The King’s Delight: Elvis Presley Sheet Cake Extravaganza
Enter the world of culinary nostalgia as we pay homage to the King of Rock and Roll himself with the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake. This iconic dessert is a symphony of flavors, combining the richness of peanut butter, the sweetness of bananas, and the decadence of chocolate in a moist and delectable cake. Get ready to treat your taste buds to a culinary masterpiece that channels the spirit of Elvis and his legendary love for indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and peanut butter. Bring to a boil, then pour over the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until well combined. The batter should be smooth and velvety.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 4: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in milk and peanut butter. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake.
Step 5: Top it Off
Arrange banana slices over the frosting, followed by crushed pineapple. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top and, for an extra Elvis touch, add crumbled bacon if desired.
Cook Notes
- Peanut Butter Harmony: Creamy peanut butter works best in both the cake and frosting, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
- Ripe Bananas Rule: Opt for ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture. They add a natural sweetness that complements the other flavors.
- Bacon Magic (Optional): While bacon may seem unconventional, it pays homage to Elvis’s famous love for the combination of savory and sweet.
Variations
Chocolate Overload:
Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding chocolate chips to the cake batter or drizzling melted chocolate over the frosting.
Caramel Crunch:
For a decadent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the bananas and sprinkle the top with toffee bits.
Keto Version
For our keto comrades, fear not; you can savor the Elvis magic with a low-carb adaptation. Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour, use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of sugar, and opt for a sugar-free peanut butter. The bananas can be replaced with sliced strawberries for a low-carb alternative.
Low Carb Version
For those steering clear of carbs, embrace almond flour in the cake batter and choose a low-carb sweetener. Replace the bananas with berries of your choice and consider adding unsweetened coconut flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
In conclusion, the Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a tribute to an icon, a celebration of decadence, and a journey into the rich tapestry of flavors. Whether you follow the classic recipe or venture into the realms of keto or low-carb, this cake is a showstopper that will leave your taste buds singing in delight. So, channel your inner Elvis, cue up your favorite tunes, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. May your Elvis Presley Sheet Cake be fit for a king, a true masterpiece that pays homage to the legend himself!