Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Peanut Butter Glaze Recipe

If you’re anything like me, a good banana bread is comfort food at its finest, but this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Peanut Butter Glaze Recipe takes it over the top in the best way possible. Imagine the sweet, moist banana bread studded with melty chocolate chips, crowned by crunchy, caramelized candied bacon, and finished with a silky peanut butter glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet and salty. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary breakfast or snack into a little celebration.

I’ve made this bread during weekend brunches and for casual get-togethers, and it never fails to impress. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also comes together with ingredients you probably already have on hand. This Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Peanut Butter Glaze Recipe is my go-to when I want something unexpected that’s still familiar and comforting—plus, who can resist bacon and peanut butter combined?

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Peanut Butter Glaze Recipe plays a specific role in building flavor and texture, from the ripe bananas that add sweet moisture to the peanut butter that offers richness and depth. Choosing the right bacon and chocolate really makes a difference, so I’ll share a few pointers to help you get the best results.

• Bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon if you can; it holds up better during the candying process and adds a satisfying chew.
• Light brown sugar: This adds a gentle molasses flavor that complements the caramelized bacon and the peanut butter glaze beautifully.
• Bananas: Use ripe, spotty bananas – they’re sweeter and make the bread super moist and flavorful.
• Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Tossing them in a bit of flour before folding prevents sinking and ensures even distribution throughout the bread.
• Vegetable oil: This keeps your bread tender and moist without weighing it down.
• Full-fat sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness while enhancing the bread’s texture.
• Creamy peanut butter: Integral to the flavor profile—it blends into both the batter and the glaze for peanut buttery goodness.
• Honey: For the glaze, it adds natural sweetness and a lovely shine.
• Powdered sugar: Helps thicken the glaze and smooth out the peanut butter for easy drizzling.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Peanut Butter Glaze Recipe is like a canvas—there’s plenty of room to make it your own. I sometimes swap the peanut butter for almond butter or add chopped nuts for crunch. You can easily adjust sweetness or make it dairy-free by switching out sour cream for coconut yogurt.

• Variation: Once, I added a handful of chopped roasted peanuts into the batter and it added a delightful extra crunch that my family really loved.
• Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free version, I replaced the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—just be mindful of baking times as they can vary slightly.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne to the batter adds a subtle warmth that pairs surprisingly well with the bacon and peanut butter.

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

Step 1: Make the Candied Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon slowly over low heat to render as much fat as possible without burning. This step takes patience—I like to keep a close eye and stir occasionally so all the bacon slices caramelize evenly. Once cooked, drain excess grease and toss the bacon back in the pan with brown sugar. Keep cooking on low heat, stirring gently so the sugar melts and coats each slice beautifully. After about 5-6 minutes, transfer everything to a plate and let cool completely before chopping. Trust me, this candied bacon is the sweet-salty star of the show, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Prepare Your Banana Bread Batter

While the bacon cools, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Toss the chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking during baking. Then whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt for your dry mix. In a separate bowl, combine your mashed bananas, sugars, oil, sour cream, peanut butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. This mixture will look luscious and smooth—make sure everything is fully incorporated before slowly adding in the dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips gently, so they don’t break apart.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. I find that checking around 50 minutes works well, but it could take up to 60 minutes depending on your oven. Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important so your glaze doesn’t melt and slide off.

Step 4: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Glaze and Assemble

Whisk together creamy peanut butter, honey, and powdered sugar until silky smooth. Don’t worry if it looks thick—you want it spreadable but not too runny. Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bread, then sprinkle the chopped candied bacon and extra chocolate on top for that signature Elvis flair. Slice, serve, and get ready for your friends or family to ask for the recipe.

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

Garnishes

I usually finish the loaf with extra candied bacon pieces and a few chocolate chips sprinkled on top of the glaze—just for that extra wow factor and a little texture pop. If I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or chopped roasted peanuts works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a simple fruit salad or a creamy yogurt on the side for a balanced brunch plate. A hot cup of coffee or your favorite nutty chai latte rounds it out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, I like to slice the bread thick and serve it with small bowls of extra peanut butter glaze and candied bacon so guests can customize their slices. At holiday brunches, I’ve wrapped slices individually in parchment and tied with twine for a charming gift or grab-and-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Elvis Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house. If you want to keep it a bit longer, refrigeration helps but can dry it out slightly, so I recommend reheating before serving.

Freezing

This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. The glaze might lose a bit of its shine, but the flavor stays amazing.

Reheating

I like to reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes. This refreshes the bread’s moisture and softens the peanut butter glaze just enough without melting it completely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

To me, this Elvis Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Peanut Butter Glaze Recipe is the perfect happy medium between indulgence and nostalgia. Every time I make it, the house fills with an irresistible aroma, and I get that excited feeling of sharing something really special. If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a recipe that’s easy to bake but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it, this one’s a winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much you love it!

Print