Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, wasn’t just famous for his music — he was also known for his unapologetic love of indulgent Southern comfort food. One of his favorite flavor combinations? Peanut butter, bananas, and chocolate. Inspired by that iconic trio, this Elvis Presley Cake is a rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s every bit as legendary as the man himself.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love desserts that are both decadent and deeply comforting, this cake will make your heart sing. It’s a soft banana-buttermilk cake layered with silky peanut butter frosting, topped with a drizzle of chocolate and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts for crunch. Every bite feels like a standing ovation.
Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe box:
- Moist and Tender: The ripe bananas and buttermilk make the crumb incredibly soft.
- Flavor Explosion: Peanut butter, banana, and chocolate — a trio made in heaven.
- Simple Yet Show-Stopping: Impressive presentation with easy steps.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Birthdays, potlucks, or any time you want to treat yourself like royalty.
What Does Elvis Presley Cake Taste Like?
Picture a sweet, buttery banana cake crowned with creamy peanut butter frosting — not too sweet, just perfectly balanced. Then add a glossy chocolate drizzle and a handful of salty roasted peanuts for crunch. It’s rich, nutty, and nostalgic all at once, with every bite melting into that unmistakable peanut-banana bliss.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses pantry staples – no hard-to-find ingredients.
- Customizable – add caramel drizzle or chopped bacon for a fun twist (yes, Elvis would approve!).
- Crowd-pleasing – it’s the kind of cake that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
For the Topping
- ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- ½ cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9x13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans
- Spatula for frosting
- Wire rack for cooling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Mix in the mashed bananas.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Beat together peanut butter and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
- Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired spreading consistency is reached.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or ganache.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and banana slices.
Serving Suggestions
This cake shines at celebrations, brunches, and family gatherings — or simply as a Sunday afternoon indulgence. Pair it with:
- A cup of coffee or milk (Elvis’s favorite combo!)
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra decadence
Tips for the Perfect Elvis Presley Cake
- Use ripe bananas: The spottier, the better — they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly for a smoother batter.
- If you want a lighter texture, don’t overmix once the flour is added.
- Add the banana slices just before serving to keep them from browning.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and cool the cake, then wrap tightly. Frost right before serving for the freshest flavor.
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Absolutely — it adds great texture if you love that nutty crunch.
How can I make it extra chocolatey?
Double the ganache drizzle or add a thin layer of chocolate frosting beneath the peanut butter layer.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 7g
- Sugar: 30g
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