Oh, sweet friends, do I have a treat for you today! There’s something truly special about a dessert that carries a legend, and this Elvis Presley cake is no exception. With its rich, moist banana layers, creamy peanut butter frosting, and a delightful crunch of bacon brittle, it’s a harmonious symphony of flavors that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully unique. Just imagine that first bite – a delightful blend of sweet and savory that sings on your palate, making this elvis presley cake a true showstopper.
I remember countless afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, the scent of ripe bananas always signaling something wonderful was on its way. She always taught me that the best desserts come from the heart, and this recipe, while a little unconventional, truly embodies that spirit of joyful creation. It’s about taking simple, comforting ingredients and transforming them into something truly magical.
This elvis presley cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! It’s perfect for impressing guests at a special gathering or simply bringing a little extra cheer to a quiet Sunday afternoon. My top tip? Don’t rush the process; let each step unfold with a little patience, and you’ll be rewarded with a masterpiece that everyone will adore.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful elvis presley cake begins with a handful of heartwarming ingredients. From ripe bananas that lend their natural sweetness and moisture to the creamy peanut butter that forms the soul of our frosting, each component plays a vital role. I always recommend using good quality butter and a rich, creamy peanut butter for the best flavor payoff in your homemade treats. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card just below!
How to Make elvis presley cake
Whipping up this magnificent elvis presley cake is an adventure in itself, but a deliciously rewarding one! We’ll start by preparing the irresistible bacon brittle, then move on to baking those perfectly moist banana cake layers. Next, we’ll create the silky-smooth peanut butter frosting, and finally, bring it all together in an impressive assembly that culminates in a truly unforgettable dessert.
Elvis Presley’s “The King” Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Bacon Brittle
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until very crispy. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. (You can discard the rest or save for other uses.)
- In the same skillet (with 1 tbsp bacon fat), add the granulated sugar and water. Stir until sugar dissolves over medium-high heat, then bring to a boil. Boil without stirring until the mixture turns an amber caramel color (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Quickly stir in the baking soda and the cooked, crumbled bacon pieces. The mixture will foam. Immediately pour and spread the brittle onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin layer. Let it cool completely and harden (about 30 minutes). Once cool, break into small pieces. You can roughly chop it further or pulse briefly in a food processor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition; do not overmix. Fold in the mashed bananas.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the creamy peanut butter and beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium speed. Add the milk or cream (starting with 2 tablespoons) and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Stir in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Once the cake layers are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if desired.
- Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle about half of the crushed bacon brittle over the frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting, spreading it evenly over the top and sides.
- Garnish the top and sides of the cake with the remaining crushed bacon brittle. Slice and serve. Enjoy your “The King” Cake!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This elvis presley cake
Baking is always an act of love, and with a few of my tried-and-true tips, your elvis presley cake will be absolutely legendary! These little secrets from my kitchen will help you achieve perfection every time.
My Secret Trick: I always make sure my bananas are extra ripe—we’re talking speckled brown, almost black—because that’s when they’re at their sweetest and easiest to mash, infusing your cake layers with unparalleled flavor and moisture.
For the bacon brittle, ensure your sugar and water mixture reaches the correct temperature before adding the baking soda. This precise timing is crucial for that perfect, crisp texture that truly elevates this elvis presley cake. Don’t rush it; a candy thermometer is your best friend here!
When creaming your butter and sugars for the cake layers, really let the mixer do its work. I aim for a light, fluffy mixture that’s pale in color, as this incorporates air and ensures a tender crumb in the finished banana cake.
Don’t overmix your cake batter once you add the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined to prevent a tough cake. And for the frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at true room temperature for that wonderfully smooth, lump-free peanut butter frosting. This makes all the difference for a beautiful elvis presley cake.
Fun Variations for elvis presley cake
One of the greatest joys of baking is getting creative, and this elvis presley cake is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to sprinkle a little extra magic into your creation.
Chocolate Drizzle Delight: My sister always loves it when I add a dark chocolate ganache drizzle over the top of the finished cake. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the peanut butter and banana, adding another layer of indulgence to this elvis presley cake.
Nutty Surprises: For an extra crunch beyond the bacon brittle, consider folding in a handful of chopped peanuts or even a mix of pecans into your banana cake batter. This adds a lovely texture and enhances the nutty profile without overpowering the classic flavors.
Spice It Up: A friend once asked me to add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the banana cake layers, and it was a revelation! These warm spices complement the banana perfectly and add a cozy depth of flavor that makes the elvis presley cake even more comforting.
What to Serve With elvis presley cake
This show-stopping elvis presley cake is a feast for the senses all on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can make the experience even more delightful. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this majestic dessert.
I love serving a slice of this elvis presley cake with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream is a perfect contrast to the rich cake and melts beautifully, creating a luscious experience. For a quick serving idea, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch and a whisper of extra sweetness.
A steaming mug of coffee or a comforting cup of black tea also makes a wonderful pairing. The slight bitterness of the coffee or the warmth of the tea balances the sweetness of the peanut butter and banana layers, creating a truly harmonious moment.
How to Store elvis presley cake
After all the love you’ve poured into baking this incredible elvis presley cake, you’ll want to make sure every last bite stays fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to preserving its wonderful flavors and textures.
Fridge Storage: Because of the cream cheese and peanut butter in the frosting, this elvis presley cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3-4 days. My personal tip? I like to place a slice of bread with the cake in the container; it helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
Freezer Friendly: If you want to enjoy a slice of elvis presley cake later, it freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
While it’s undoubtedly a decadent treat, this elvis presley cake also brings a few wholesome elements to the table! The ripe bananas contribute natural sugars, potassium, and dietary fiber, while the creamy peanut butter adds a boost of plant-based protein and healthy fats. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing in its own unique, comforting way.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make the bacon brittle ahead of time for the Elvis Presley cake?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon brittle up to a week in advance. Once cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes assembling your elvis presley cake a breeze on baking day.
Faq 2
What if I don’t have buttermilk for the banana cake?
No problem! You can easily make your own buttermilk substitute. Simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk to the desired measurement. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles, then use it in your elvis presley cake recipe.
Faq 3
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for the frosting?
While creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smooth frosting, you can certainly use crunchy if you prefer! Just be aware that the frosting will have a textured, slightly chunky consistency, which can add an interesting dimension to your elvis presley cake.
Faq 4
How do I know when the banana cake layers are fully baked?
The best way to tell is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your banana cake layers are perfectly baked and ready for your delicious elvis presley cake.
Conclusion
And there you have it, sweet friends—a truly magnificent elvis presley cake that’s ready to make memories in your kitchen! This recipe is a beautiful testament to the joy of combining classic flavors with a touch of playful creativity. I hope you feel inspired to gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and share this delightful dessert with those you love. Because, as I’ve always believed, the very best treats are baked with love and shared with joy, bringing people together one sweet slice at a time. Happy baking!