Elvis Cake: Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Ganache
As the scent of freshly baked banana cake fills your home, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over you. The warmth of those wonderfully ripe bananas, the creamy smoothness of peanut butter frosting, and the luscious drizzle of chocolate ganache transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary experience. This Elvis Cake evokes memories of family gatherings and warm summer evenings spent on the porch. Each slice feels like a comforting hug, reminding us that sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy. And if you’re looking for a cozy dessert recipe that will leave everyone wanting more, look no further—this Elvis Cake hits all the right notes! Pin this recipe for your next get-together, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: This banana cake is moist and flavorful, featuring ingredients that harmonize beautifully.
- Creamy Peanut Butter Delight: The fluffy peanut butter frosting brings a rich, creamy texture that complements the cake perfectly.
- Indulgent Chocolate Ganache: A decadent layer of chocolate ganache on top takes this cake to another level of indulgence.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday bash, or just a cozy weekend dessert, this cake fits them all!
- Family-Friendly Fun: The sweet flavors and whimsical layers make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead-Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead of time so you can enjoy the festivities without the hassle.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
For this scrumptious Elvis Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 200 grams (1 1/2 cups) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons Instant Clearjel or 3 Tablespoons Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
- 200 grams (1 cup) Sugar
- 2.5 large to 3 small overly ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup Water and/or banana juice
- 2 large Eggs
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk
- 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 stick (4 ounces) Salted Butter
- 1 x batch prepared Easy Chocolate Ganache
- 1 x batch prepared Fluffy Peanut Butter Buttercream
How to Make Elvis Cake: Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Ganache
Make Banana Puree: In a bowl, mash the overly ripe bananas until smooth. If you’d like, add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra hint of flavor.
Make Banana Cake: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Instant Clearjel or pudding mix. In another bowl, mix the sugar and butter until creamy and luscious. Add in the banana puree, water or banana juice, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients just until mixed.
Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pans to ensure easy release. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Decorate: Let the layers cool completely before frosting. Once cooled, spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top of one layer, drizzle with chocolate ganache, place the second layer on top, and repeat. Finish decorating the top with the remaining peanut butter frosting and ganache for a show-stopping finish!
Serve: Slice this delicious cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. Each bite is sure to be met with smiles!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Nutty Add-In: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for added texture and a nutty crunch.
- Choco-Banana Combo: Swirl in some chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness throughout the cake.
- Fruit Medley: Replace some of the bananas with other ripe fruits, like mashed strawberries or apples, for a delightful fruity twist.
- Zesty Surprise: Add a touch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice to the batter for a zesty flavor profile that dances on your taste buds.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Frost just before serving!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Slicing Madeline: To easily slice through the layers, use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. It helps preserve the fluffy texture!
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for a week. If you freeze the layers, wrap them snugly in plastic before freezing.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked in advance and frosted just before serving.
Can I use different ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to substitute with dairy-free alternatives or any of the suggested add-ins.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for about a week.
How long does it last?
This cake tastes best within a few days but can be frozen (wrapped tightly) for up to three months if you need to keep it longer!
Wrapping It Up
This Elvis Cake: Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Ganache is a celebration of flavors that perfectly blend together in a delightful symphony of sweetness. The creamy textures and rich layers create a dessert that not only tastes sensational but also leaves you with warm, treasured memories. Save this recipe to your dessert inspiration board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking!

Elvis Cake: Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Ganache
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nostalgic banana cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting and decadent chocolate ganache, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 200 grams (1 1/2 cups) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons Instant Clearjel or 3 Tablespoons Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
- 200 grams (1 cup) Sugar
- 2.5 large to 3 small overly ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup Water and/or banana juice
- 2 large Eggs
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk
- 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 stick (4 ounces) Salted Butter
- 1 x batch prepared Easy Chocolate Ganache
- 1 x batch prepared Fluffy Peanut Butter Buttercream
Instructions
- Make Banana Puree: In a bowl, mash the overly ripe bananas until smooth. Optionally add a splash of vanilla extract.
- Make Banana Cake: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Instant Clearjel or pudding mix. In another bowl, mix the sugar and butter until creamy. Add banana puree, water or banana juice, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then combine.
- Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pans. Divide the batter and bake for 25–30 minutes. Check with a toothpick.
- Decorate: Let layers cool completely. Frost one layer with peanut butter frosting, drizzle with ganache, add the second layer, and repeat. Decorate the top with remaining frosting and ganache.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Make ahead by baking layers a day in advance and frost before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg



