Elvis Cakes: Simple Ways to Make a Rock‑n‑Roll Cake
If you love Elvis and cake, you’re in the right place. This guide shows you how to bake, flavor, and decorate a cake that screams the King of Rock. No fancy equipment needed – just the basics and a little creativity.
Pick a Flavor That Fits the King
Elvis was famous for his love of peanut butter and banana. A classic banana‑peanut‑butter cake hits the nostalgic note and is easy to make. Swap in chocolate if you prefer a richer taste – it still feels Elvis‑worthy. Mix a standard butter cake batter, add mashed ripe bananas, and stir in a couple of tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Bake in two 8‑inch rounds and let them cool.
Make the Iconic Elvis Cake Topper
The topping is what makes the cake pop. You can buy a ready‑made Elvis figurine, but making your own adds a personal touch. Print an edible image of Elvis’s silhouette or his famous hairstyle and place it on a thin sheet of fondant. Cover the fondant with a thin layer of buttercream, then carefully smooth the edible image on top. If you like a 3‑D look, shape a small fondant head, add a tiny black bow tie, and attach it with a dab of royal icing.
Another easy option is a red car topper – a nod to the site’s signature style. A tiny red‑painted toy car sits on the side of the cake, while an Elvis silhouette stands beside it. This mash‑up works great for kids who love cars and music.
Now comes the icing. A smooth vanilla buttercream works well and lets the topper shine. For extra flair, pipe a thin border of chocolate ganache around the edge – it adds a glossy finish without hiding the design.
When you stack the layers, spread a thin layer of peanut‑butter frosting between them. This reinforces the flavor theme and keeps the cake moist. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick drizzle of caramel for that sweet‑and‑salty vibe Elvis loved.
To serve, cut a slice and watch the smile on your guest’s face. The combination of banana, peanut butter, and the iconic topper makes the cake a conversation starter at any party.
Quick tips: keep the cake refrigerated for up to three days, and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. If you’re making a larger cake, double the batter and use a 10‑inch pan. The same topping ideas scale up nicely.
Whether it’s a birthday, a tribute night, or just a fun weekend project, an Elvis cake brings music and flavor together. Grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a cake that truly rocks the house.