Moist Banana Sheet Cake with Nutty Peanut Butter Frosting

Prepare to rock and roll with your taste buds as we dive into a dessert fit for the King himself! This isn’t just any banana cake; it’s an **Elvis Sheet Cake**, a culinary homage to Elvis Presley’s legendary favorite sandwich. Imagine a wonderfully moist banana cake, blanketed in a rich, glossy peanut butter icing. That alone would be incredibly delicious, but to truly capture the essence of Elvis’s iconic snack, we take it a step further: a generous sprinkle of crisp, savory chopped bacon and a delicate drizzle of golden honey. This unique combination transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary sweet and salty masterpiece, making it a truly fun and unforgettable sheet cake.

If you’re a connoisseur of the surprising yet utterly delightful flavor profiles, especially those with a sweet and salty twist, then this **Banana Peanut Butter Bacon Cake** is destined to become your new favorite. The idea of combining banana, peanut butter, and bacon might sound unconventional at first, perhaps even a little wild, but trust us, the resulting taste is nothing short of amazing. The rich sweetness of ripe bananas and honey perfectly balances the creamy, nutty peanut butter and the salty crunch of bacon, creating an addictive symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more.

The beauty of this recipe starts with its simplicity. The banana sheet cake itself comes together quickly, making it an accessible baking project even for busy schedules. Once baked, it’s crowned with a delectable pour-over peanut butter icing, a method known for its ease and ability to create a beautifully smooth, even layer. You could certainly stop there, and the cake would be phenomenal. However, for the authentic “Elvis touch” – that bold, unexpected flair – we wholeheartedly recommend embracing the full experience with crumbled bacon and a luscious honey drizzle. It’s the finishing flourish that elevates this dessert from merely good to absolutely legendary.

The concept for this extraordinary cake had been lingering in my mind for quite some time, one of those brilliant ideas that just stew and simmer until the perfect opportunity arises. Have you ever had a recipe idea that you were so excited to create, but just couldn’t find the right moment? I was genuinely anxious to bring this vision to life, but I try to avoid baking large-scale desserts just for our small family of three. While I, personally, have no qualms about enjoying dessert for multiple meals – it’s a gift, really, try not to be too jealous! – my husband typically isn’t one for several consecutive days of sweets.

So, for my own preservation and, frankly, my sanity, it’s best when I can make indulgent desserts like this **King’s Favorite Sandwich Cake** when there are plenty of people around to share it with. Do you relate to that feeling? I can’t be alone in saying that my sweet tooth often has a mind of its own, proving quite persuasive when a craving strikes. And who am I to object to its compelling needs? Luckily, our weekly Saturday “family dinner” with my parents and siblings provides the perfect opportunity to bake and share, ensuring that no delicious creation goes unappreciated or uneaten. This cake, with its unique charm, was certainly a hit at one of these gatherings, quickly disappearing under rave reviews.

The undeniable inspiration for this cake, as mentioned, is the famous Elvis sandwich – a classic combination of peanut butter, banana, and often bacon. To translate this into a delightful baked good, I started with ripe bananas to create a wonderfully flavorful and moist sheet cake base. The choice of a Texas sheet cake-style peanut butter icing was deliberate: I adore how incredibly easy these icings are to make and apply. You simply pour the warm, glossy mixture directly over the freshly baked, still-warm cake, allowing it to melt slightly and seep into the cake, creating an irresistible, seamless finish.

Honestly, the cake with just the peanut butter icing would be absolutely divine. However, to truly elevate it and infuse it with those iconic Elvis flavors, I added the crispy bacon and a delicate drizzle of honey. This addition isn’t just for show; it actively contributes layers of complex flavor and provides that highly sought-after sweet and salty finish that makes the Elvis sandwich so special. The bacon brings a savory crunch and a hint of smokiness, while the honey adds another dimension of natural sweetness, making each bite an adventure for the palate.

My “Little Dude” was my enthusiastic kitchen helper for this recipe, proving that baking can be a wonderful family activity. He diligently dumped ingredients into the mixer bowl, making sure the mixer stayed put during operation (a crucial job!), and of course, eagerly licked the beaters clean – a universal rite of passage for all aspiring young bakers! The entire family was present for the big reveal, and I must admit, a few eyebrows were raised and noses wrinkled at the initial thought of bacon in a cake. However, any skepticism quickly melted away with the first bite. Not a single person had trouble finishing their piece; in fact, my siblings enthusiastically took an extra slice home with them. The remainder of the cake was devoured by friends and family the very next day. So, I think it’s safe to say this unique **Banana Cake with Bacon** was an absolute hit!

