Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon & Chocolate Glaze

If you love the nutty, sweet, and salty vibes of a classic Elvis sandwich, you’re in for a real treat with this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Glaze Recipe. Imagine moist, peanut butter-studded banana bread with crisp, caramelized bacon bits woven right in—then topped with a shiny chocolate glaze and more candied bacon. It’s a showstopper that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull off.

I first made this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I wanted something special yet homey. It’s perfect for brunch, a weekend treat, or even as a conversation-starting dessert. Trust me, once you try this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Glaze Recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, especially when you want to impress without fuss.

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony: The combo of peanut butter, banana, chocolate, and candied bacon strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.
Moist & Tender Texture: The addition of sour cream keeps the banana bread super moist and tender without being dense.
Candied Bacon Magic: Caramelized bacon bits add both crunch and an irresistible glaze that elevates the whole loaf.
Chocolate Glaze Finish: The smooth peanut butter and chocolate glaze on top adds a glossy finish that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

The image shows a loaf cake with one layer, positioned on a silver tray, placed on a white marbled surface covered in a blue-striped cloth. The cake is golden brown with small dark bits inside, and it has a thick, smooth, orange frosting layer on top that drips slightly down the side. The frosting is decorated with small dark chocolate chips and pieces of dried fruit evenly spread across the top. Behind the cake, there is a white bowl with some dried fruit, and in front, there is a white bowl filled with dark chocolate chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Glaze Recipe plays a special role. From the ripe bananas to the creamy peanut butter, each component brings out unique flavor and texture that complement one another beautifully. When shopping, look for ripe bananas (the more spotted, the better!) and good quality peanut butter for maximum taste.

Bacon: Using thick-cut bacon helps it hold up well during candied cooking for perfect crispy chunks.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to both the bacon and banana bread.
Chocolate Chips: Tossing with a little flour prevents sinking and distributes melty pockets throughout the bread.
All-Purpose Flour: The standard choice that gives structure without heaviness.
Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise just right, keeping it light.
Salt: Amplifies the flavors, balancing sweetness.
Mashed Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds upfront sweetness and works with brown sugar to build flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist without overpowering with butter flavor.
Full-Fat Sour Cream: Adds tang and tender crumb texture.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Essential for that Elvis flavor vibe throughout the bread and glaze.
Large Eggs: Provide stability and richness (make sure they’re at room temp).
Vanilla Extract: Boosts all the sweet notes and rounds out the flavor.
Honey and Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Adds shine, sweetness, and smooth texture to the topping.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

What I love most about this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Glaze Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve played around with swapping out ingredients or adding extras, and it still shines every time. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter—it adds a similar creamy texture without the allergic risk.
Chocolate Type: I sometimes swap in dark chocolate chunks for a richer taste or milk chocolate for a sweeter finish depending on my mood.
Spice it Up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can add warm spice notes that pair beautifully with both banana and bacon.
Extra Crunch: I’ve added chopped roasted peanuts on top before glazing for extra texture on special occasions.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Make the Candied Bacon

Start by cooking your bacon in a fry pan over low heat to render out the fat slowly—this helps make the bacon nice and crispy without burning. Once it’s cooked through, drain most of the grease (but don’t toss it!). Toss the bacon slices back in the pan with the brown sugar, stirring to coat. Keep cooking on low until the sugar melts and caramelizes around the bacon—think 5 to 6 minutes. I like to leave the bacon on parchment paper to cool so it crisps up extra. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces. This candied bacon is pure magic and one of the best parts of the whole loaf.

Step 2: Prep Your Banana Bread Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan—lining the bottom with parchment paper makes life easier when removing the bread later. Toss your chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking during baking. In one bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, baking soda, and salt. In another, mix mashed bananas, both sugars, oil, sour cream, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Combining wet and dry ingredients carefully helps avoid overmixing, which keeps the bread tender.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until the flour streaks disappear. Then, fold in the chocolate chips. Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Start checking at 50 by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before flipping out onto a wire rack so it cools completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Chocolate Glaze

Whisk together creamy peanut butter, honey, and powdered sugar until smooth and glossy. Don’t worry if it seems thick—you want a glaze that will hold on the bread but still pour nicely. Pour it over the completely cooled loaf, then sprinkle with your chopped candied bacon and a few extra chocolate chips or shavings for a stunning finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Glaze Recipe

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! They bring more natural sweetness and moisture to the batter.
Don’t Skip Tossing Chocolate in Flour: This simple step prevents chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of your loaf.
Low and Slow Bacon: Cooking candied bacon on low heat ensures even caramelization without burning the sugar.
Cool Bread Before Glazing: Patience here is key; glazing warm bread can cause the topping to slide off.

How to Serve Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Glaze Recipe

The image shows a rectangular brown cake with a thick layer of smooth, golden caramel frosting spread unevenly on top, with some dripping slightly over the edges. Scattered generously over the caramel are small, dark chocolate chips and pieces of crispy, golden brown brittle, adding texture and color contrast. The cake sits on a white marbled surface, with a white and blue striped cloth partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like garnishing this banana bread simply but thoughtfully. A few extra candied bacon bits scattered over the glaze add a nice crunch and sweetness that catches the eye. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to create that sweet-salty drama, which makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

This banana bread shines solo, but I often pair it with a creamy coffee or a cold glass of milk for dunking. If it’s brunch, fresh fruit or a simple green salad make a nice contrast in texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve sliced this bread into bite-sized squares and served it on a rustic wooden board with mini forks for easy snacking. It also makes a fantastic layered dessert when cut horizontally, spread with whipped cream, and garnished like a cake. Trust me, it always sparks compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover banana bread (which might be rare!), keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. I’ve found this keeps the bread moist and the glaze intact without any fuss.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. I like to slice it first, then wrap each slice in plastic and pop them in an airtight container or freezer bag. That way, you can thaw individual pieces as needed, and it tastes just as fresh when defrosted.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover slices, I reheat them gently in a toaster oven for a few minutes to revive the crisp edges and warm the peanut butter glaze. It’s like bringing the bread back to life—super delicious and comforting.

FAQs

Can I make the Elvis Banana Bread without candied bacon?

Yes! While the candied bacon adds a fantastic salty crunch and caramel flavor, you can definitely skip it if you prefer a simpler banana bread. You could also swap it for chopped nuts or extra chocolate chips to keep the texture lively.
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking in banana bread?

The trick is to toss your chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This coating helps suspend them evenly throughout the bread during baking.
Can I use natural peanut butter in the glaze?

Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and less stable for glazing. I recommend creamy peanut butter with a consistent texture for that shiny, smooth glaze. If using natural, you might need to adjust the powdered sugar for thickness.
How ripe should the bananas be?

Go for bananas that are heavily spotted or even browned—the sweeter and softer they are, the more flavor and moisture they add to your bread.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to whenever I want a cozy yet decadent treat that feels like a hug from the inside. The way the flavors blend together is just irresistible, and it’s always a hit whether I’m serving family or friends. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this loaf as much as I do—it really puts a fun spin on classic banana bread that’s worth every bite.