Banana Cake Roll

Name: Banana Cake Roll
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 3 large eggs; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 medium-sized banana); ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling); ¾ cup whipped topping; 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping); 3 tbsp caramel sundae topping

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

April 19, 2025

Updated:

April 19, 2025

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Banana Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines two beloved treats into one irresistible dish. If you’re a fan of bananas, this recipe is sure to tickle your taste buds. Just imagine a luscious cake made from soft, moist banana bread, wrapped around a creamy, smooth filling. It sounds heavenly, right? Perfect for any occasion, this Banana Cake Roll brings a touch of homemade charm to your gatherings and celebrations. Not to mention, it’s pretty easy to make, so you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. As we step through this recipe, think of it as chatting with a close friend, sharing all the secrets that lead to a perfect banana dessert. Let’s get started and bring some joy to your kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Banana Cake Roll showcases a unique blend of soft, flavorful banana bread cake enveloping a luscious cream cheese filling. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful dessert that truly engages the senses. The cake is light yet moist, making it a perfect canvas for the rich cream cheese filling. This dessert doesn’t just please the palate; it also paints an appealing picture that’s perfect for serving.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake Roll

If you adore bananas, you will absolutely love this Banana Cake Roll. It’s a sweet treat that’s both visually stunning and delicious. Whether you serve it at special celebrations or enjoy it on a cozy evening at home, it fits every occasion. The roll looks impressive on a dessert table, yet it’s simple enough for a comforting dessert after dinner. A crowd-pleaser, it offers something special for both family gatherings and casual get-togethers, making it a versatile choice.

Ingredients

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
3 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 medium-sized banana)
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
¾ cup whipped topping
1 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)
3 tbsp caramel sundae topping

Preparing the Cake Base

Preheat and Prepare the Pans

First things first, we need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 15x10x1 jelly roll pan, line it with parchment paper, and lightly coat it with nonstick spray. This will help the cake come out easily without any sticking.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s whip up our dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set that aside for later.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and 1½ tsp of vanilla extract with a stand mixer or handheld mixer on high speed. You’ll want to go for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture is frothy and pale yellow. This step is crucial, as it adds air into the mix, helping the cake rise beautifully.

Fold in Bananas and Dry Mixture

Once the egg mixture looks good, add in the mashed bananas. Mix on medium speed until everything is just combined. Now, it’s time to gently fold in the flour mixture using a silicone spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want it fully combined but still fluffy.

Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake it for about 12 to 13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, so you don’t overbake!

Cool the Cake

When you take the cake out of the oven, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan. Then, dust a clean tea towel generously with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel, carefully peeling away the parchment paper. Roll the cake up with the towel from one short end, allowing it to cool completely on a rack. This rolling helps give it shape!

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the Filling Ingredients

Now, while the cake cools, let’s hurry to make the filling. Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until well combined. This should take just a few minutes and leave you with a nice, creamy mixture.

Fold in the Whipped Topping

Next, gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is nice and smooth. This fluffy filling is going to be the star of the show, so take your time and mix it well. Set it aside until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

Assembling the Banana Cake Roll

Unroll the Cake

When the cake has fully cooled, carefully unroll it from the towel. Don’t worry if it cracks a bit; those little imperfections show it’s homemade and add charm!

Spread the Filling

Grab that creamy filling you prepared earlier and use a silicone spatula to evenly spread it over the entire surface of the cake. Just be sure to keep it away from the edges to prevent messiness when rolling.

Roll the Cake Back Up

Now, starting at one short end, tightly roll the cake back up. Use gentle pressure as you do this to keep everything intact. Once rolled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap to maintain its shape and refrigerate for at least one hour. You can also leave it overnight for even better results!

Finish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, dust the cake with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and drizzle caramel sundae topping over the top. Slice it into ½ inch servings and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Banana Cake Roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also add some freshly sliced bananas or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor. This combination will turn your dessert into a showstopper!

Tips for Success

Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the filling. This helps prevent it from melting and makes for a neat presentation.
Use a fresh, powdered sugar-dusted towel when rolling to make the process easier.
If the cake does crack, don’t fret! It just adds character to your beautiful homemade dessert.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Banana Cake Roll! You can substitute the cream cheese filling with chocolate or peanut butter frosting for a different twist. On top of that, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the cake batter for added flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The roll is best enjoyed chilled, so it makes for a wonderful snack whenever a craving arises!

Pairing Ideas

This Banana Cake Roll pairs beautifully with hot coffee or chai. The warm flavors of tea complement the sweet banana perfectly. It also goes well with fruity teas or a sweet dessert wine if you’re looking for something a little fancier.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Banana Cake Roll can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
To avoid cracking, roll the cake gently and allow it to cool completely before unrolling.

3. Can I freeze the Banana Cake Roll?
Yes, you can freeze the rolled cake without filling, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month.

4. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can easily substitute mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese for a different flavor.

5. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when it springs back gently when touched, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

This Banana Cake Roll is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its moist banana cake and irresistible filling, it promises to satisfy even the pickiest dessert lovers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious treat, and enjoy every bite!

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Banana Cake Roll

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake Roll

Ingredients