rich and nutty depth, and the bacon brings a salty, smoky crunch that elevates the entire cake to another level. It’s a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a guaranteed way to satisfy your sweet and savory cravings all at once. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can confidently whip up this masterpiece. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While this Elvis Presley Cake is fantastic on its own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level. For a truly indulgent experience, try drizzling a little honey or maple syrup over each slice. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Looking for variations? You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can omit it altogether or substitute it with candied pecans for a similar salty-sweet crunch. For a lighter version, you can use a reduced-fat peanut butter or substitute some of the butter with applesauce. You can also experiment with different types of bananas, such as overripe bananas for a more intense flavor or plantains for a slightly different texture. Another fun variation is to make individual cupcakes instead of a full cake. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly. You could even add a small piece of bacon to the top of each cupcake for a cute and flavorful garnish. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect cake for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. It’s also a great way to surprise and delight your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most unforgettable cake of your life. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on the recipe. And most importantly, have fun! Once you’ve made this incredible Elvis Presley Cake, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Insert your social media hashtag here]. Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and how much your loved ones enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking! Print