Name: Elvis Presley Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (Fluff with a fork before measuring.); 0.5 teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness.); 2 cups unsalted butter (Room temperature, 1 cup for cake and 1 cup for frosting.); 2 cups granulated sugar (Pure cane sugar recommended.); 4 large eggs (Use room temperature eggs.); 1 cup buttermilk (Gives extra moisture; substitute with milk + lemon juice if needed.); 0.5 cup mashed ripe bananas (Use overripe bananas for best flavor.); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (Pure extract preferred.); 1 tablespoon baking powder (For raising the cake.); 1 teaspoon baking soda (Works in combination with the baking powder.); 4 cups powdered sugar (For smooth, cloud-like frosting.); 0.25 cups heavy cream or milk (Cream for richness, milk for lightness.); 0.5 cup crushed roasted peanuts (For that signature crunch.); 0.5 cup candied bacon (Optional, can be skipped.); to taste mini peanut butter cups or banana slices (For decoration, choose your favorites.); to taste edible gold glitter (For a glam finish.); to taste chocolate ganache drizzle (Use your favorite dark chocolate.)

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A Taste of Rock ‘n’ Roll: My First Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake) Memory

The first time I made an Elvis Presley Cake—sometimes lovingly called the Jailhouse Rock Cake—it was for my dad’s birthday. As soon as that vanilla-banana aroma filled our little kitchen, suddenly everyone seemed to drift in from every corner of the house. So many of us grew up with Elvis’s swoon-worthy tunes, but little did I know his favorite flavors (peanut butter, banana, bacon!) would end up in a cake that’s now part of our family tradition. If you’ve been craving a show-stopping, classic Elvis Presley cake—one that’s buttery, fluffy, packed with peanuts and topped with swirls of gold—let me show you how to bring a little rock ‘n’ roll magic to your own table.

Why You’ll Adore This Elvis Presley Cake

Trust me, channeling The King in the kitchen is easier (and tastier) than you think. Here’s why you can’t help falling in love with this Elvis Presley cake:

It’s pure nostalgia in a slice: Every bite takes you straight back to diner days—creamy banana cake, lush vanilla frosting, sprinkled with peanuts just like Elvis would’ve wanted.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a potluck, or (let’s be honest) a random Tuesday, Jailhouse Rock Cake will definitely steal the show!
A texture lover’s dream: Think: tender cake, fluffy frosting, crunchy peanuts, optional candied bacon (so decadent!), and a glossy chocolate-dipped finish.
Fun to make and decorate: Seriously, you can go as over-the-top as you wish—mini peanut butter cups, banana slices, a shimmer of edible gold glitter. Get the kids to help or unleash your inner Vegas showman!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Elvis Presley Cake

Stock up on these easy-to-find baking staples and a few fun extras (and see my tips for getting the best flavor!):

All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): For a soft crumb, fluff with a fork before measuring.
Baking powder & baking soda: These give the cake its gorgeous rise.
Salt (½ tsp): Just enough to balance the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (2 cups total): You’ll use one cup for the cake, one for the ultra-creamy frosting—room temperature is key!
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Go for pure cane sugar if you can.
Eggs (4 large): Always use room temperature eggs for best mixing (no curdled batter here).
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth to both the cake and the frosting. I love pure extract for that authentic flavor.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Gives the cake extra moisture and a little tang—don’t skip it! If you’re out, a mix of milk plus a squeeze of lemon juice works in a pinch.
Mashed ripe bananas (½ cup): The riper, the better—think brown and spotty!
Powdered sugar (4 cups): For smooth, cloud-like frosting.
Heavy cream or milk (¼ cup): I like cream for richness, but milk keeps things lighter.
Crushed roasted peanuts (½ cup): For that signature Elvis crunch.
Candied bacon (½ cup, optional): Sweet, smoky, and totally rockstar (skip for vegetarians!).
Chocolate ganache drizzle: Just a little goes a long way—use your favorite dark chocolate.
Mini peanut butter cups or banana slices: For topping—choose your favorites or both!
Edible gold glitter: For a glam, Vegas-worthy finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Elvis Presley Cake

