Print

Elvis Presley Cake: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Decadent banana cake with creamy peanut butter frosting and optional candied bacon. An Elvis-inspired treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 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
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan (or use baking spray with flour). You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mash bananas. Add buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
  4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat softened butter until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
  9. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
  10. Add peanut butter and beat until well combined.
  11. Add milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
  12. Add a pinch of salt.
  13. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  14. Lay bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  15. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
  16. Brush the sugar mixture evenly over the bacon strips.
  17. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  18. Remove bacon from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, chop into small pieces.
  19. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
  20. Sprinkle the chopped candied bacon over the frosting.
  21. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • For the cake, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
  • Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • When making the candied bacon, watch it carefully to prevent burning.
  • The candied bacon is optional, but it adds a delicious salty-sweet flavor that complements the banana cake and peanut butter frosting perfectly.
  • 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.