Oh, sweet friends, do I have a treat for you today! There’s something truly magical about a classic dessert, and these Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes with Peanut Butter and Banana are no exception. Imagine a golden, tender cake base topped with a luscious, creamy, and undeniably gooey layer bursting with the iconic flavors that would make even the King himself swoon. It’s a dessert that perfectly marries nostalgia with irresistible indulgence, creating a sensation that’s both comforting and thrilling with every single bite.
I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the scent of vanilla and warm butter always in the air. She taught me that the best desserts are made with love and a little bit of playful experimentation. This recipe truly embodies that spirit, taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary that brings people together around the kitchen table.
These delightful Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes are not just incredibly easy to bake, making them perfect for bakers of all levels, but they’re also a fantastic showstopper for any gathering, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. My best advice? Always let your butter come to room temperature; it makes for the smoothest, most delightful batter every time.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
To create this truly special dessert, we’ll be leaning on a few star ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Creamy peanut butter and ripe, mashed bananas form the heart of the gooey topping, bringing that classic, rich flavor profile, while a simple yellow cake mix forms the tender base. It’s truly a delight to bake these Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ready for your baking adventure!
How to Make Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes
Whipping up these delightful Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes is a joyful journey from start to finish! We begin by creating a buttery, sturdy cake base using a convenient yellow cake mix, melted butter, and an egg, pressing it into our prepared pan. Then, we prepare the star: a rich, gooey filling of cream cheese, more butter, peanut butter, mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla, all sweetened with powdered sugar. Once poured over the base, it bakes to golden perfection, transforming into an irresistible dessert that’s truly a celebration of flavor and texture.
Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or spray generously with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1/2 mashed banana. Mix with a sturdy rubber spatula or an electric mixer on low speed until just combined and a thick, uniform dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, creating a compact crust. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon for this step.
- If not already done, cook the 4 slices of bacon until very crispy. Drain them thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, light, and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually beat in the 1/2 cup melted butter (ensure it’s cooled slightly, not hot) until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until just combined and the topping is smooth. Do not overmix once the sugar is added.
- Gently fold in the 1 mashed banana with a spatula until just combined. The banana adds to the ‘gooey’ texture and flavor.
- Carefully pour the gooey topping mixture evenly over the cake base in the prepared pan. Spread it gently with a spatula to cover the entire crust.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are lightly golden and set, but the center still jiggles slightly when the pan is gently shaken. A wooden skewer inserted into the gooey center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Remove the cake from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon evenly over the warm cake. The warmth will help the bacon adhere.
- Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and serving. This is crucial for the gooey center to set properly and achieve its characteristic texture. Cutting it warm will result in a very messy, though still delicious, experience.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes
Creating the perfect Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes is all about a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years in my own kitchen. These simple tips will ensure your cakes turn out beautifully every single time, from the tender crust to the irresistibly gooey topping.
My Secret Trick: I always make sure my cream cheese and butter for the gooey layer are perfectly at room temperature. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s key to achieving that incredibly smooth, lump-free filling that makes these Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes so divine. A smooth batter truly makes all the difference!
When mashing your bananas, aim for ripe ones—the kind with a few brown spots. They’ll offer a sweeter, more intense banana flavor that really shines through in the gooey layer. I find using a fork works wonderfully to get just the right consistency, with a few small chunks for texture.
Don’t overbake! The magic of Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes is in their “gooeyness.” The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, but you want to preserve that soft, tender texture.
For the best flavor, allow your Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes to cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the gooey layer to fully set, making for cleaner cuts and a more satisfying, rich bite. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to delicious desserts!
Fun Variations for Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes
Baking is all about creativity, and these Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes are a wonderful canvas for a little playful experimentation! While the classic combination is divine, don’t be shy about adding your own personal twist. My sister, for instance, adores a touch of chocolate, so I’ve often swirled in a ribbon of melted dark chocolate into the gooey layer before baking – it’s a delightful addition!
Nutty Twists
If you’re a nut lover, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or even some chopped, candied pecans to the top of your Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes just before baking. It adds a lovely crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle
For another easy and decadent variation, melt some milk or dark chocolate chips with a tiny bit of coconut oil and drizzle it over the cooled gooey butter cake. The chocolate, peanut butter, and banana combination is truly a match made in dessert heaven, and a visual treat too!
Bacon Bonanza
To truly lean into the “Elvis” theme, a sprinkle of crispy, cooked, and crumbled bacon bits on top of the gooey layer before baking adds a salty, savory crunch that absolutely sings with the sweet and creamy components. My husband always requests this version!
What to Serve With Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes
These Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes are a showstopper all on their own, but pairing them with a few simple accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. I love serving them slightly warm, perhaps with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting ever so slowly over the top. The cool creaminess of the ice cream against the warm, gooey cake is pure bliss.
For a comforting afternoon treat, my mom always pairs a slice with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The warmth and slight bitterness of the coffee cut through the sweetness beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced indulgence.
Another lovely idea, especially for a lighter finish, is to serve these cakes with a side of fresh, sliced bananas or a scattering of fresh berries. A simple dusting of powdered sugar just before serving also adds an elegant touch and a whisper of extra sweetness.
How to Store Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes
After all the love you’ve poured into baking these Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers stay as delightful as the first slice! Proper storage is key to preserving that perfect gooey texture and fresh flavor.
Fridge Storage
Once your Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always find wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in the container helps to keep them extra moist and fresh.
Reheating for Freshness
When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, you can gently warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until just warmed through and gooey again. My personal tip? A quick dusting of fresh powdered sugar after reheating brings them back to life with a beautiful, bakery-fresh look!
Nutritional Benefits
While we all love a good dessert for its pure joy, these Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes also offer a few delightful nutritional notes! With the inclusion of ripe bananas, you’re getting a boost of potassium and dietary fiber, while the creamy peanut butter contributes a good source of protein and healthy fats. It’s a wonderful example of how a treat can be both satisfyingly indulgent and offer a touch of simple, wholesome goodness.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes are fantastic for making ahead. Bake them the day before, let them cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. They’re just as delicious, if not more so, the next day, and they hold up beautifully.
Faq 2
What if I don’t have a yellow cake mix?
While the recipe uses a yellow cake mix for convenience, you can certainly use a homemade yellow cake recipe for the base of your Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes. Just ensure the amount of batter is similar to what a standard box mix yields for the crust.
Faq 3
Can I freeze leftover Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving or gently reheating.
Faq 4
Is the bacon essential for these Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes?
The bacon is completely optional but adds a wonderful salty-sweet crunch! If you’re not a fan of bacon, or prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit it. The Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes will still be incredibly delicious without it.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friends – a recipe for Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes with Peanut Butter and Banana that I truly hope brings a little extra sunshine into your kitchen. This dessert is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined with a little love and creativity. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to create something truly special, something that whispers of cozy afternoons and shared smiles. So go on, gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of baking, and create some sweet memories with these irresistible Elvis Gooey Butter Cakes. Happy baking!