The Ultimate Elvis Presley Sheet Cake Recipe
If you’re a fan of Elvis Presley, then you know that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll didn’t just captivate audiences with his music he had a serious love for food, too! One of his favorite indulgences was the iconic peanut butter and banana sandwich. And now, you can bring a slice of that Elvis-inspired sweetness into your kitchen with the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake Recipe.
This decadent dessert, combining the beloved flavors of banana, peanut butter, and even a touch of bacon, is a fun and delicious way to pay tribute to the King while treating your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating an Elvis-themed event, or just craving something unique, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.
Table of Contents
What is the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake?
Before we dive into the recipe, you might be wondering, “What exactly is an Elvis Presley Sheet Cake?” At its core, this cake is a delicious, moist banana cake topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting and, often, a sprinkle of crispy bacon an homage to Elvis’ famous snack of peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches. This cake perfectly captures the King’s quirky, bold taste while offering an irresistible combination of sweet and savory. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who wants to bring a bit of Elvis’ flavor into their home.
Ingredients for the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake Recipe
Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create this rockstar dessert. The Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is simple to prepare and calls for a few basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Toppings and Frosting Ingredients
The frosting is what takes this cake from good to legendary. Smooth peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar and butter creates a rich, creamy layer on top of the banana cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that’s uniquely Elvis.
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 4 strips of bacon (optional)
How to Make the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake
Preparing the Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a sheet pan (9×13 inches) to ensure your cake won’t stick.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the banana mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
- Pour the batter into the pan: Spread the batter evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. It’s essential that the cake cools down, or the frosting might melt into a gooey mess.
Preparing the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Cream the frosting ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency: Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a spreadable frosting consistency. You want it thick but smooth, perfect for slathering on the cake.
Adding the Final Touches
Once your cake has cooled, it’s time for the best part the frosting! Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting over the top of the cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, crumble crispy bacon over the frosting for that classic Elvis touch.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Elvis Presley Sheet Cake
Adjusting the Flavors for Your Taste
One of the great things about this Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is how customizable it is. If you’re not a fan of bacon, feel free to skip it! Instead, you can add salted peanuts or even a drizzle of honey for a different kind of sweet and salty combo. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a subtle spice that enhances the banana flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
This cake can easily be made ahead of time. The cake itself stays fresh for up to 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can even make the frosting a day ahead, just refrigerate it until you’re ready to frost the cake. This makes it a great option for party planning or busy days when you don’t want to be in the kitchen for too long.
Vegan or Gluten-Free Variations
If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy this cake. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. To make the cake vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs and use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives. The peanut butter frosting can be easily adapted by using dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk.
Why Elvis Loved Banana and Peanut Butter Flavors
Elvis Presley was known for his love of unique and indulgent foods, and his peanut butter and banana sandwiches were a well-known favorite. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, and savory bacon (or other salty additions) made for a satisfying snack that gave him a burst of energy during long recording sessions or live performances.
This cake takes that beloved flavor combo and turns it into a dessert that’s perfect for celebrating Elvis’ love of bold, simple pleasures.
Elvis Presley Sheet Cake: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting an Elvis-themed birthday party or just want to try something different, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for large gatherings because it’s easy to cut into squares and serve. The combination of moist banana cake, rich peanut butter frosting, and optional bacon bits will surely leave everyone asking for seconds.
Pair your Elvis Presley Sheet Cake with a milkshake, iced coffee, or even a glass of Elvis’ favorite drink Pepsi! The possibilities for pairing are endless.
FAQs about Elvis Presley Sheet Cake
Q1: Can I make the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day before serving. Just store the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate the frosting until you’re ready to frost it.
Q2: How can I make the frosting smoother?
If the frosting seems too thick, simply add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency. You want it smooth and easy to spread.
Q3: Is bacon necessary for the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake?
No, bacon is optional. While it adds a unique savory crunch, you can skip it or replace it with salted peanuts for a more traditional “Elvis-style” dessert.
Q4: Can I substitute the peanut butter frosting with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use cream cheese frosting or even chocolate ganache for a different twist on the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake.
Conclusion: A Sweet Tribute to Elvis Presley’s Favorite Flavors
With its perfect blend of banana, peanut butter, and a touch of Elvis-inspired flair, this Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re a die-hard Elvis fan or just love trying new recipes, this cake will satisfy your cravings and give you a taste of rock ‘n’ roll history. So, gather your ingredients, crank up some Elvis tunes, and bake this showstopper for your next gathering.
Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family they’ll be singing your praises in no time!
Now it’s your turn! Try this Elvis Presley Sheet Cake Recipe and let us know how it turns out. Do you prefer bacon on your cake, or do you like to keep it classic with just the peanut butter and banana?
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