Of course, taste is subjective, and while we highly recommend the full Elvis treatment, you absolutely have the option to omit the bacon and honey if the idea truly doesn’t appeal to you. The banana cake with peanut butter icing alone is a fantastic dessert. But for those brave enough to venture into the sweet and savory realm, the added crunch and saltiness of the bacon, paired with the subtle sweetness of honey, create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Alternative Topping Ideas for Your Banana Sheet Cake

While the iconic bacon and honey topping is what makes this an “Elvis Sheet Cake,” don’t let that deter you if it’s not quite your style. This versatile banana cake with peanut butter icing makes a fantastic base for a variety of other delicious toppings. Feel free to enjoy it as is, or consider adding some of these fun and flavorful alternatives to customize your dessert:

• Chopped Peanuts: For an extra nutty crunch that complements the peanut butter icing beautifully, adding another layer of texture.
• Broken Up Pieces of Banana Chips: These offer a delightful crisp texture and a concentrated banana flavor, enhancing the cake’s primary fruit profile.
• Sprinkles: A classic choice for adding a festive pop of color and a subtle sweetness, perfect for celebrations or making it appealing to kids.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: The timeless pairing of chocolate and peanut butter is irresistible. Mini chips will melt slightly into the warm icing, creating pockets of gooey chocolatey goodness.
• Caramel Drizzle: A rich, buttery caramel sauce would add another layer of decadent sweetness and a luxurious sticky texture.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist and a delicate chewiness that pairs well with banana.

4.80 from 5 ratings

Elvis Sheet Cake: Banana, Peanut Butter Icing, Bacon and Honey

Author:
Carlee

Servings:

36
Servings

This banana sheet cake, topped with a glossy peanut butter icing, is already delicious. To truly pay homage to Elvis, we add some chopped bacon and a drizzle of honey. This cake is a fantastic way to enjoy the King’s favorite sandwich combination in dessert form.

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Prep:

20
mins

Cook:

35
mins

Total:

55
mins

Equipment

• Stainless Steel 2 qt saucepan
• Nordic Ware Half Sheet Pan (13×18 inches) and Cover

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake

• ⅔ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup butter, softened
• 3 large bananas, very ripe and mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

For the Peanut Butter Icing

• ½ cup butter
• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup milk
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toppings (Optional)

• 4 Tablespoons chopped crisp bacon
• 2 Tablespoons honey

Makes:

13 x
18
inch

rectangle,

1
inch height

Instructions

For the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 13×18-inch half sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix the ⅔ cup milk and 1 teaspoon white vinegar. Set aside for a few minutes to allow it to curdle slightly (this creates a buttermilk substitute).
3. In a large mixer bowl, cream together the ⅓ cup softened butter and 1⅔ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the 3 large mashed bananas, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, add the milk and vinegar mixture and stir gently until fully incorporated.
6. Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and prepare the frosting while the cake is still warm.

For the Peanut Butter Icing

7. In a saucepan, combine the ½ cup butter, ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter, and 1 cup milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 2½ cups powdered sugar and whisk vigorously until all lumps are gone and the icing is perfectly smooth and glossy. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
9. Immediately pour the warm peanut butter icing over the warm banana cake. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it slightly, ensuring an even coating. If desired, sprinkle with 4 Tablespoons of chopped crisp bacon and/or drizzle with 2 Tablespoons of honey for the full Elvis experience.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the icing to set properly and the flavors to fully meld.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information (Estimated per Serving)

Serving: 1 Serving
Calories: 186 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 28 g |
Protein: 3 g |
Fat: 7 g |
Saturated Fat: 3 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g |
Trans Fat: 0.2 g |
Cholesterol: 22 mg |
Sodium: 158 mg |
Potassium: 93 mg |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugar: 21 g |
Vitamin A: 169 IU |
Vitamin C: 1 mg |
Calcium: 21 mg |
Iron: 1 mg

“Cooking With Carlee” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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