Elvis Presley Cake: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Elvis Presley Cake: The King may be gone, but his legendary taste lives on! Imagine a cake so decadent, so rich, and so utterly irresistible that it would make even the most disciplined dieter weak in the knees. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a tribute to Elvis’s famously indulgent palate, a symphony of Southern flavors that will have you singing “Hound Dog” with every bite.

While the exact origins of this particular cake are shrouded in a bit of mystery, the flavors it embodies are deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition. Think banana, pineapple, and pecans – ingredients that were readily available and beloved in the South, where Elvis himself hailed from. It’s a celebration of simple pleasures, elevated to rock-and-roll status.

People adore this Elvis Presley Cake for its incredible combination of textures and tastes. The moist, tender crumb of the cake, the sweetness of the banana and pineapple, the satisfying crunch of the pecans, and the creamy, dreamy frosting all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for potlucks, birthday celebrations, or simply a Tuesday night when you’re craving a little bit of Southern comfort. Trust me, once you try this Elvis Presley Cake, you’ll be all shook up… in the best way possible!

this Recipe

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 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! Make sure you get into all the corners.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking is important here to make sure everything is evenly distributed. You don’t want pockets of baking soda in your cake!
3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash your ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined. The mixture might look a little lumpy from the bananas, and that’s perfectly fine.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix 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 your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary!
6. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial! If you try to frost it while it’s still warm, the frosting will melt. Patience is key!

Making the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure your butter is truly softened – not melted!
2. Add Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter to the butter and beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar in your kitchen!
4. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
5. Add Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Preparing the Candied Bacon (Optional)

Okay, this part is optional, but trust me, it takes this cake to a whole new level of Elvis-approved deliciousness! The salty-sweet crunch of the candied bacon is the perfect complement to the banana cake and peanut butter frosting.

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 a breeze!
2. Combine Sugar and Syrup: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
3. Coat the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each strip with the brown sugar mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized. Keep a close eye on it, as the sugar can burn easily.
5. Cool: Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become even crispier. Once cooled, crumble 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. I like to use an offset spatula for this, but a regular butter knife works just fine too.
2. Add Candied Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled candied bacon over the frosting. Don’t be shy! The more bacon, the better!
3. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the ultimate Elvis Presley Cake experience!

Tips and Variations:

• Banana Flavor Boost: For an even more intense banana flavor, you can add a teaspoon of banana extract to the batter.
• Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even dark chocolate would all be delicious.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would also be a great addition to the cake. Add them to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting along with the bacon.
• Peanut Butter Drizzle: For an extra touch of peanut butter goodness, melt a little peanut butter and drizzle it over the top of the cake.
• Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
• Make it a Layer Cake: Divide the batter into two 9-inch round cake pans and bake for a slightly shorter time (around 25-30 minutes). Frost between the layers and on top for a stunning layer cake.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The candied bacon may lose some of its crispness if stored in the refrigerator, so you might want to add it just before serving.

Troubleshooting:

• Cake is dry: Make sure you’re not overbaking the cake. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Also, make sure you’re using the correct amount of liquid ingredients.
• Frosting is too thick: Add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Frosting is too thin: Add a bit more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Bacon is burning: Keep a close eye on the bacon while it’s baking, as the sugar can burn easily. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 600-800 (depending on serving size and amount of bacon)
• Fat: 30-40g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 100-150mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Carbohydrates: 70-90g
• Sugar: 50-60g
• Protein: 10-15g

Enjoy this decadent and delicious Elvis Presley Cake! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect tribute to the King of Rock and Roll!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! This Elvis Presley Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a trip down memory lane, a celebration of flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a good, old-fashioned, decadent cake. The combination of banana, pineapple, and pecans, all swathed in that creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting, is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of cake that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

But why is this cake so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The moist, tender crumb of the cake contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the pecans, while the sweetness of the banana and pineapple is perfectly offset by the tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate and leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the layers intimidate you; the instructions are straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort.

And the best part? This cake is incredibly versatile. While it’s fantastic on its own, you can easily adapt it to suit your own preferences. For a truly Elvis-inspired experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of peanut butter frosting between the cake layers for an extra dose of Elvis’s favorite flavor. You could even sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top for a sweet and savory twist!

Looking for other serving suggestions? A warm slice of this Elvis Presley Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also a wonderful dessert to bring to potlucks, parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family. Trust me, this cake will be the star of the show!

Variations to Try:

* Mini Elvis Cakes: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings.
* Elvis Presley Cake Parfaits: Layer crumbled cake, whipped cream, and sliced bananas in glasses for a quick and easy dessert.
* Chocolate Elvis Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* Spiced Elvis Cake: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm, comforting flavor.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. It’s a cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special celebration.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most delicious Elvis Presley Cake you’ve ever tasted. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed it. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me a picture of your masterpiece. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s a true testament to the King’s love of good food, and I’m sure it will become a family favorite in your home as well.