The Elvis Cupcake!

In Nashville, I had an Elvis Panini. When I was in Athens, I had an Elvis Doughnut. This made me think, what else can I make that is Elvis inspired? Allegedly Elvis loved to eat peanut butter, bacon and banana sandwiches. Using these three ingredients as inspiration, I decided to make THE ELVIS CUPCAKE!

What is the Elvis cupcake you ask? I decided it should be a banana bread base, peanut butter cream cheese icing, and topped with candied bacon!

For the base of the cupcake I used a store bought banana bread mix. I know what you may be thinking, why would you use a store mix? First of all, it is very convenient. I had a party to take the cupcakes to, and was pressed for time. Secondly, I really like the way the store bought mix tastes and I get perfect results every time. If you decide to make these cupcakes, use whatever mix you like. If you have a home made recipe that you love then feel free to use that. The only important thing is to have a tasty banana bread as the base to the cupcake.

After the base is baked, it is time to create the peanut butter cream cheese icing. I did make my own icing. I am a big believer in home made icing with store mix cake. It does not take very long, and really I can tell more of a difference in home made icing vs. store icing as opposed to home made cake vs. store mix cake. Here is the recipe for the icing.

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Icing

1/2 cup butter (softened)

1 cup peanut butter ( Use your favorite kind, I used organic kind that is freshly ground at the store)

2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 80z package of cream cheese

Makes enough for 18-24 cupcakes, depending on how heavily you ice your cupcakes.

To make the icing, cream together in a bowl (or mix in a mixer) the butter, peanut butter, and cream cheese. Once these ingredients have been thoroughly mixed together, add the powdered sugar. You should add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time. After adding the 1/2 cup keep mixing until the powdered sugar has been incorporated. Repeat until all the sugar is gone. Finally, add the vanilla.  Mix until the vanilla is incorporated into the icing. Go ahead and take a taste. Isn’t it good?

The final ingredient is to garnish with a strip of candied bacon.

Enjoy!

What do you think? If you try this, I would love to hear about your results.