Elvis Presley Sheet Cake: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Dessert Delight

Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a delicious tribute to the King himself, blending flavors that were said to be among his favorites: chocolate, peanut butter, and banana. This cake is perfect for fans of Elvis or anyone who loves a rich, moist dessert with a touch of Southern charm. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to indulge, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (plus more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Banana Layer:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

3. Prepare the Banana Layer:

1. Mash Bananas: In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice to prevent browning.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Spread the Banana Layer: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the mashed bananas evenly over the top of the cake.
2. Frost the Cake: Spread the peanut butter frosting over the banana layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
3. Decorate: For a finishing touch, you can garnish the cake with additional banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
2. Store: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips and Variations

• For Extra Moisture: You can substitute half of the buttermilk with mashed banana for a more intense banana flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers: Try adding chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped peanuts into the frosting or sprinkle on top for added crunch.
• Banana Variations: If you prefer a stronger banana flavor, you can add more mashed bananas to the cake batter or use banana extract in the frosting.

Conclusion

Elvis Presley Sheet Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines classic flavors beloved by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With its moist chocolate base, creamy peanut butter frosting, and sweet banana layer, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Elvis’s legacy or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade dessert, this cake offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy.

Enjoy baking and savoring this tribute to one of music’s greatest icons!

Feel free to adjust the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Happy baking!