This decadent dessert combines the king’s favorite flavors in one unforgettable pie. Sweet and salty meet in perfect harmony with layers of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and crispy bacon.
The result is a rich, indulgent treat that balances textures and tastes. Every bite delivers the iconic Fat Elvis experience with a buttery crust holding it all together.
Ingredients for Fat Elvis Pie
Buttery crust, creamy peanut butter, bananas, and bacon. Sweet, salty, and totally indulgent.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 cups | Plus extra for dusting |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ¾ cup | Cold, cubed for crust |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | ¼ cup | For sweetening crust |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Divided for crust and filling |
| Ice Water 💧 | ¼ cup | For pie crust dough |
| Creamy Peanut Butter 🥜 | 1 ½ cups | Smooth, no stir-in oil |
| Ripe Bananas 🍌 | 4 whole | Sliced for layering |
| Thick-Cut Bacon 🥓 | 8 slices | Cooked until crispy |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | 1 cup | For peanut butter layer |
| Powdered Sugar 🍚 | 1 cup | For dusting or drizzle |
| Vanilla Extract 🌿 | 1 tsp | Pure for best flavor |
| Large Egg 🥚 | 1 whole | For peanut butter mixture |
The peanut butter is non-negotiable here. Jif or Skippy work great—just avoid the natural stuff with oil separation (it’ll make your filling greasy). For the bacon, thick-cut gives you that perfect crispy-chewy texture. I grab mine from Whole Foods because their bacon is consistently high quality, but any grocery store brand works. The bananas need to be ripe—yellow with brown speckles—for maximum sweetness.
No thick-cut bacon? Regular bacon at double the amount (16 slices) works, just cook it extra crispy. Out of heavy cream? Whole milk plus 2 tbsp melted butter gets you close. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon is a decent swap (though not quite the same). For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter can replace the peanut butter—just add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
This pie tastes even better the next day once everything sets. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for 1 month. Bring to room temp before serving so the peanut butter layer softens up. (Worth the wait.)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Crust: I roll out this buttery, flaky crust in minutes—just flour, butter, and a splash of ice water.
- Sweet & Salty Magic: The sugar and salt balance is ridiculous. That first bite? Pure indulgence.
- Potluck Hero: I bring it to gatherings and it’s always the first to disappear.
- Budget Baker: A handful of pantry staples and I’ve got a showstopper dessert. Honestly, it’s my wallet’s favorite pie.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fat Elvis Pie
This layered masterpiece comes together easier than you think with a few key steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
In a food processor, pulse the 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar, and 0.25 tsp Salt to combine. Add the 0.75 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed) and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces visible.
With the processor running, drizzle in the 0.25 cup Ice Water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. It should hold when pressed but not be sticky. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disk.
Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes while you prep the filling. This chilling step prevents shrinking and ensures a flaky texture.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Bananas
Arrange the 8 slices Thick-Cut Bacon on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and deep golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop into ½-inch pieces.
Slice the 4 whole Ripe Bananas into ¼-inch thick rounds. I like to arrange them on a plate and give them a quick sprinkle with the remaining 0.25 tsp Salt to enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the 1.5 cups Creamy Peanut Butter, 1 cup Heavy Cream, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, and 1 whole Large Egg until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable—like a slightly loose batter.
I always taste at this point and adjust if needed, though with these proportions you shouldn’t need to. The vanilla really shines through, so use pure extract for the best flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively, then pour in the peanut butter mixture. Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the chopped bacon.
Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Step 5: Finish with Powdered Sugar
Let the pie cool completely—this takes about 2 hours at room temperature. The filling needs time to set properly. Once cooled, dust the top generously with the 1 cup Powdered Sugar just before serving.
Slice into 8 wedges and serve. Each bite should have that perfect mix of salty bacon, sweet banana, creamy peanut butter, and flaky crust.
Pro Tips For Making Fat Elvis Pie
- Chill the Butter: Keep your unsalted butter ice cold when cutting it into the flour—this is non-negotiable for that flaky crust. I learned this the hard way after ending up with a tough, dense pie base.
- Use Ice Water: Always add the ice water gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Too much water and your crust will turn out gummy.
- Rest the Dough: Give the dough a solid 30 minutes in the fridge after mixing. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling it out way easier—I skip this when I’m lazy, but the crust shrinks less when I don’t.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Blind-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling to avoid a soggy bottom. It’s an extra step, but it actually changes the outcome.
Wine and Beer Pairings for This Dish
Sweet Wine Pairs
I love a Moscato d’Asti with this pie—its light fizz and peach-apricot notes cleanse your palate between rich bites. The low alcohol content (around 5-6% ABV) keeps it from overpowering the dessert’s sweetness. 🍷
Dessert Wine Option
A chilled glass of Late Harvest Riesling offers honeyed stone fruit flavors that echo the banana. The wine’s acidity cuts through the peanut butter’s richness beautifully. Look for bottles from Washington State for consistent quality.
Beer for Balance
For beer lovers, a Belgian Dubbel like Chimay Red delivers caramel and dark fruit notes that complement the bacon. The malty sweetness stands up to the pie’s intensity without clashing. Serve in a tulip glass at 50-55°F for best results.
Stout Surprise
Try a Nitro Milk Stout such as Left Hand Brewing’s version. The creamy texture mirrors the peanut butter layer, while coffee undertones balance the sweetness. The nitrogenation creates a smooth finish that’s surprisingly refreshing. 🍺
Non-Alcoholic Pair
A sparkling peach iced tea (like Gold Peak’s) offers the same fizz as wine with complementary fruit flavors. The tannins in black tea help cut through the richness, much like a dry wine would.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead?
Avoid natural peanut butter with oil separation—it makes the filling greasy. Stick with creamy varieties like Jif or Skippy for best results.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding fillings, and ensure bananas are just ripe. Crispy bacon on top also helps absorb excess moisture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The pie tastes even better after 24 hours in the fridge. Let it come to room temp before serving so the peanut butter layer softens.
What’s a good substitute for bacon?
Turkey bacon works, though it lacks the same depth. For a vegetarian option, try smoked tempeh crumbles for a similar salty contrast.
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