Ready to kick off this baking jam session? Here’s how I make my crowd-pleasing Jailhouse Rock Cake:

Prep the pans and preheat: Start by greasing your cake pans and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). (I always line the bottoms with parchment—no sticking, no stress!).
Mix dry ingredients: Grab a large bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. (Sing along to “Jailhouse Rock” for best results.)
Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides as you go, then mix in vanilla extract.
Combine wet ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and gently fold in your mashed bananas.
Bring it all together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet—mix until just combined. No over-mixing (or the cake might get dense!).
Bake: Pour batter into pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cakes are done when a toothpick comes out clean and they spring back to the touch.
Cool completely: This is your self-control moment; let those cakes cool before frosting.
Whip up the frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla (I always sneak a little taste!).
Stack and fill: Spread frosting on one cake, sprinkle with peanuts (and bacon if using).
Top and frost: Place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing the sides for that classic look.
Decorate: Drizzle with chocolate ganache, arrange peanut butter cups or banana slices on top, and finish with a sprinkle of edible gold glitter—so glam!

My Secret Tips and Tricks for Elvis Presley Cake Success

After making this Jailhouse Rock Cake more times than I can count, here’s what I wish someone had told me:

Room temperature everything: Cold ingredients just won’t blend as nicely—take things out ahead of time!
Overripe bananas: Those brown, spotty bananas hiding in your fruit bowl? Use them! They mash smoother and have extra sweetness.
Smooth frosting: Add your powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps. If it’s too thick, drizzle in an extra teaspoon of milk.
Chill before slicing: Pop the finished cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing—it makes for cleaner layers and neater servings.
Chocolate ganache hack: Melt chocolate chips with a splash of cream in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring well—it’s foolproof and glossy every time.

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

Want to shake up your Elvis Presley cake? Try these bakery-worthy twists:

Nut-free: Skip the peanuts, and instead use toasted coconut or sprinkles for crunch.
Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.
Go vegetarian: Leave out the candied bacon—you’ll still get plenty of flavor!
Lighten it up: Halve the frosting and opt for just a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a not-so-sweet treat.
Seasonal fruit flair: Swap banana for pumpkin puree in the fall, or swirl in raspberry jam for a summery, fruity vibe.

How to Serve and Store Your Elvis Presley Cake

This showstopper deserves a dramatic reveal—slice it thick, and serve with extra ganache or a fresh banana slice if you’re feeling fancy. If you’re hosting a crowd, mini peanut butter cups and a little gold glitter are always conversation starters.

Storing leftovers:

Wrap up any remaining cake in plastic wrap or airtight containers, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
I always let slices come to room temperature before digging in; the flavors really sing once warmed up a touch.
For longer storage, you can freeze slices (double-wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let them come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Elvis Presley Cake Answered

Q: Can I make this Jailhouse Rock Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cakes a day ahead, wrap tightly, and frost the next day for even better flavor and easier decorating.

Q: What kind of bananas work best for this cake recipe?
Always go for bananas that are very ripe and soft—think lots of brown spots (they mash up easy and taste sweeter).

Q: Is candied bacon necessary for a classic Elvis Presley cake?
Nope! The candied bacon adds a salty-sweet bite, but you can absolutely leave it out for a peanut-banana classic (or replace it with extra nuts).

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but the homemade vanilla buttercream really makes this Elvis Presley cake sing. Trust me, it’s worth the few extra minutes!

Q: What’s the best way to get a moist banana cake?
Don’t overbake, and be sure to use real buttermilk and those overripe bananas—the combo keeps things tender and flavorful every single time.

So there you have it: all my favorite tips and a little musical nostalgia packed into one irresistible Elvis Presley (Jailhouse Rock) Cake recipe. If you make it, let me know—did your kitchen turn into a rock ‘n’ roll dance party, too?

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