This Elvis Presley cake recipe doesn’t hold back on flavor or ingredients

This indulgent recipe, the King loved

Think layers of moist banana cake kissed with bourbon, rich peanut butter buttercream, fried caramelized bananas, and crispy candied bacon.

Sweet, salty, and over the top, this show-stopping cake doesn’t shy away from flavor. Elvis fans and adventurous bakers alike will appreciate its decadence, this is indulgence fit for rock ’n’ roll royalty.

This cake is a tribute to Elvis’s spirit

Elvis Presley’s iconic food pairing of peanut butter, bananas, and bacon wasn’t just a sandwich—he loved bold, comforting flavors. It combines tender banana layers with bourbon notes, a lush peanut butter frosting, crispy candied bacon, and golden fried bananas.

The result is a rich, over-the-top cake that channels indulgence and nostalgia, making it perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or anytime you want dessert with flair.

Every component of this cake packs flavor

The banana layers get their depth from ripe bananas and bourbon. Candied bacon adds crunch and smoky sweetness. Fried bananas caramelize beautifully with butter and sugar.

The peanut butter frosting ties everything together with creamy richness. Ingredients include flour, baking soda, cinnamon, butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, bacon, bourbon, honey, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Each element balances sweet, salty, and nutty notes.

Equipment needed

Before you start, gather your tools. You’ll need two 8-inch round cake pans, mixing bowls, and an electric mixer for whipping butter and frosting. A skillet is essential for frying bananas, while parchment paper prevents sticking during baking. Cooling racks help the cakes rest evenly, avoiding soggy bottoms.

With the right equipment in place, preparing this layered masterpiece becomes easier—and the process as enjoyable as the final indulgent results.

Preparing the banana cake (step 1)

Start by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F)—a low, steady bake ensures the banana cake layers cook evenly and stay moist. Grease two 8-inch cake pans generously, then line them with parchment paper for extra security.

These steps prevent sticking and make lifting the delicate cakes easier after baking. A slow bake with careful prep gives this dessert the tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb Elvis’s legendary appetite would’ve truly appreciated.

Preparing the banana mixture (step 2)

The flavor base comes from ripe bananas blended with bourbon whiskey. Take four spotty, overripe bananas and blend them with 100 milliliters of bourbon until smooth.

The fruit provides natural sweetness and moisture, while bourbon adds depth and complexity. Set aside this mixture, you’ll fold it into the batter later. It creates a rich, fragrant cake with an unmistakable aroma, making the kitchen smell irresistible.

Dry ingredients (step 3)

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl: 375 grams flour, 1.5 teaspoons baking soda, half a teaspoon baking powder, a quarter teaspoon cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon salt.

This blend provides structure while cinnamon adds subtle warmth. Mixing these first ensures even distribution, preventing clumps or uneven rising. When folded into the wet mixture later, they’ll create a sturdy yet soft cake base that carries the rich flavors beautifully.

Creaming wet ingredients (step 4)

In a separate bowl, cream 170 grams of softened butter with 200 grams of caster sugar and 200 grams of brown sugar.

Beat until light and fluffy, then add three eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Stir in two teaspoons vanilla extract for aromatic sweetness.

This base adds richness, moisture, and caramel notes. The light texture from creaming helps keep the cake airy despite its indulgent, dense flavor profile.

Combining wet and dry (step 5)

Alternate folding the dry ingredients with 350 milliliters buttermilk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour blend.

This method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can toughen the cake. Finally, fold in the banana-bourbon mixture until evenly combined. The result is a luscious batter, speckled with banana and carrying subtle whiskey fragrance.

Baking the banana cake (step 6)

Divide the thick batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, then place them in the preheated oven. Bake gently for around 90 minutes, testing with a toothpick to ensure doneness.

Slow baking creates deep golden edges and a moist, tender crumb inside. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks—patience here ensures layers won’t collapse or tear.

Making candied bacon (step 7)

While the cakes cool, prepare candied bacon. Cook six slices until half done, then brush with a glaze of three tablespoons brown sugar, three tablespoons bourbon, and one tablespoon honey.

Return to heat until caramelized, sticky, and crisp. Cool completely before chopping into bite-sized shards. The bacon delivers smoky crunch, balancing the sweetness of bananas and frosting.

Frying the bananas (step 8)

Slice four firm-ripe bananas into rounds. Melt 25 grams butter in a skillet, sprinkle in two teaspoons sugar, and add a splash of reserved bacon drippings plus one tablespoon bourbon.

Fry the banana slices until golden, slightly caramelized, and tender. Set aside to cool. These bananas add luxurious texture and depth when layered into the cake, their buttery sweetness echoing the flavors baked into the sponge itself.

Peanut butter frosting ingredients (step 9)

This frosting is indulgent yet simple. Gather one cup creamy peanut butter, two sticks softened butter, four to five cups powdered sugar, a quarter to half cup milk, and two teaspoons vanilla extract.

Peanut butter brings nutty richness, butter adds creaminess, and powdered sugar provides structure. The milk loosens texture while vanilla enhances aroma. Together, they form a silky, spreadable frosting perfect for layering and covering this showstopper.

Preparing peanut butter frosting (step 10)

Beat the peanut butter and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until desired consistency forms—rich but spreadable.

Stir in vanilla to finish. This frosting is luscious, nutty, and just sweet enough to complement rather than overpower the cake. Its velvety texture makes spreading effortless and ensures every bite of Elvis Presley Cake feels indulgent, creamy, and perfectly balanced against bold flavors.

Assembling the cake (step 11)

Place the first cooled cake layer onto a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting across the surface. Arrange the fried bananas evenly over the frosting, then scatter chopped candied bacon or salted peanuts for crunch.

This filling layer combines sweet, salty, and creamy textures, setting the stage for a dessert that surprises with every bite. It’s indulgence layered beautifully into the heart of the cake.

Final layer and crumb coat (step 12)

Place the second cake layer gently on top. Using an offset spatula, apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake to lock in crumbs. Chill for 30 minutes to firm the structure.

This step ensures a neat, professional finish once final frosting is added. It also gives the layers time to settle, making the cake easier to frost. You should also try this poached pear cake, the elegant dessert that wows every time.

Finishing touches

Remove chilled cake and spread the remaining peanut butter frosting evenly across the top and sides. Smooth for a clean finish or create rustic swirls for charm.

Garnish with candied bacon shards and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch. The result is a towering, golden cake shimmering with caramel tones and crowned with salty-sweet accents.

Also, this ‘Chef’s Kiss’ chocolate cake is pure dessert perfection.

Get More Delicious Recipes:

• I tried Meghan Markle’s honey lemon cake, and everyone loved it
• Would you eat this? The Bloody Mary cake dividing the internet
• Bake the perfect New York cheesecake today

If you liked this article, you’ll LOVE our free email newsletter.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.